5 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Catching COVID on a Cruise

As COVID cases continue to decline across the U.S., many are feeling increasingly confident about traveling again, including taking a mode of transport that was largely off-limits during the pandemic: cruising. Yet, as Murphy’s Law suggests, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong”—so it’s wise to be prepared for potential setbacks.

In 2019, my dad struck it lucky in a raffle and won an Alaskan cruise for four. My mother, father, husband, and I aimed to set sail in the fall of 2020, but of course, that plan fell through—cruising had been completely suspended by the CDC at that time, leading us to postpone our trip.

After delaying the cruise a few more times (Things will improve by spring! Maybe next fall! Perhaps next year!), we finally settled on August 2022 to sail—COVID rates were decreasing, and we were all vaccinated and boosted. Alarmingly, the CDC ceased monitoring COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships just a month before our journey, which permitted cruise lines to establish their own protocols for managing cases onboard. Before this, there had been more stringent requirements in place, with passengers and crew needing to be up-to-date on vaccinations (or provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test) before boarding, alongside strict plans for ships to follow if cases arose on board.

Nevertheless, I was feeling somewhat optimistic (perhaps overly so)—I had received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, two doses of the Moderna vaccine, and a booster (though not the newly released bivalent booster targeting omicron). I also consistently wore a mask in public spaces and hadn’t fallen ill yet. What could possibly go wrong?

Three days into our seven-night Alaskan cruise, which kicked off in Seattle and journeyed up to Juneau with several stops along the way, everything seemed to be going smoothly—we had departed from Seattle, explored Sitka National Historical Park, and enjoyed a ride on the White Pass Railroad in Skagway. However, on the fourth day, I woke up feeling the dreaded dry cough and chills. The at-home rapid tests I had brought confirmed my fears: I had COVID-19. After a quick trip to the ship’s infirmary, I found myself in a new quarantine room—isolated from my family, who all tested negative—where I would stay for the remainder of the cruise until all other passengers disembarked.

Here are five tips to remember before any upcoming cruise so you can be prepared in case COVID comes knocking. (Let’s hope it doesn’t, but being informed and well-prepared is empowering.)

Ensure your vaccinations are current—and consider wearing a mask if you're feeling concerned.

Before planning a cruise, infectious disease specialists advise travelers to ensure they are current on their COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters.

“COVID-19 vaccines have consistently demonstrated a reduction in the likelihood of severe illness and death,” stated Amira Roess, a professor of global health and epidemiology at George Mason University, in an email. “The new bivalent booster is expected to further lower the risk of infection and, in the event of an infection, decrease both the duration and severity of COVID-19. It’s advisable to get the booster two to three weeks prior to your trip to allow your body time to build up antibodies and enhance your protection against infection and serious illness.”

For those worried about falling ill, it’s wise to wear a mask in certain environments, as there remains a risk of illness even if you are vaccinated and boosted.

“Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces with unfamiliar individuals is a good practice, especially for those at risk of severe illness,” Roess advised. “Individuals vulnerable to severe infection should also consider adjusting their travel habits to safeguard themselves. This might involve using high-quality masks, traveling during less busy times, and avoiding crowded areas, especially while eating or engaging in activities that increase exposure.”

On a cruise ship, it’s nearly impossible to avoid close quarters with strangers unless you choose to eat all your meals in your room and significantly limit your activities during port stops. Additionally, if your destination is a colder climate like Alaska or Antarctica, you’ll likely spend most of your time indoors.

Wearing a mask doesn’t guarantee you’ll avoid infection, but since many people may not want to mask up for a week while on vacation—especially with COVID cases declining—it’s wise to keep one nearby just in case, particularly if you are at increased risk for severe complications.

For those seeking the highest level of protection, the CDC and infectious disease specialists suggest using an N95 or KN95-grade mask.

Be prepared, and don’t assume the ship will have all the supplies you might need if you fall ill.

Don't be surprised if the ship's infirmary is ill-equipped to manage a COVID outbreak. When I visited the nurse’s station, I received another rapid test, which came back positive again. Shortly after, I was taken to a quarantine room and given a six-ounce bottle of generic Mucinex, a box of acetaminophen, and some cherry-flavored cough drops. Despite being vaccinated and boosted, I became quite ill; that dry cough turned into a feverish, phlegmy hack that lingered for over a month, making it hard to breathe, particularly when lying down. When I called the ship’s doctor about my breathing difficulties, I was told there wasn't much they could do.

Reflecting on my experience, there are several items I wish I had packed:

• Thermometer. I had my temperature checked only once during my visit to the nurse’s station. My fever persisted for several days, and it would have been beneficial to monitor it myself.
• Pulse oximeter. This device tracks blood oxygen levels. If you test positive for COVID and experience breathing issues, having one is crucial—any reading below 90 percent is alarming and can lead to confusion and dizziness, according to the CDC.
• Extra rapid tests. When I went to the infirmary for a confirmation of my positive status, I was informed that if I tested negative, I would need to pay $150 for the visit. (If positive, all my COVID-related costs would be covered by the cruise line.) While it was essential to have the positive test for quarantine, it’s wise to bring a few of your own for double-checking without incurring hefty charges at the infirmary.
• Additional cough medicine. It’s likely that the ship's infirmary won’t stock antiviral medications like Paxlovid (which require a prescription), so come prepared with over-the-counter remedies like ibuprofen for fever and dextromethorphan for cough relief.
• Extra clothing. Typically, I prefer traveling with just a carry-on, but since the CDC recommends a five-day quarantine, I decided to extend my isolation on land in Seattle. Usually, I don’t mind washing my undergarments in the sink or bathtub, but I found it tedious when I was feeling my worst. It might be wise to pack a few extra items—just in case.

Prepare for some time alone

After my positive test in the infirmary, I was instructed to quickly pack my belongings in the stateroom I shared with my husband—within just 15 minutes—and then I was relocated to a separate cabin on the ship's third deck, where other COVID patients were isolated behind a watertight door. With a significant outbreak occurring on board, nearly all 30 rooms in that corridor were occupied.

Unlike my previous room, this new one lacked a balcony (though I was grateful for the porthole window to enjoy some views) and I was prohibited from leaving—no visitors were allowed—until the ship was ready to disembark COVID patients at the cruise's end in Seattle, which only happened after all other guests had exited. On the fifth day in Juneau, my husband managed to find my room's porthole window and we spoke over the phone while he enjoyed takeaway dinner on the dock. That was the last time I would see him until I flew home alone five days later, while he took the flight we had originally booked.

My contact with the staff was quite limited. The infirmary would check in occasionally to see how I was doing, but my meals were left outside my door three times a day (I could order what I wanted via a digital form). Food was delivered precisely at 7:00 a.m. (no chance to sleep in), 1:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. I also requested an extra comforter to help keep warm during my fever, which was a godsend since the room’s thermostat was malfunctioning.

Internet access on cruise ships can be costly, but once I tested positive, I was fortunate to receive free internet. However, satellite connectivity on ships is often unreliable, so I sometimes treated myself to the on-board television, and I found that Hallmark comfort movies are particularly enjoyable when you're feeling under the weather and exhausted. Phone calls to other rooms were also complimentary, allowing me to chat with my parents and my husband without incurring any charges. Truthfully, though, most of my time was spent napping until we finally disembarked. After leaving the ship, we boarded a bus that took us to our chosen hotels, where we would complete our quarantine.

Review the cruise line’s policies regarding COVID compensation

With the CDC no longer monitoring or enforcing COVID guidelines on cruise ships, each line has established its own protocols for managing outbreaks on board. During my cruise, I chose to extend my time on land to comply with the CDC’s recommended five-day quarantine—the cruise line covered my hotel stay and food expenses, and I should also receive compensation for the days lost to isolation. Make sure to find out what your cruise line covers in the event of a COVID-19 infection.

Purchase travel insurance and choose airlines that allow for flight changes without additional fees

Fortunately, the cruise line later reimbursed my extended quarantine costs, but without that option, having travel insurance would have been invaluable. It’s wise to have a backup plan for peace of mind in case you need to quarantine in an unfamiliar location or cancel your trip—plus a way to finance that backup plan. When considering travel insurance, look into a CFAR (cancel for any reason) option, as pandemic-related travel issues are now viewed as “foreseeable events.” If you possess a travel credit card, check what coverage it offers—you might receive compensation for travel disruptions and cancellations.

In a similar vein, ensure your flight has a flexible rescheduling policy in case you need to quarantine. Thankfully, I booked a Southwest flight home, as its policy allows for rebooking up to 10 minutes before departure without any change fee, making it easy for me to adjust my plans. Throughout the pandemic, all major U.S. airlines eliminated their flight change fees, providing travelers with more flexibility in unexpected situations.