How do you treat diarrhea on a cruise ship?

If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. In serious cases of travelers' diarrhea, oral rehydration solution—available online or in pharmacies in developing countries—can be used for fluid replacements.



Treating diarrhea on a cruise ship involves a mix of self-care and strict adherence to the vessel's health protocols to prevent an outbreak, such as Norovirus. If symptoms are mild, travelers in 2026 are advised to stay hydrated with electrolyte solutions and use over-the-counter anti-motility agents like Loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol). However, cruise lines have a "zero-tolerance" policy for gastrointestinal illness; you are legally required to report symptoms to the ship’s medical center immediately. For moderate to severe cases, the ship's doctor may prescribe a short course of antibiotics, such as Azithromycin, especially if the diarrhea is accompanied by fever. A critical part of the treatment is mandatory isolation in your stateroom, typically for 24 to 48 hours after your last symptom, to protect the rest of the passengers. The crew will also perform "sanitization deep-cleans" of your cabin. Most cruise lines provide basic rehydration salts and bland "BRAT" diet meals (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) via room service at no extra charge during your recovery period.

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Bland, starchy, low-fiber foods like those included in the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) are binding, which can bulk stool and help you get rid of diarrhea fast. You can also try probiotics, glutamine supplements, or home remedies like herbal teas and rice water.

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Learn some ways to treat travelers' diarrhea
  1. Drink lots of fluids. If you get diarrhea, drink lots of fluids to stay hydrated. ...
  2. Take over-the-counter drugs. Several drugs, such as loperamide, can be bought over-the-counter to treat the symptoms of diarrhea. ...
  3. Only take antibiotics if needed.


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Water or an oral rehydration solution is best. Drink at least 1 cup (240 milliliters) of liquid every time you have a loose bowel movement. Eat small meals every few hours instead of three big meals. Eat some salty foods, such as pretzels, crackers, soup, and sports drinks.

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Traveler's diarrhea may get better without any treatment. But while you're waiting, it's important to try to stay hydrated with safe liquids, such as bottled water or water with electrolytes such as an oral rehydration solution (see below).

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Cruise ships are often associated with norovirus because of the enclosed spaces, close living quarters, communal dining and high turnover of passengers, experts note. That said, outbreaks of acute gastrointestinal illnesses are relatively infrequent on cruise ships compared to settings on land, the CDC notes.

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Infectious Disease Outbreaks The most frequently reported cruise ship outbreaks involve GI infections (e.g., norovirus), respiratory infections (e.g., coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19], influenza), and other vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), such as varicella.

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Severe (acute) diarrhea is incapacitating or completely prevents planned activities. All dysentery (passage of grossly bloody stools) is considered severe. The expert panel defines persistent diarrhea as diarrhea that lasts for = 14 days [6].

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