Safety & Health Tips for Your Cruise: What Every Traveler Should Know Before Setting Sail

Going on a cruise is one of the most relaxing, carefree vacation experiences out there… but let’s be honest, a smooth vacation doesn’t happen by accident. A little preparation goes a long way toward keeping you healthy, safe, and stress-free while you're out at sea.

At The Cool Panda Travel & Event Coordination, we help thousands of travelers get ready for their adventures every year, and we’ve seen just about everything — the surprises, the hiccups, the “I wish someone had told me that!” moments, and all the ways travelers can protect themselves long before those ship horns blow.

So in this guide, I’m sharing the real tips — the ones seasoned cruisers swear by — to help you cruise confidently, stay healthy, and enjoy every moment of your vacation.

Why Safety & Health Prep Matters More Than Most People Think

Cruise ships today are incredibly safe. They operate under strict regulations, undergo frequent inspections, and are staffed with trained professionals who take health and safety seriously. But just like traveling anywhere else, you can dramatically improve your experience by planning ahead.

A cruise vacation brings together thousands of people from all over the world, moving through shared spaces, dining in the same restaurants, and exploring new destinations side by side. It’s a wonderful part of the cruise atmosphere — but it also means you want to be smart about hygiene, personal items, and basic safety.

These tips can help you avoid the most common problems cruisers run into: illness, lost valuables, small accidents, or unexpected challenges that could take the shine out of your vacation.

Let’s dive in.

1. Travel Insurance: The Thing You Hope You Never Need… Until You Do

Most people purchase travel insurance thinking, “I probably won’t use it.” And they’re usually right — until they’re not.

The truth is, travel insurance is like a seatbelt. Nine times out of ten, everything goes perfectly. But when something goes wrong? You’ll be unbelievably grateful you have it.

Travel insurance can protect you from:

• Illness or injury while traveling

• Trip delays or cancellations

• Lost or delayed luggage

• Medical care onboard (which can be pricey)

• Needing to fly home early

• Missing the ship and needing assistance catching up

I’ve seen guests miss flights, get sick halfway through a vacation, slip at the pool, lose their bags, or face sudden family emergencies back home. Without insurance, these situations can turn into expensive disasters.

With insurance? They’re inconveniences — not vacation-enders.

2. Don’t Trust Cheap Flip-Flops on Wet Pool Decks

This one comes from real-life experience. You know those $3 bargain flip-flops? They’re great for tossing into a beach bag… but they’re the worst possible footwear for a cruise ship pool deck.

The combination of smooth rubber soles + wet decking = slipping hazard.

Pool decks can be unexpectedly slick, even when they look dry. All it takes is one misstep and suddenly your relaxing vacation turns into a twisted ankle or a bruised tailbone.

What to do instead:

• Bring sandals with actual tread

• Choose flip-flops with a textured, non-slip bottom

• Avoid worn-down soles

• Save the cheap pairs for the beach, not pool areas

Your future self will thank you.

3. Cruise Port Security Is Much Easier Than Airport Security

If you’re imagining TSA checkpoints, shoe removal, and strict liquid rules — take a deep breath. Cruise port security feels downright relaxing compared to airports.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Walk through a metal detector

• Send your bags through an X-ray scanner

• Keep your shoes and belts on

• Bring liquids without the 3-oz rule

Most guests are through security in just a couple of minutes.

Of course, you still cannot bring prohibited items, but the overall process is smooth, fast, and far less intimidating than airport security. It’s one of the many reasons cruising is such a stress-free vacation option.

4. Pack Your Own Basic Medications

Cruise ships do have over-the-counter medications available… but you’ll pay a premium for them. And if you need something at midnight? The gift shop is closed.

Save yourself the trouble by packing a small “just-in-case” kit that includes:

• Pain reliever

• Stomach medicine

• Motion sickness treatments

• Aloe or burn gel

• Band-aids

• Cold or allergy pills

• Cough drops

• Antibacterial ointment

Having these items ready in your cabin means you won’t have to scramble to find them or pay shipboard prices.

5. Yes, Authorities Do Run the Passenger List — And Yes, They Will Arrest People

Here’s something most travelers don’t know: before the ship sets sail, authorities regularly check the passenger manifest for outstanding warrants.

If someone on board has a warrant — even for something minor — officials may simply wait until the cruise returns to the home port and escort the passenger off the ship. We have also seen them show up while everyone is boarding and make arrests.

This doesn’t affect the vast majority of travelers, of course. But it’s one of those behind-the-scenes realities of cruising that surprises a lot of people.

6. Cruise Ships Are Great at Spreading Joy… and Germs

Cruise ships are cleaned constantly, and the crew works incredibly hard to protect passengers from illness. But when you place thousands of people in the same environment, viruses have an easier time spreading — especially during peak travel seasons.

The best thing YOU can do?

WASH. YOUR. HANDS.

It sounds simple, but it’s the #1 way to avoid getting sick onboard.

Also:

• Use the hand sanitizer stations placed all over the ship

• Wash hands before eating

• Avoid touching your face

• Don’t skip washing up after returning from shore

A few extra seconds of hygiene can save you from days stuck in your cabin missing all the fun.

7. Always Use Your Cabin Safe

Even on a cruise ship — where safety standards are high — it’s smart to protect your valuables.

Every cabin includes a safe, and while it isn’t as secure as a bank vault, it does prevent “crimes of opportunity.”

Keep these in your safe anytime you leave the cabin:

• Passport

• Extra cash

• Credit cards

• Small electronics

• Jewelry

• Medications

Most theft onboard isn’t planned — it’s simply someone taking advantage of something left out in the open. A closed safe removes temptation and gives you peace of mind.

8. The Sun in the Tropics Is MUCH Stronger Than at Home

If you’re heading to the Caribbean, Bahamas, or anywhere close to the equator, the sun is far more powerful than what you may be used to.

A burn that might take 30 minutes back home can happen in 10–15 minutes in tropical destinations.

Sunburn is one of the top preventable problems that ruins vacations. When you're burned, everything hurts: showers, clothes, moving, sleeping — and you miss out on ports, shows, and activities while you recover.

Protect yourself by:

• Applying sunscreen throughout the day (not just once!)

• Wearing a wide-brimmed hat

• Choosing UV-protective clothing

• Taking shade breaks

Your cruise memories shouldn’t be “the time I roasted like a lobster.”

9. If You Get Seasick, Your Cabin Location Can Make a Huge Difference

People swear by all kinds of seasickness remedies — ginger, wristbands, peppermint, pressure points. But the one tip that’s backed by actual physics is cabin location.

If you get motion sickness easily, choose a cabin:

• Near the center of the ship

• On a lower deck

Think of the ship like a seesaw. The middle moves the least, while the front and back rise and fall more dramatically.

Choosing the right cabin can make the difference between enjoying your vacation and spending half of it feeling queasy.

And of course, bring your preferred seasickness treatment just in case.

10. You Can Look Up Your Ship’s Public Health Inspection Score

Most travelers don’t realize that cruise ships undergo regular, detailed inspections — similar to restaurants and hotels on land.

These inspections cover:

• Kitchen operations

• Food storage

• Pool sanitation

• Water systems

• Medical facilities

• General cleanliness

If you're curious, you can view your ship’s most recent score and even read detailed notes from the inspectors. It’s a great way to feel confident about the standards onboard.

11. Don’t Ever Sit, Lean, or Climb on the Railings

This is one rule that should never be broken.

Cruise ship railings are extremely safe for normal use — but they are NOT designed to be sat on, leaned far over, or climbed on for a photo.

Accidents happen every year, and in almost every case, it’s because someone ignored this one simple rule.

Enjoy the ocean views, take gorgeous photos, but always respect the railings. They’re there for your protection.

12. Staying Healthy Onboard: The Simple Habits That Make a Big Difference

Here are some extra habits experienced cruisers use to feel great all week:

Stay hydrated

Between sun, salt air, and delicious drinks, it’s easy to get dehydrated. Keep a refillable water bottle with you.

Eat smart (but still enjoy yourself!)

You can absolutely indulge — it is vacation — but balance heavy meals with fresh fruit, salads, or light options.

Get rest

Cruise ships offer endless entertainment, but don’t run yourself into exhaustion. A quick afternoon nap can be a lifesaver.

Know when to visit the medical center

If something feels off — intense dizziness, chest pain, severe stomach issues — get checked. Cruise medical staff are highly trained.

13. Extra Safety Tips Most First-Timers Don’t Think About

Here are a few more insider tips:

Use a lanyard or wristband for your keycard

It prevents drops, demagnetization, or losing it.

Watch your step when walking from indoors to outdoors

Condensation forms near doors, creating slippery spots.

Keep your balcony door closed when not in use

This helps with cabin temperature and avoids slamming doors due to wind pressure.

Don’t wander alone late at night in unfamiliar ports

Just like any city, use smart awareness.

Final Thoughts: Stay Smart, Stay Healthy, and Your Cruise Will Be Unforgettable

Cruising is one of the safest, easiest, and most enjoyable ways to travel. A little preparation and awareness can help you avoid the most common issues and focus on what really matters — relaxing, exploring, laughing, eating delicious food, and making memories that last long after you've returned home.

Whether you're sailing with your family, joining one of our group cruises, planning a conference at sea, or setting out on your very first voyage, these tips will keep you confident and ready for anything the ocean brings your way.

If you’d like personalized guidance, packing checklists, or help choosing the perfect cabin, The Cool Panda Travel & Event Coordination is always here to help.

Your adventure is waiting — let’s make it safe, healthy, and unforgettable.