Cruise lines endeavor to provide a safe, healthy environment for their passengers; but while health-related incidents are infrequent, they have a way of affecting numerous people. The close quarters of a cruise ship allow infectious diseases to pass very easily; and in the case of food poisoning, a single batch of bad food served in the ship's dining room can end up affecting hundreds. Dealing with food poisoning on a cruise ship--as with anywhere else--means adjusting your treatment to match the surroundings, which in this case means relatively close quarters.

Step 1

Pack medication that can help with food poisoning. This includes agents like Pepto-Bismol, antacids and anti-diarrhea medications. Food poisoning often causes dehydration (vomiting and diarrhea both drain your body of fluids), so bottled water makes a smart packing choice as well.

Step 2

Consult the ship's doctor as soon as you detect food poisoning symptoms. He'll want to know what you ate in the last 24 hours and whether it came from the cruise ship itself, from something you ate on shore or even from an item you brought onboard. Be as specific as possible and follow his admonitions.

Step 3

Stay in your cabin and rest. Food poisoning is no laughing matter, and while you may wish to make the most of your vacation time, pushing yourself can just make things worse. Stay out of the sun--dehydration is a concern, so even a rest on the ship's deck is a no-no--and stay close to a toilet.

Step 4

Drink plenty of liquids: bottled water and sports drinks are ideal, because they replace fluids and electrolytes in your system. If you're not able to swallow, order some ice from the ship's room service and suck on it while you recover.

Step 5

Special order food from the cruise ship's restaurants. If you can't eat, you shouldn't push it, but at some point, you'll need nourishment. Ask for basic foods: saltine crackers, chicken broth, applesauce and other easy-to-digest items. Stay away from the ship's regular menu, especially buffet food (which may have been sitting out for hours and will not help you get over your food poisoning).

Step 6

Contact the agents for any cruise insurance you've purchased and see if your policy includes contingencies for food poisoning. You may be able to get a full or partial refund on your ticket.


  • Go online to the Centers for Disease Control's website and check the Vessel Sanitation Program page. The VSP was established to help the CDC investigate and prevent illnesses on cruise ships, particularly gastrointestinal illnesses such as food poisoning. The website lists all cruise lines and the individual vessels in their fleets, along with a grading score allowing you to evaluate the dangers of food poisoning on your particular ship.

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