Are cruise ships really clean?

Cruise ships, like any large public space, vary in cleanliness. However, it's important to note that cruise ships are subject to stringent sanitation standards that are regularly monitored and enforced.



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As people flock to cruise ships after the pandemic, health and sanitation conditions are still a big issue — including a record 13 norovirus outbreaks so far in 2023.

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Many cruise ships have self-service laundry facilities on each deck, including washing machines, dryers, ironing and detergent. Passengers can also use the ship's valet laundry services for a fee, which includes washing, pressing and dry cleaning. Alternatively, guests can hand wash and dry within their cabin.

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In 2023, a decade-high number of cruise ships have reported an unwelcome passenger on board: norovirus. Outbreaks of the stomach bug have surged on cruise ships this year, reaching the highest levels seen in 10 years.

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Studies have shown that quick application of hand sanitizers does not kill the norovirus. It takes about 30 seconds of hard rubbing with hot water and soap to kill it. The cause of most cruise line norovirus outbreaks is contaminated food or water. The way it spreads is through physical contact.

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Your bed linens might be changed frequently, but decorative blankets, bedspreads and pillows aren't always laundered between sailings. Remove these items from your bed and hide them in a closet or drawer – or ask your cabin steward to take them out of your room for the duration of your cruise.

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Usually, this involves your cabin steward cleaning and sanitizing the bathroom, emptying trash bins, replacing towels, making the bed/beds, vacuuming as needed, refilling ice bins, washing and replacing glassware and a general tidying of the room.

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Yes. All drinking water is either distilled from seawater or loaded onboard while the ship is in port.

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The 5 Most Dangerous Parts of a Ship for Passengers
  • Watertight Doors. Never try to outrun a closing watertight door. ...
  • Wet/Slippery Surfaces. ...
  • Ferries & Lifeboats. ...
  • Dining Facilities & Fast-Spreading Illnesses. ...
  • Balconies. ...
  • Talking to a Florida Cruise Ship Injury Attorney.


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Lower decks It's a smart idea to select a stateroom below the waterline in addition to a mid-ship stateroom, which is typically distributed over multiple floors. This is due to the fact that this section of the ship, which is also its lowest and most central, is the most stable in choppy seas.

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Respiratory Illnesses. Respiratory illnesses are the most common medical complaint on cruise ships.

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There are two ways to clean the bottom of a cruise ship. The first way is to dry dock the ship and clean it from the outside while undergoing other maintenance. The only downside to this method is how much it costs. When the vessel is dry-docked, it is expensive for the cruise line.

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After breakfast service ends in the late morning, all major cruise lines offer an all-day room service menu of salads, sandwiches, snacks and desserts. Most cruise lines have special in-room dining menus, separate from what you'd find that day on the buffet or in the main dining room.

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Your cruise ship will provide basic toiletries for the shower, so there is no reason to waste precious luggage space on shampoo and conditioner.

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Cruise ship workers are not supposed to hook up with passengers, but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. It is rare though – most crew follow the rules because they know they'll lose their job if they're caught.

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T-shirts, swimsuits, robes, bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, and pool wear are not allowed in the main restaurant or specialty restaurants at any time. In addition, shorts and flip-flops are not permitted during the evening hours.

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While bed sheets, blankets, and pillowcases are provided for, there's just something about having the familiarity and comfort of your own personal bedding. Your bunk is the only personal space you have, so I like to make it as cozy and comfortable as possible even if it takes up some precious luggage space.

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Leaving Your Balcony Door Open Can Make a Mess You might want to prop open your balcony door as you sail, but cruise lines aren't so keen on the idea. For starters, the warm air coming in will cause your cabin's air-conditioning to work harder (unless you turn it down), wasting energy on the ship.

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On most cruise ships you won't be able to feel very much movement when travelling in good weather. If you are cruising on a particularly small or old cruise ship this may increase but generally speaking if you are sailing at a consistent speed in good weather you will not be able to feel movement when onboard.

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