Avoiding Norovirus

Wash, wash, wash!

Wash your hands before eating – and let the staff serve you if instructed to do so – to beat Norovirus on your cruise. Photo © 2012 Aaron Saunders

Juneau’s Coast Alaska News reported yesterday that both Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess and Royal Caribbean’s Rhapsody of the Seas recently endured small outbreaks of Norovirus onboard.

That might seem like a negative, particularly if you’ve ever suffered from the unpleasant temporary illness. But what I really appreciated was the balanced tone the article took, noting that they are the only two vessels to report an outbreak of Norovirus this season.

I’m frequently asked about Norovirus, though never by people who have cruised before. Instead, I’m often asked by prospective or first-time cruisers who are spooked by over-zealous news reports that make Noro outbreaks seem as commonplace as dropping anchor.

I always tell them they have nothing to worry about.

Norovirus is commonly spread through contact with things like railings, door handles, and other fixtures that require a significant amount of handling. So, if you run your hand up the railing of the ship, then grab a slice of pizza from the buffet, all without washing your hands, you could be at risk to contract Norovirus.

To combat this, many cruise ships have Purell Hand Sanitizing Stations placed strategically throughout the public rooms, but even these can be misunderstood.  About seven years ago, it wasn’t uncommon to see these placed every five feet or so, but their use has declined in recent years, and for a simple reason: the best method for preventing Norovirus is to wash your hands frequently with soap and warm water.

Over the years, I’ve seen people do some crazy things on cruises that you should avoid: don’t taste the sauces at the buffet by dipping your finger into them.  Don’t grab food with your hands, then place it back; you either want it or you don’t.  And I can’t tell you how many times I’ve encountered plates and cutlery in the bathrooms. Who the heck is eating in there?!

Whenever I cruise, I make a concerted effort to wash my hands before I eat anything with them, or if I know I’ve handled a lot of elevator buttons and railings. It doesn’t make me infallible, but it certainly goes a long way to making sure that I don’t acquire something that could affect myself and my fellow passengers.

Because a healthy cruiser is most definitely a happy cruiser!

Do you have any tips for how to stay healthy on a cruise? Use the comment form below to let us know!