Cruise Line, Swine Flu Planning Information - Fall and Winter 2009

We realize that an outbreak of flu on a cruise ship, particularly Swine Flu (The H1N1 virus) can ruin the best-planned trip. Although the possibility is remote, we'd like to update you as to what preventive measures are being taken by the cruise industry, with some tips about how to keep this threat in perspective while you minimize your risk.

First of all, "How risky are cruise ships?" Let's face it; any closed-space increases the chance of passing germs. This includes hotels, schools, and even hospitals. But since the cruise industry has very high-standards and relies on passenger's trust, they have taken aggressive and specific steps to minimize the risk of onboard sickness. This means that even if another ship has a problem, that it's not likely to affect your trip.

This fall, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reiterated their commitment to "aggressively managing all cases of influenza, including the H1N1 virus" on board their member cruise lines. This includes all cruise lines that we sell or promote. CLIA explained that they are taking proactive steps "to keep H1N1 off of cruise ships and appropriately manage and treat influenza illnesses when and if they occur". This includes minimizing the risk onboard. This is done in two ways; one by implementing strict measures by the crew to avoid contracting the disease and passing germs, and two; implementing a strict screening process for both crew and passengers who board the ships. Here are some of the steps that are being taken, and some tips you should consider:

~ Health Screening on Cruise Ships. Swine flu prevention on cruise ships begins with the embarkation process of crew and passengers. Even if you have fully paid, be aware that you can be denied boarding if you present any H1N1 risk.

~ Health Questionnaires – All passengers are now required to complete and sign a written questionnaire prior to boarding most cruise ships. A secondary screening will be conducted if the passenger answers affirmatively to having flu-like symptoms including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat. A second screening is also given if a passenger reports that they have had contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case.

~ Thermal Imaging Cameras – Some of the cruise lines have begun to use thermal imaging cameras to check embarking passengers for elevated body temperatures. If the scanner detects a fever of 100.4 F or greater, the guest will be checked for additional signs of influenza such as cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and vomiting.

~ Passengers Denied Boarding Due To Flu Symptoms – Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza like illness or have been in contact with an H1N1 case as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case-by-case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. If there are flu symptoms, the passenger may be given an Influenza Rapid Test Kit which could cause that they miss the ship or encounter a significant delay in boarding.

~ Controlling risk onboard. Cruise lines are now asking that their crew and passengers take very specific measures to avoid the passing of germs. Frequent hand washing is encouraged and antibacterial lotions (Purcell) are available in many public areas. Those who are infected are confined to their cabins.

~ Avoiding infected ports: Cruise lines will deviate from a port suspected of having a flu outbreak. This could cause a financial loss to those passengers who prepaid for shore arrangements, but the loss would normally be covered by travel insurance.

~ Costs of Missing the Cruise – Some passengers who are denied boarding may have to wait days in a hotel before their H1N1 tests come back. This brings up the question of how one can recoup these costs? Some travel insurance policies cover these costs, including the company that we sell. But if you are delayed or disembarked by the cruise line due to health, be advised that the cruise line will not reimburse you for your expenses – including the cost of the airfare to get home.

~ Costs associated with cancelling your cruise before boarding due to sickness. Same as above, your best protection is to purchase comprehensive travel insurance.

~ Onboard treatment. Most cruise ships will maintain appropriate medications, including anti-virals effective in treating the H1N1 virus. The CDC has approved a couple of prescription drugs, under the brand name of Tamiflu or Relenza, which will be available on most cruise ships.

~ Preventative steps. We recommend that you consider two; asking your doctor if a flu vaccine is recommended before you depart, and purchasing trip insurance.