Health & Safety

Crewmembers regularly clean and sanitize the ship’s facilities, including:

• Cabins cleaned at least once daily;
• Restaurants and snack areas cleaned regularly; and
• Common areas such as pools and elevators cleaned throughout the day.

At the end of every cruise, crewmembers clean the ship from top to bottom using designated cleaning supplies and sanitation procedures. 

Pre-boarding health screenings help identify ill passengers or crewmembers prior to boarding. The most common health screening protocol is a health questionnaire. Passengers indicate if they or their traveling companions have had any recent symptoms of illness. Passengers and crewmembers who may be ill are assessed by medical staff before they interact with other guests. 

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Cruise Line Members collaborated with the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) to develop and implement guidelines on cruise ship medical facilities. These guidelines, which are mandatory for CLIA oceangoing Cruise Line Members, specify that cruise ships must have at least one qualified medical professional available 24/7 for medical bay visits or cabin “house calls.” Also, cruise ships must have an examination room, an intensive care room and equipment for processing labs, monitoring vital signs and administering medications. Patients requiring more comprehensive facilities or treatment are typically referred to a shore side medical facility. 

Passenger and crewmember health is protected by a robust system of oversight and enforcement. Public health authorities worldwide inspect cruise ships and enforce health requirements. Cruise ships calling on U.S. ports, for example, receive at least two unannounced health inspections every year. In addition, cruise ships undergo three or more formal internal public health inspections each year. 

Onboard staff must be trained in first aid and public health practices. No matter their job onboard, crew must be trained in safety and first aid procedures, such as emergency procedures, signals and alarms; evacuation procedures; and fire prevention and fire safety.