Love, Exciting and New: Tips for Cruising

Anyone who is old enough to remember watching The Love Boat in the early 80’s (we are) knows that taking a cruise can be entertaining, exciting and even romantic!

Indeed, that quirky show did much to popularize the cruising industry, which is now grander and more fun than ever–even though, today, you may not run into random 80’s B-list celebrities like Charo and Zsa Zsa Gabor.

In any case, cruising can be wonderful, but before you embark on the high seas for some tropical locale, it’s wise to consider your health status.

Are You Ship-Shape to Cruise?

Cruising has many benefits over traditional travel, as you don’t have to worry about driving in scary traffic, dealing with car rentals, hotel bookings, confusing GPS directions, and a multiplicity of other stressors and anxiety-inducing scenarios. It’s a delight to be able to board a cruise ship knowing that almost everything is taken care of and all-inclusive!

Cruising is generally a low-risk mode of traveling but it isn’t recommended for travellers who have a history of serious unstable chronic cardiovascular disease or pulmonary disorders. Women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy requiring regular monitoring should also avoid traveling on cruise ships, as adequate medical care or staff may not be available under these conditions. Whatever your health status, it’s always a good idea to check with your cruise line company and check what type of medical services and staff are available during your cruise.

If you’re healthy and well, traveling by cruise ship is a safe and fun way to visit new destinations and meet new people. Heck, you may even fall in love! And if you don’t, you’re basically on a floating buffet–so it’s a win-win!

What to Bring on the Boat

Before you embark on your ocean adventure, have a look at the suggestions below for what to pack in your bag:

• Sun Hat (Being on deck and surrounded by water can increase exposure and intensity of the sun. Be sure to bring a hat that will adequately shade your face and neck)
• Sunglasses
• Sun protection (SPF 30 or higher)
• Hand Sanitizer (Take advantage of using hand sanitizer to decrease risk of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, such as influenza)
• Gravol or similar product (Over the counter medication to combat sea-sickness may be useful if you experience motion-sickness)
• Malaria prophylaxis, and Vaccines (Depending on your destination and port stop activities. Consult TravelSafe for further information.)

Anchors-Away!

Now you’re ready to slip on your white loafers, sharpen your shuffleboard skills and start your pre-cruise diet! Remember there are gym facilities on cruise ships and fitness classes which are worth taking advantage of so that you can maintain your health regime even on the water.

And, if you’re lucky, you may even run into Marie Osmond or David Hasselhoff…but that may just happen on 80’s television.