What to Do If You Get Sick on a Cruise

by Sarah Kuta
Last updated: 7:00 AM ET, Mon February 23, 2026

It often starts with a telltale twinge: a scratchy throat, a wave of nausea, a headache that wasn’t there an hour ago. You glance around at the bustling pool deck, think about the dinner reservations you’ve been looking forward to all day, imagine the fun shore excursion on tomorrow’s schedule, and your stomach sinks.

Getting sick at home is bad enough. But getting sick on a cruise, where you’re sharing close quarters with thousands of other people and far from your usual doctor, can feel especially daunting.

And you’re right to be somewhat worried about getting sick on a cruise: While rare, illness outbreaks can and, occasionally, do happen on cruise ships, often making headlines in the process.

Feeling sick on a cruise is never part of the plan, but the good news is that it doesn’t have to ruin the experience. With prompt attention, professional care and a willingness to slow down, you can be back on your feet and enjoying yourself in no time. Here’s what to do if you get sick on your next cruise vacation.

Washing your hands is important during a cruise.

Don’t Ignore Early Symptoms

One of the biggest mistakes cruisers often make is trying to ignore—and then power through—the first signs of illness. Whether it’s a respiratory bug, stomach trouble or a fever, early action matters.

“Immediately assess your symptoms. Are they mild or severe?” says Susan Shure, a travel advisor and the owner of Susan Shure Travel, a NEST affiliate.

Cruise ships track passenger health closely, especially because infections can spread quickly in enclosed spaces. If you feel unwell, take it seriously. Skip that crowded show, rest in your cabin and pay attention to what your body is telling you.

When you’re sick on a cruise, the basics become even more important. Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you’re dealing with fever, vomiting or diarrhea. Choose simple foods that are easy on your stomach (room service is ideal), and be mindful of alcohol, rich foods and intense sun exposure, all of which can make some symptoms worse.

And above all else, don’t feel guilty about spending time in bed. This isn’t just about being considerate to others. Taking it easy is often the fastest way to get yourself back to feeling normal and healthy, so you can enjoy your getaway to the fullest. Mild symptoms that you catch early are often easier to manage than a full-blown illness after a day of overexertion.

That balcony view will still be there after a nap, and you’ll be doing yourself—and, potentially, hundreds of other travelers—a favor.

Use What You Packed—And What the Ship Provides

Taking a little time before your cruise to put together a simple health kit can go a long way. Include things like over-the-counter pain relievers, motion sickness meds, antacids, cold medicine, itch relief cream, cough drops, electrolyte packets, masks and a digital thermometer. While cruise ships typically sell basic medications, availability can be limited and the prices will likely be higher than you’re used to paying at home.

“I tend to be an overpacker, but I recommend taking anything you really think you might need while at sea,” says Shure.

That said, ship medical centers can often dispense common prescription medications when appropriate, and the ship’s shops often carry essentials like tissues, cough drops and rehydration drinks. If you forgot something, don’t be afraid to ask—crew members are used to helping passengers track down what they need.

Two cruise ships on either side of dock, cruise ships, stock image of cruise ships

Know When—and How—to Contact the Medical Center

Every major cruise ship has a medical center staffed by licensed physicians and nurses, typically with experience in emergency and maritime medicine. They’re well-equipped to treat common cruise ailments such as seasickness, dehydration, respiratory infections, stomach bugs, minor injuries and allergic reactions.

If you have persistent vomiting or diarrhea, a high fever, chest pain, shortness of breath, severe pain or symptoms that only seem to be getting worse, contact the medical center right away. You can often call for advice before coming down, which can help you decide next steps.

Keep in mind that the ship’s infirmary can “handle a range of more common medical issues and injuries, but not more major and complex medical procedures,” says Shure.

Medical visits onboard usually cost extra, even if you have health insurance. That’s where travel insurance can be invaluable. It often reimburses these expenses and may cover medications, tests or even medical evacuation if needed. Travel insurance will also likely cover some of the costs if you need to be medically evacuated from the ship—highly unlikely, but better safe than sorry.

“Most travel insurance policies include emergency medical care, including onboard the ship or in a port of call,” says Shure. “There are also provisions in most policies for trip cancellations or interruption, missed connections or travel delays and, in some cases, even cover pre-existing conditions.”

However, not all insurance policies are created equal. Shure advises her clients to look carefully at each policy before purchasing, encouraging them to make note of policy limits, exclusions and pre-existing conditions. She also advises checking to see if 24/7 assistance is included.

Understand Isolation Policies

If you’re diagnosed with a contagious illness, especially gastrointestinal or respiratory infections, the ship’s medical team may recommend—or require—temporary isolation in your cabin. This can feel frustrating, but it’s standard public health practice designed to protect everyone onboard.

“Although no one wants to be quarantined in their cabin, the safety and wellness of other passengers needs to be taken into consideration,” says Rosanne Rush, a certified cruise consultant with Live Love Cruise Travel, a NEST affiliate.

During isolation, crew members typically deliver meals, medications and other essentials to your door. Some cruise lines may offer compensation, such as future cruise credits, for days you’re confined to your cabin. While policies vary, it’s worth asking guest services what support is available.

Communicate With Your Travel Companions

If you’re traveling with family or friends, let them know how you’re feeling. Clear communication helps manage expectations and prevents misunderstandings if you need to skip activities or isolate temporarily. It also helps others monitor their own health and take preventive steps.

If you’re feeling unwell during a shore excursion or a port call, ask a friend or staff member to escort you back to the ship, just in case. Similarly, offer to walk back with your travel companions if they start feeling ill so that no one accidentally gets left behind.

Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

The best time to think about getting sick on a cruise is before you ever step foot onboard. Getting travel insurance, putting together a basic medical kit and doing a quick review of your cruise line’s health policies can help ease your anxiety if illness strikes. If you have chronic conditions, be sure to bring enough medication for the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of delays, and carry a list of your prescriptions and your medical history.

Rush also recommends taking daily vitamins or immune boosters in the days leading up to your trip.

And as we all learned during the Covid-19 pandemic, taking simple precautions can go a long way toward preventing the spread of diseases.

“Once onboard, wash hands very frequently, use hand sanitizer, take the stairs in place of elevators when you can and turn away from other passengers who are coughing or appear to be sick,” says Rush.

Her mantra? “Washy washy all day long.”

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