During the last decade, the cruise industry has been the tourism sub-sector with the highest growth rate. Despite the Titanic, Zebrugge and Estonia disasters, the travellers on high standard luxury liners are usually quite safe.
Current data shows cruise travel is steadily on the rise with a projected 27.2 million passengers expected to set sail in 2018. In 2017, an estimated 25.8 million passengers cruised compared to a confirmed 24.7 million passengers in 2016, an increase of 20.5 percent over five years from 2011-2016.
Cruises are increasingly popular allowing for adventure along with good accommodation, food, security and many other facilities. The types of cruises include Family, Adventure, River, Transatlantic and World cruises. The average age of a passenger is gradually declining, now 45-50 years of age, however cruises of longer duration attract older travellers who are more likely to have chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease.
The share magnitude of cruise ships and the number of passengers can approach the size of a small town with all its attendant health problems. They may range from as little as 5 people cruises on a small sailing boat were medical facilities will be zero to large ‘city’ ships where a doctor and other key medical staff are available but medical services are still limited and, in some cases, Blood transfusion, Surgery . Medical evacuation will be needed and is dependent upon the ships position at sea, the sailing itinerary and the next port of call.
Cruises despite their safety are still associated with myriads of problems. The most commonly reported on board health problems are respiratory tract infections, injuries, motion sickness and gastrointestinal illness.
The schedule of events and activities on board, and excursions in port can be tiring and arduous and travellers are advised to be as fit as possible. Most cruise ships do not have assigned space for a dental office and very few have resident dentists. Ships movements are inherently unstable due to sea swells and currents.
Accidents are common due to falls on deck and staircases (wet surfaces). People tend to drink alcohol excessively and are more prone to accidents both on deck and in the pool. The elderly with poor balance are at higher risk of injury from falls especially in rough weather, due to their slower reaction time and reduced agility. Passengers tend to put on weight because of the easily available and abundant excellent food.
That is why you should prepare yourself properly for such trips by consulting your travel health consultant or family physician before the trip by the following steps:
Ensure you have adequate supplies of your medication before you board the ship.
Appropriate travel insurance which should cover repatriation and also carry along a summary of your condition and a copy of your prescription with a letter from your practitioner attesting to your need for the medicines.
In hot and tropical regions especially, try to avoid sunburn and UV Light reflection from water as well as from the direct sun this being more likely at sea.
Extremes of heat and cold (including cooling effects of sea breeze) depending on itineraries can occur. Suitable clothing is advised.
Try to drink a lot of non- alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration and because some cruise ships are not suitable for frail, elderly or handicapped travellers, try to ascertain the suitability of the ship before you book your trip. Make sure special facilities are available on board for your condition.
Meanwhile, over indulgence in alcohol, food and lack of exercise can worsen heart conditions and also over exposure to the sun can increase the possibility of stroke.
To be continued next week
Dr Ade Alakija
Q-Life Advisory Services
