Stomach bug on cruise ships

Gastroenteritis can spread easily where many people share dining areas, bathrooms and shared surfaces. Vomiting and diarrhoea may result from an infection, contaminated food or another illness, so symptoms alone cannot identify the source. Nausea, abdominal pain, fever and loss of appetite may occur together.

Being at sea can make dehydration harder to manage because access to familiar drinks, food and medicines is limited. The ship's medical team can assess you, advise on isolation and decide whether you need further care at a port.

Contact guest services or the ship's medical centre for instructions rather than walking through busy public areas while actively vomiting or passing diarrhoea. Sip water or an oral rehydration drink, rest in your cabin and eat small, plain portions when able. Follow the vessel's advice about staying in your cabin and using shared facilities.

Wash hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before eating. Hand sanitiser may not replace handwashing for every stomach infection. Do not share food, drinks or towels, and tell staff if a cabin mate develops symptoms.

Use the onboard medical service urgently for confusion, fainting, severe weakness, severe abdominal pain, blood in vomit or stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Ask for immediate assessment if urination becomes very infrequent or symptoms escalate during the voyage. A child, older adult, pregnant traveller or person with chronic illness may need earlier review.

Ask which fluids and medicines are suitable onboard, how long to remain away from shared spaces, and what symptoms would require transfer at the next port. Tell staff when symptoms began, what you ate, whether anyone else is ill, and any regular medicines or medical conditions.