Healthy Cruise Travel Tips
by Kirsten Hawkins
Taking the advice of well-traveled cruisers is the best thing for
first time cruise passengers to do. After all, why not learn from
someone else’s mistakes or mishaps? Of course, you will still
have a few of your own, but that is what makes your first cruising
experience memorable.
You’ve got your cruise booked and are counting the days until
you set sail. However, there are a few things for you to do before
you even start to think about packing. Check with the cruise line
to see what vaccinations, if any, are needed for your journey. You’ll
have to make a trip to your doctor to get current on any shots.
While you are at the doctor, ask them about tips on staying healthy
and avoiding the flu or colds before you depart for your cruise.
It is no fun having to travel sick or canceling all together. Also
ask about seasickness remedies. Some of these medications are prescription
only.
Stock up on any other prescription medications just in case they
are scheduled to run out during your trip. Often, insurance companies
will make exceptions and allow a prescription to be refilled early
if you are traveling with no access to a chain pharmacy. One last
thing – get a letter from your doctor on official letterhead
listing your prescriptions and stating that they were all legitimately
prescribed for you. If you have to go through customs, a letter
will sometimes keep you from being detained while your medication
is inspected.
If you are on a special diet, let the cruise line be aware of this
fact when you book your cruise. Most diets are easily accommodated,
but it is always better to be safe than sorry. A few weeks before
you depart, check in with the cruise line again to go over your
reservations and special needs diet.
Pack a small first aid kit for those “just in case”
emergencies. Include antacids and anti-diarrhea medications for
those episodes of “Montezuma’s Revenge” that seem
to strike no matter where you travel. Aspirin, antibiotic cream
and aloe vera gel for sunburns also come in handy.
Stow away sunscreen, moisturizer and lip balm in your luggage too.
When you are having too much fun outdoors, you tend to forget things
like sunburn. Be sure to apply the sunscreen lotion before heading
outdoors. Moisturizer and lip balm keep your skin soft. Sometimes
the temperature changes from the cold air conditioner to the heat
outside can wreak havoc on the skin and dry it out.
In addition to the sunscreen, protect your skin by wearing hats
and sunglasses. When you are on the ship’s deck gazing at
the waves, the sun’s reflection off the water can be pretty
bright. The sunglasses will protect you from harmful UV rays from
the sun. Of course, the hats will shield you from the sun’s
rays and possible sunburn on your ears and face, two places that
people sometimes forget to apply sunscreen lotion.
With the right preparation and precautions, you are well on your
way to a healthy and happy first cruise. And when in doubt about
something, ask your cruise line. They want to make sure your cruising
experience is trouble-free. After all, they want you to sail with
them again.
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