How to Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

How To Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin: Coronavirus & Cruise Travel

With reports of coronavirus aboard three Princess Cruises ships and other cases popping up aboard ships from Costa Cruises and Dream Cruises fleets, passengers are cancelling their cruise travel by the thousands. And, even though most cruise lines are modifying their cancellation and refund policies to accommodate those travellers, you’ll find that other cruise lines are offering incentives to travellers who don’t.

Worried about cruise travel and the coronavirus? You’ll be pleased to know that airlines and cruise lines are taking measures to adequately sanitize all planes and ships before and after passengers board and disembark. You’ll likely be fine if you don’t sanitize your own cruise ship cabin.

But, we understand wanting to make extra sure you’ll be able to really enjoy your vacation. If you can’t cancel cruise ship travel or simply don’t think your itinerary poses a health risk to you and others aboard the ship, here’s how to sanitize your cruise ship cabin to give yourself a little more peace of mind.

How To Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

1. Wash Your Hands

This is the biggest advice any major health organization, including the CDC, seems to be giving individuals regardless of whether they’re travelling or not. Washing your hands is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. And, after walking around the ship all day and touching public spaces (elevators, tables, etc.), washing your hands can help you sanitize your cruise ship cabin.

How To Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

2. Bring The Right Disinfectant

Not all travel wipes and disinfectant wipes kill COVID-19. The CDC recommends for proper disinfection, “diluted household bleach solutions, alcohol solutions with at least 70% alcohol, and most common EPA-registered household disinfectants should be effective.” This includes common products such as Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, Lysol Clean & Fresh Multi-Surface Cleaner and Purell Professional Surface Disinfectant Wipes.

3. Wipe Down All Door Handles

Even though you and your family members are washing your hands (right?), it’s still a good idea to wipe down all door handles and light switches with the disinfectant wipes or antibacterial gel you brought aboard with you. Housekeeping enters probably daily and they’ve touched other doors and light switches. And, again, even though cruise ships are taking extreme measures to keep their ships clean and virus-free, it’s an extra precaution you can take if you feel like it will put your mind at ease.

How To Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

4. Do Away With Decorative Pillows

The cruise line has cleaned and cleaned your cruise ship cabin before you boarded. But, if you’re trying to disinfect your cruise ship cabin in your own, do away with the decorative pillows. Either put them in a closet or ask your steward to take them. Decorative pillows will likely have been disinfected before your stay, but they’re not often changed and washed to the same standards like regular pillowcases or sheets.

How To Sanitize Your Cruise Ship Cabin

5. Double Wash Glassware

Instead of just washing your glassware after you use it in your cabin, wash it before you use it as well. If you’re that worried about contracting the coronavirus aboard a cruise ship, then it’s just one more cautionary measure you can take. This will also ensure that, if somebody in your cabin is sick, you’re not getting germs straight from the same glass they’ve used.

6. Don’t Use The TV Remote

Experts suggest that TV remotes are one of the most germ-covered surfaces in households. It’s due to the fact that they have so many crevices and small areas that can’t be properly cleaned like a normal hard, flat surface. So, to truly sanitize your cruise ship cabin, you’ll want to avoid using your TV remote. Put it in a plastic bag to cover it and push the buttons over the bag. It’s a hassle, yes we know. But, it’s safe.

7. Wash Your Hands Again

Health officials continue to stress this again and again. Wash your hands after being out in public, after coming into contact with others and especially after touching surfaces that you suspect sick people have also touched. Not sure how to properly wash your hands to prevent getting the coronavirus? Web MD has helpful resources. And, Vietnam’s viral coronavirus PSA sparked an actual TikTok dance. The former is probably more helpful.

Elizabeth Thorn

Elizabeth has lived and worked in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia, all of which have contributed to her passion for travel writing. When she's not writing, you can find her exploring little hideouts in Colombia or watching photography tutorials on YouTube.

Contact: [email protected]

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