In this guide
  1. 1. Your prescription medicines
  2. 2. Over-the-counter basics
  3. 3. First aid and skin
  4. 4. Health documents
  5. 5. Tell the cruise line in advance
  6. Before you go
  7. Sources
General information, not medical advice. This guide explains common options and official guidance. It can't account for your health, medicines or itinerary. Talk to your own doctor or pharmacist before your cruise. Medical disclaimer.

Packing a few health basics can save you a paid trip to the medical center, and the CDC notes that over-the-counter medicines can cost more onboard (CDC Yellow Book: Cruise Ship Travel). Use this as a starting checklist and ask your doctor or pharmacist what’s right for you, especially if you take regular medicines.

1. Your prescription medicines

  • Enough for the whole trip, plus a few extra days in case of delays (State Department).
  • Original packaging, in your carry-on, not checked luggage (CDC Yellow Book: Travel Insurance).
  • Copies of prescriptions and a doctor’s letter listing your conditions and medicines by generic name (State Department).
  • Check each port country’s rules. Some medicines that are legal at home (for example some ADHD medicines or sleeping pills) are restricted elsewhere (State Department).
  • Emergency medicines your doctor has prescribed, such as an epinephrine auto-injector (CDC).

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2. Over-the-counter basics

The CDC recommends that cruisers pack over-the-counter medicines and suggests COVID-19 and flu test kits (CDC). The CDC’s general Pack Smart list for travelers is a good reference. Common categories:

  • Pain and fever relief
  • Seasickness options you’ve discussed with a pharmacist (see seasickness options compared)
  • Antacid and anti-diarrhea medicine
  • Antihistamine for allergies
  • COVID-19 and flu home test kits
  • Oral rehydration salts

Choose products and doses with your pharmacist. Some aren’t suitable with other medicines or conditions.

3. First aid and skin

  • Adhesive bandages, blister plasters, antiseptic wipes

  • Hand sanitizer. Note that the CDC says norovirus causes more than 90% of confirmed GI outbreaks on cruise ships, and handwashing with soap and water matters most (CDC)

  • Sunscreen and after-sun

  • EPA-registered insect repellent for ports where mosquitoes carry disease (CDC)

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4. Health documents

  • A short health summary: conditions, medicines (generic names), allergies, doctor’s contact details. The CDC suggests carrying a health file (CDC).
  • If you have a heart condition, a copy of your most recent EKG (CDC Yellow Book: Travel Insurance)
  • Insurance cards, policy number, the 24/7 assistance phone number and claim forms
  • Vaccination records if your ports require them (State Department)

5. Tell the cruise line in advance

If you need dialysis, oxygen, a wheelchair or other special arrangements, the CDC advises arranging this with the cruise line before you sail (CDC).

Before you go

Book a pre-travel check with your doctor if you have ongoing health conditions, are pregnant (most lines don’t allow boarding after 24 weeks, per the CDC), or are unsure about vaccines for your ports.

Sources