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Cruise Ship Illnesses: As Awful As News Sources Say?


We’ve been on dozens of cruises in the past two decades and never once were sick. Of course, there were occasions when others aboard our ship had problems with seasickness, scarfing too much food, overdoing booze and other troubles.

Also, some had been infected by other passengers who brought flu aboard with them. Of course, during excursions when some went ashore and consumed unclean street cart food and local water, it wasn’t the cruise line’s fault. 

What set off this tirade is recent sensationalized news blared out by media about a cruise ship returning to its Florida port from the Caribbean with 2,500 passengers. The reports state that 66 of them showed symptoms of gastrointestinal illness. For anyone who can do basic math, that’s about 2.5 percent.

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Should I Share A Cabin On My First Cruise? PDF Print E-mail


Q: I’m a 66-year-old single newly-retired teacher and would like to take my first cruise. However, the prices are out of sight for me. I understand that sharing a cabin cuts the cost in half, but I’m hesitant to bunk with a complete stranger. What do you suggest? MLF, San Jose CA

A: Go for it, but you may elect to start cautiously. First, get a friend or family member to bunk with you for a short, three-day cruise. If that works, for your next cruise join a group, such as church, education professionals or nostalgia theme trip. Make it a four- to seven-day cruise, sharing a cabin with an already-familiar group member.

After all that experience, and you’re still a happy cruiser, consider a longer and more interesting voyage. Prepare by surfing cabin-share websites, including those posted by cruise lines and senior travel sites, for compatible companions. One of the best and most reliable is the senior-friendly roadscholar.org
 
 
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