If you’re planning your first cruise there are a few things you need to know.  For all those people who are worried about their boat tipping over, catching on fire, or hitting an iceberg, my advice is similar to those who are afraid of flying. There are thousands of people cruising the high seas at any one time and even with the recent tragedies in the news, it is probably safer to get on a cruise ship than in a car.

As for illnesses, those are everywhere.  The fact that all these people are confined to a ship makes sharing easier, think schools and daycares.  My kids went through every illness imaginable when they were in daycare, now they are immune to just about anything.  When you are at home and you wake up sick, you can’t really pinpoint where you picked up the bug. Did I get it at work, the grocery store, the questionable looking guy on the subway?  A cruise is like a mini community, you get to meet all kinds of really cool people, the key is, to not share their germs.

Rule #1: Be a compulsive hand washer.  Most of these yucky bugs end up on surfaces like railings, door handles, etc.  Not to make you phobic of these surfaces, but if you then touch your eye or your lips, you risk introducing these bacteria into your body.

Rule#2: We wary of who’s touching your food.  I try to avoid the buffets as much as possible, there are plenty of other choices and as for who’s touching your food, the answer is everybody.  Also if your one of those people that “always” gets sick, try to stick to cooked food.  Salads are great, but some people are more susceptible to bugs than others, if you are one of those people, sick to foods that have been cooked to a temperature that ensures than any microbes are killed.   Sorry, that means no sushi or rare steaks either!

Rule #3:  Stay away from obviously sick people.  I know this sounds like an obvious one, but you’d be amazed at the number of people who are unwilling to switch seats in the theater or on deck when someone nearby seems to be on death’s door.  

Rule #4:  Bring your own pharmacy with you.  Pain relievers, Dramamine, allergy pills, whatever.  If you need to purchase these things on board you will pay a premium, so bring them whether or not you feel you will need them.  

The number one thing to remember on a cruise is that the cruise line has plenty of staff on hand to keep you safe but realize this is not one on one supervision.   What this means is, supervise your children at all times unless they are with a cruise related program that supervises your children.  If you become so drunk that you can barely walk, make sure to stay away from railings, etc.  

A cruise vacation can be a great way to get away for a reasonable price so don’t let all the media hype cloud your decision.  Do your research before you choose.  Some cruise lines have better track records than others as far as illnesses and accidents.  You should make your comfort and safety the priority over price.  Remember the old adage, you get what you pay for.

By guest blogger-Jean Marie Stanberry  jeanstanberry.com  @jeanstanberry