Cruise ships bring together thousands of people in shared spaces for days or weeks at a time, so it’s not surprising that conversations about illness come up often among travelers. From crowded elevators to busy buffets and group excursions, cruisers regularly point out how quickly germs can circulate onboard.
We looked at real passenger experiences to understand what people actually do to try and stay healthy while cruising. What stands out isn’t a single “magic fix,” but a collection of habits—some simple, some very strict—that frequent cruisers swear by based on what they’ve seen and experienced firsthand.
Here’s how those strategies consistently rank based on how often they’re mentioned and how strongly cruisers rely on them.
10. Supplements and Immune “Boosting” Before the Cruise
A number of cruisers mention preparing before the trip with vitamins and supplements like vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, or similar immune-support routines. Some start a few days before boarding, others begin weeks in advance and continue throughout the cruise.
The sentiment isn’t that supplements guarantee anything, but more that they feel like a useful layer of preparation. Many pair them with other habits like hydration and sleep, treating them as part of a broader “get your body ready” routine before traveling.
9. Sleep, Hydration, and General Health Habits
Beyond specific products, cruisers often emphasize the basics: getting enough rest, drinking plenty of water, and not overdoing it every day. A few also mention moderating alcohol intake and staying generally active while onboard.
Some travelers say they notice a difference when they keep a balanced routine instead of treating the cruise as non-stop indulgence. It’s less about strict rules and more about not completely ignoring normal health habits just because they’re on vacation.
8. Nasal Care and Respiratory Precautions
A smaller but consistent group of cruisers talk about using nasal sprays, saline rinses, or similar methods to keep sinuses clear, especially in air-conditioned environments or after long travel days.
These habits are often used alongside other precautions rather than on their own. The idea is to reduce vulnerability in environments where many people are in close quarters, particularly indoors.
7. Careful Buffet Habits and Shared Utensils Awareness
Buffets are one of the most frequently mentioned concerns. Many cruisers describe them as high-risk simply because of the constant use of shared tongs, serving spoons, and heavy foot traffic.
Some people avoid buffets completely, while others adjust how they use them—being selective about touchpoints, using napkins or gloves, or going at off-peak times. Even those who still enjoy buffet dining often acknowledge it requires extra awareness compared to other dining venues.
6. Cabin Cleaning and Surface Wiping on Day One
A common habit among frequent cruisers is wiping down high-touch surfaces in their cabin shortly after boarding. This typically includes remotes, light switches, door handles, phones, and bathroom fixtures.
The reasoning is simple: thousands of people may have used the cabin before you, and turnover between guests is quick. For many, this quick cleaning routine provides peace of mind and helps them feel more in control of their environment from day one.
5. Avoiding Peak Crowds and Adjusting Timing
Several cruisers mention deliberately shifting their schedule to avoid the busiest times. That can mean eating slightly earlier or later than peak dining hours, avoiding crowded embarkation windows, or choosing quieter spaces onboard.
Others also mention modifying excursion choices, such as avoiding tightly packed bus tours when possible. The goal isn’t avoiding people entirely, but reducing repeated exposure in dense crowds where illness tends to spread more easily.
4. Wearing Masks in Indoor or Crowded Areas
Mask use comes up frequently, especially in elevators, theaters, buses, and embarkation areas. Some cruisers wear masks only in specific situations, while others use them more consistently in any crowded indoor setting.
Many who continue the habit say it’s based on personal experience—either noticing fewer illnesses when they use them or wanting an extra layer of protection during travel-heavy trips where exposure is unavoidable.
3. Avoiding Elevators and Using the Stairs Instead
Elevators are repeatedly described as one of the most congested and unavoidable shared spaces on a cruise ship. Because of that, many cruisers choose stairs whenever possible.
Beyond reducing time in enclosed spaces, taking the stairs is also seen as a practical way to stay active onboard. Even those who don’t avoid elevators completely often try to skip peak times or crowded rides when they can.
2. Buffet Avoidance or Strict Caution in Shared Food Areas
Food areas—especially buffets—rank very high in perceived risk among cruisers. Many describe them as a place where hygiene habits vary widely among passengers, which increases concern.
Some avoid buffets altogether and stick to sit-down dining, while others still use them but with strict personal rules. This includes being careful with shared utensils, avoiding peak times, or minimizing contact with commonly touched surfaces.
1. Frequent Handwashing and Avoiding Face Contact
The most universal and strongly emphasized habit is simple but consistent: washing hands thoroughly and often. Cruisers repeatedly mention using soap and water before eating, after touching shared surfaces, and after returning to their cabin.
Hand sanitizer is widely used as a backup, but many stress that proper handwashing is the foundation. Closely tied to this is another habit: avoiding touching the face after handling public surfaces like railings, buttons, or doors.
For most experienced cruisers, this combination—clean hands and mindful habits—forms the core of staying healthy at sea more than any single product or shortcut.