Cruise travel health and safety
Stay healthy and safe on board and during shore excursions. Careful planning and preparation can help you avoid problems.
On this page
Before you cruise
Research your destination(s)
Check the Government of Canada’s Travel Advice and Advisories page for destination-specific information about your departure and arrival locations and all your planned stops.
This includes details on:
- safety and security conditions
- entry and exit requirements
- local laws and customs, including:
- laws and social customs that could affect 2SLGBTQI+ individuals
- penalties for possession of illegal drugs, including cannabis
- rules regarding alcohol consumption, smoking or gambling
- restricted goods
- photography and drone restrictions
- possible health risks and restrictions
- natural disasters and climate
Check the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination(s).
Get travel insurance
Purchase travel insurance that covers cruising and activities on shore.
Make sure it includes coverage for:
- accidental injury
- hospitalization outside Canada
- medical evacuation
Learn more about trip interruption and travel health insurance.
Consult a healthcare provider
Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic at least 6 weeks before your trip to get personalized health advice. Even if your travel date is coming up soon, it's still a good idea to make an appointment.
They can give you advice about:
- whether your routine vaccinations, like measles, are up to date
- many require a booster as an adult
- routine schedules for childhood vaccines may need to be adjusted if a child is travelling
- which pre-travel vaccines or medications may be right for you, based on your destination(s) and travel plans
- medication for seasickness or other common illnesses like travellers’ diarrhea
- bringing extra prescription medication with you in case your return is delayed
Learn more about health and safety outside Canada.
Learn more about travelling with medication.
Learn some tips for healthy travel.
Check your travel documents
Make sure you have the travel documents you need to board the ship and enter the destinations you’ll visit.
This may include:
- a valid passport
- it may need to be valid for a specific period of time beyond the date on which you expect to leave the country you are visiting
- visas or electronic travel authorizations
Keep your travel documents secure but accessible.
Leave copies of the following travel documents with someone you trust at home:
- your travel itinerary
- information about your flights, hotels and cruise ship bookings
- telephone numbers and email addresses
- contact information for your tour operator
Check the entry and exit requirements for your destinations on the Travel Advice and Advisories.
Know which documents you need and where to get them.
Be aware of severe storm risks
Cruise lines usually have processes in place for severe weather, such as rerouting ships if conditions are dangerous. Severe storms can cause rough seas and affect your itinerary. Follow the crew’s instructions and prioritize your safety.
Check the weather forecast and consult the Travel Advice and Advisories to find out if your destination(s) is/are prone to severe storms and what time of the year that they are most likely to occur.
Learn more about what to do before, during and after a storm.
Check the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination(s).
Register your trip
The Registration of Canadians Abroad service allows the Government of Canada to contact you in case of an emergency abroad, such as a natural disaster, or an emergency at home. Make sure to register for all the countries you will be visiting during your trip and select every port as a separate destination, including multiple ports in a single country.
Sign up with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
Emergency contact information
Carry an emergency contact card with the contact information for the nearest Canadian office serving the countries you plan to visit so that you can request emergency consular assistance in case you have problems while outside Canada.
You should also provide an emergency contact to your cruise line. This is a requirement for some cruise lines.
Print an emergency contact card.
Accessibility
If you have mobility issues, check with the cruise line about accessibility and accommodations on the ship and any shore excursions.
Learn more about travelling with disabilities.
While you’re cruising
Protect your health
There are things you can do to reduce your risk of getting sick both on the ship and while on shore:
- wash hands regularly with warm water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol
- wear a well-fitting respirator or mask, especially:
- if you’re sick and need to be around others
- when you’re in crowded settings
- if you’re at risk of more serious disease or outcomes from a respiratory infectious disease
- take precautions to protect yourself from sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and mpox
- while on shore:
- prevent insect and tick bites
- avoid contact with animals
- eat and drink safely
If you feel sick while on board, tell the cruise staff.
Learn more about staying healthy while travelling, including:
- precautions with food and water
- insect and tick bite prevention
- reducing the risk of respiratory infections
Find additional travel health information.
Stay safe on board
Take normal precautions while on the ship:
- be aware of your surroundings and stay in public areas when interacting with other passengers and ship staff
- limit your alcohol intake and never leave drinks unattended
- keep your travel documents and other valuables in a secure location
- make sure your cabin door and balcony are locked at all times
Stay safe during shore visits
Minimize risks during shore visits:
- book excursions with your cruise line or a reputable, insured tour company
- respect departure times
- respect local laws and customs
- if you break the law, you will be subject to the judicial system of the host country
Check the Travel Advice and Advisories for your destination(s).
If you need help
Emergency consular assistance while outside Canada:
Returning to Canada
If you feel sick when coming back to Canada, depending on your mode of transportation, tell:
- the cruise staff
- a flight attendant and/or
- a border service officer
If you become sick after you return to Canada, contact a health care provider and let them know:
- what symptoms you have
- which countries you visited
Related links
- Cruise traveller's checklist
- Advice for different types of travellers
- Travel advice for mass gatherings
- Date modified: