In this guide
  1. Before you book
  2. 4–6 weeks before
  3. 3–4 weeks before
  4. 1–2 days before
  5. The cruise line has the final say
  6. Condition-specific notes from the CDC
  7. Insurance and pre-existing conditions
  8. 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.

The CDC puts it simply: having a chronic condition does not usually mean “do not travel.” It means planning ahead so your condition is well controlled and you have what you need on board (CDC Yellow Book: Travelers with Chronic Illnesses).

This guide follows the CDC’s own timeline. It’s general information. Your doctor and specialists need to judge whether, when and how you should cruise.

Before you book

  • See your doctor before paying for a non-refundable trip. The CDC suggests this so you can adjust plans if needed.
  • Ask the cruise line what medical care is available on your specific ship (CDC: Cruise Ship Travel). Facilities vary by ship size and itinerary.
  • Think about the itinerary. Long stretches at sea mean longer to reach a hospital. The CDC’s checklist suggests limiting travel to destinations or ships with access to quality care for your condition.

4–6 weeks before

From the CDC checklist (CDC):

  • Appointment with your doctor (and a travel medicine specialist) about how the trip may affect your condition, vaccines and medicines
  • Tell the cruise line if you’ll need oxygen, a wheelchair, dialysis or lifting help
  • Find out about medical facilities and pharmacies at your ports

3–4 weeks before

  • Doctor’s letter on letterhead: your conditions, medicines (generic names and doses), allergies and any equipment
  • Medical clearance from the cruise line if required, and approval for medical devices
  • Check whether any of your medicines are restricted in the countries you’ll visit
  • Travel insurance with a 24/7 assistance line and medical evacuation
  • Medical alert bracelet or a card with your medical information

1–2 days before

  • Pack enough medicine for the trip plus several extra days, in original containers, in your carry-on
  • Pack a travel health kit and any supplies (for example, ostomy supplies)

The cruise line has the final say

The CDC notes that cruise lines (and airlines) may refuse travel if someone is considered unfit, and that a doctor’s certificate is treated as advice. The final medical clearance is made by the cruise line’s medical department (CDC). Over-70s may also need a fitness certificate (see kids and seniors).

Condition-specific notes from the CDC

  • Heart conditions: after a recent heart event or procedure, defer travel for the period your cardiologist recommends; keep medicines unchanged for at least 2 weeks before long-distance travel; carry a current EKG.
  • Lung conditions: if you use oxygen at ground level, arrange supplies and tell the cruise line ahead. Some conditions call for a specialist’s clearance to cruise.
  • Kidney disease: some renal conditions are considered immunocompromising. Some ships offer dialysis; arrange it in advance (CDC cruise chapter).
  • Severe allergies: carry your health file and any prescribed epinephrine auto-injector (CDC).

These are examples, not a substitute for your specialist’s advice. The CDC lists online resources for many conditions in the chapter linked above.

Insurance and pre-existing conditions

The CDC warns that conditions needing hospitalization or medical intervention in the 90 days before departure are often excluded by travel insurers (CDC Yellow Book: Travel Insurance). Ask insurers about pre-existing condition waivers and when you must buy to qualify. See travel insurance vs. medical evacuation cover.

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Sources