How to avoid Norovirus when cruising.

As we move into the winter cruising season we are, unfortunately, met by one of the biggest down sides to cruising – the DREADED sickness and diarrhea. More formally known as Norovirus this dreadful illness affects between 600,000 and 1 million of us each year in the UK, and that does not mean it sticks to dry land either!

Cruise ships are one of the most common places that Norovirus can spread as everyone is in such close proximity. Now I am writing this blog as I have heard of a couple of ships this week suffering from this outbreak. Sea Princess based out in Australasia cancelled a 14 night cruise last week due to ‘mechanical issues’ but I think we all know why they cancelled it, but fair play to them, I think it’s fantastic they cancel cruises to give the ships a good old deep clean. Also one of Royal Caribbean’s ex-uk ships Adventure of the Seas (Yikes I was only on that 3 weeks ago!) delayed embarkation and visitors in order for it to receive a deep clean. This upset me as I know how hard the crew were working to keep it clean, it looked spotless to me!

Now physically vomiting has been my phobia for around 10 years now, and I will do anything in my power to prevent myself from catching it so here are my 5 golden rules for you to carry on cruising healthily (because it sure as hell wouldn’t stop me).

1: WASH YOUR HANDS! This is always going to be EVERYONE’s number 1 rule, it’s the best way to prevent it and you should do it before you eat or drink, and after you use the toilet. Feel free to remind other passengers should you catch them not doing it!

2: Be aware of what you are touching – it is common sense at the end of the day, call me petty but I call the lift using my cruise card, I always pick things up in the shops with my left hand too.

3: Don’t use the hot tubs! Unfortunately yes! It is a breeding ground for bugs, they love it and you love it too. This is really only worth doing when an outbreak is confirmed on board.

4: Avoid the buffet! Our favourite part of any ship is obviously the buffet! However food that is only warm and not HOT is again a breading ground for germs. My trick to to make sure the food is hot, take the tong or serving spoon with my left hand and take the food at the back that is un-touched. I’m not missing out on food so do it this way!

5: Be selfish but don’t be selfish! So this is really again only a good idea when there is a confirmed presence on board. Has your husband come down with it and you haven’t? I’d sleep on the balcony, avoid them at all costs, ask for a spare cabin or sleep in the library if you’re that desperate. Chances are you’ve probably caught it already. Even just ask your steward to split the beds to singles, they will happily oblige.

Final word, DON’T PANIC!!!! It is rare and you will have to be unlucky to be on a cruise where there is an issue. Just relax, keep your hygiene up and enjoy your cruise.

Happy Cruising!

Ed x