Whether we want it to happen or not, getting sick on vacation is a real possibility. But the close quarters of a cruise ship dictate a different set of rules for handling illness.
A sign in the Long Beach cruise terminal, telling passengers to report feeling unwell, has started an interesting discussion among Carnival Cruise Line fans online.
The original poster, “orangesandonions,” shared a photo of the sign on Reddit while waiting to board Carnival Firenze, prompting questions about what actually happens if someone admits they are sick before boarding a cruise ship.
The sign, prominently displayed near the restrooms, read:
“Stay healthy by washing your hands frequently. If you feel unwell, please notify a member of our staff.”
As it turns out, some passengers can be hesitant to admit being sick or might even conceal symptoms for fear of what may end up happening to them for the rest of the cruise.
“It feels like this could be a trap,” the poster wrote.
This sentiment highlights an interesting dilemma, and I’m sure the poster was not alone in feeling this way. The fear of missing out on a cruise of a lifetime can incentivize people to hide their illness, but this could potentially just spread a sickness to other cruisers.
What Happens If You Report Feeling Unwell?
The reality is, cruise lines like Carnival take health screenings seriously, especially since the shutdown which we won’t even dive into here. While the sign may seem concerning, it’s a standard precaution to prevent the spread of illness.
Context and Insight
Carnival, like other cruise lines, has protocols in place to manage potential illnesses that may happen on board. These can include:
- Medical Screening: Passengers reporting symptoms may be subject to further medical evaluation.
- Isolation: If a contagious illness is suspected, passengers may be isolated to prevent further spread.
- Denial of Boarding: In some cases, if a passenger exhibits symptoms of a highly contagious illness, they may be denied boarding.
Community Insights and Experiences
While the Reddit thread didn’t provide definitive answers from Carnival, experienced cruisers offered valuable insights and shared personal experiences:
- “They have to ask, it’s a health concern, but they aren’t trying to trick you.”
- “It really depends on what you say. If you have a sniffle, they probably won’t care. If you say you have a fever, they might take a closer look.”
- “I had a cough on my last cruise. They made me wear a mask at boarding and gave me a quick checkup. No big deal.”
- “My husband got sick on the ship. They quarantined him in our cabin for a day, but he was fine after that.”
- “My friend got norovirus on a cruise. They quarantined her and her whole family. It wasn’t fun, but they took good care of them.”
These anecdotes illustrate the range of possible outcomes, from minor precautions to more serious situations like quarantine.
One user shared a more positive experience:
“My wife and I got Covid on a Norwegian cruise and we had travel insurance. They quarantined us in a balcony stateroom and gave us access to full room service menu plus whatever was in the dining room that night. Also unlimited high speed internet and movie rentals. Then when we got back to our home port the travel insurance reimbursed us the cost of the days we were quarantined.”
However, another user highlighted the potential downsides that probably spooked some readers:
“You get quarantined in your room, and your cruise is effectively over. No refunds. Which is why people are incentivized not to notify a staff member if they don’t feel well, and just try and bear through it. Not many people are willing to pay thousands of dollars just to be locked up in their cabin for a week. If the cruise lines were serious about this, they’d work to compensate you if you get sick on their ship.”
The Dilemma
So, that’s the issue, right? Honesty is important for public health, but the fear of quarantine and financial loss can create a powerful incentive to stay silent. This highlights the need for clearer communication from cruise lines, but it also shows just how important it is to have travel insurance on each cruise you take.
Even if it’s a 3-day cruise, just get the coverage. You just don’t know what will happen.
Carnival’s Stance
Carnival’s official website outlines its health and safety protocols. Specifically, their FAQ states:
“If you are experiencing symptoms of a contagious illness, such as COVID-19, influenza, or norovirus, we ask that you please refrain from boarding. If you begin to feel unwell during your cruise, please notify the medical center immediately.”
Bottom Line
So, nobody wants to be the person who puts a damper on vacation, right? But it’s also not cool to tough it out and risk getting everyone else sick. If you’re feeling under the weather, the responsible thing to do is speak up. It’s not a trap, it’s just how cruise lines are keeping everyone safe these days.
But sure, the idea of being stuck in a tiny cabin for days, missing out on all the fun, doesn’t exactly sound like a dream vacation. Maybe cruise lines need to make it easier for people to be honest about their health. Until then, that “please tell us if you’re sick” sign is going to make some people think twice, and that’s not good for anyone.
