Cruise Wellness: 5 Simple Ways To Stay Healthy At Sea

Last updated: October 2025

Key Takeaway

Staying healthy on a cruise doesn’t mean isolating in your cabin. Cruise wellness is about balance — fresh air, hydration, and a few easy habits that keep you feeling your best at sea.

Lately cruise ships have been making headlines again and not always for the right reasons. Between reports of COVID and norovirus outbreaks it’s easy to forget that millions of cruisers sail each year without so much as a sniffle. As someone who’s been cruising for years (and yes I’ve caught the occasional bug at sea) I thought I’d share a few simple ways to stay healthy onboard so you can focus on the fun not the tissues.

Cruise wellness doesn’t mean isolating in your room or spending hours at the gym. It’s about balance, sunshine, and small habits that keep you feeling good from port to port.

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🧴 Start Clean
When you first step into your cabin grab a disinfecting wipe and do a quick sweep of high touch spots like door handles light switches and the TV remote. It’s a small step that starts your vacation with peace of mind.

🧼 Channel the Washy Washy Guy
If you’ve ever sailed with Royal Caribbean you’ve probably met the buffet’s biggest celebrity, the Washy Washy Guy. His cheerful reminders to wash your hands before you eat are legendary and he’s absolutely right. A quick hand wash before meals or after excursions can make all the difference.

🌴 Get Outside
Fresh air is your friend at sea. Choose shore excursions that get you moving and soaking up the sunshine. Walking tours beach days or foodie adventures are perfect for stretching your legs and exploring local flavor. One of my favorites was the 15 Best Food and Rum Tours in San Juan, Puerto Rico — a little movement a lot of flavor and the perfect excuse to raise a glass to good health.

💧 Hydrate and Rest
Between the fruity drinks and late nights it’s easy to forget the basics. Pack hydration packets or bring a refillable water bottle to keep your energy up. Sneak in a poolside nap if you need to recharge.

🏥 Be Prepared
A small travel size medical kit can save the day. And if you’re sailing soon check out my Cruise Travel Insurance Guide for extra peace of mind.

Cruise wellness is all about enjoying every moment while taking care of yourself along the way. With a few smart habits and a splash of sunshine you’ll be ready to set sail feeling your best.

For official travel health updates, visit the CDC Cruise Ship Travel Page before you sail.

🌊 Keep Planning Your Happiest, Healthiest Cruise

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With you from Shore to Cruise! 💙

❓ Cruise Wellness FAQs

What is cruise wellness?
Cruise wellness is all about feeling your best at sea. It includes healthy habits like washing hands often, staying hydrated, enjoying fresh air, and balancing fun with rest.

Do cruise ships still have COVID or norovirus outbreaks?
Occasionally, yes — but it’s rare compared to how many ships sail each week. Millions of people cruise every year without any issues. Following basic wellness habits helps lower your risk and keeps your trip carefree.

Should I bring my own cleaning wipes or hand sanitizer?
Yes. Most ships provide sanitizer stations, but having a small pack of wipes or travel-size sanitizer in your bag makes it easy to freshen up anytime, especially before meals or after excursions.

What are the healthiest types of shore excursions?
Outdoor activities like walking tours, snorkeling, beach breaks, or food tours with lots of movement are great choices. You’ll enjoy fresh air and local flavor while getting in a little activity.

How can I boost my immunity before cruising?
Try to rest well before your trip, stay hydrated on travel days, and eat balanced meals. Packing a small wellness kit with vitamins, hydration packets, and any daily medications helps you start your cruise strong.

Michelle Strawcutter is a cruise educator, group travel leader, and the creator of Shore to Cruise, where she helps adults cruise smarter — from embarkation tips to bucket list itineraries. With 30+ cruises under her belt (and counting), she shares real-world insights, favorites, and “wish I knew that sooner” advice to help fellow cruisers make the most of every port and sea day.

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