In this guide
Mediterranean itineraries usually call at industrialized countries, so the main health themes are routine vaccines (especially measles), summer heat, food in port and long walking days. Look up each country on CDC Travelers’ Health; we use Italy as a worked example.
General information only. A doctor or travel clinic can advise you personally, ideally a month or more before you sail.
Vaccines (Italy example)
| Vaccine | What CDC says for travelers to Italy |
|---|---|
| Routine vaccines | Up to date before every trip (MMR, chickenpox, tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio, flu, shingles) |
| Measles (MMR) | All international travelers should be fully vaccinated; CDC global measles notice in place |
| COVID-19 | All eligible travelers up to date |
| Hepatitis A | Consider for most travelers; recommended for street food or visiting smaller towns and rural areas |
| Hepatitis B | Recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60 |
| Tick-borne encephalitis | Only for people with extensive outdoor exposure in risk areas |
| Yellow fever | Not recommended or required |
Source: CDC: Italy.
Why measles matters on a cruise: the CDC’s cruise chapter reports measles and other vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks on ships, and recommends that people of childbearing potential have documented immunity to measles, rubella and chickenpox before cruising (CDC Yellow Book: Cruise Ship Travel).
Heat and long port days
Mediterranean summers are hot, and port days often mean hours of walking. CDC advice (CDC: Italy):
- Eat and drink regularly; salty snacks and water help if you’re out in the heat for hours.
- Wear loose, lightweight clothing and limit activity in the heat of the day.
- Use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and seek shade during 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
If you take regular medicines, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether any of them affect how you cope with heat.
Bugs
CDC lists dengue and leishmaniasis (sand fly bites) for Italy and recommends avoiding bug bites with an EPA-registered repellent and covering skin when outdoors (CDC: Italy).
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Medicines and documents
- Bring all the medicines you’ll need, plus extra for delays, and copies of prescriptions.
- Some prescription drugs are illegal in other countries; check with each country’s embassy (CDC: Italy).
- Carry a card listing your blood type, conditions, allergies and generic medicine names.
Mediterranean cruise health checklist
- Look up each port country on CDC Travelers’ Health
- MMR and other routine vaccines up to date
- Ask about hepatitis A
- Sun hat, sunscreen, water bottle, comfortable walking shoes
- Insect repellent
- Medicines, prescriptions and a medical summary
- Insurance that covers care abroad and evacuation
Sources
- CDC Travelers’ Health, Italy – Traveler view (reviewed August 2026): https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/italy
- CDC Travelers’ Health, destination list: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/list
- CDC Yellow Book, Cruise Ship Travel: https://www.cdc.gov/yellow-book/hcp/travel-air-sea/cruise-ship-travel.html