Traveling to new places, experiencing local culture, enjoying local foods, and enjoying the scenery are all part of a great cruise. However, the physical demands of traveling or cruising can be challenging for some, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, or asthma. From limited medical facilities to the risk of contracting new diseases, chronic disease patients find it difficult to go on cruising adventures.

Fortunately, here are some tips for chronically ill patients to plan a cruise trip while keeping themselves safe:

1. Talk to your doctor

If you have a chronic disease, visiting your doctor before embarking on the cruise ship is a must. Your doctor knows your health condition better than anyone else. So, it is essential to inform your physician about your cruise trip in advance. They can tell you whether you are fit to travel or not.

Chronic diseases like diabetes are challenging. Yet traveling with health conditions like cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis can be much more difficult. Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Tell your doctor if you experience any pain or breathing problems before going on vacation. It is also essential to keep an eye out to control various symptoms of mesothelioma to prevent any emergency during the cruise trip.

2. Purchase a good travel insurance

Purchasing good travel insurance before embarking on a cruise trip is also essential as you’ll be visiting international ports. Without travel insurance, you’ll have to pay for the medical expenses abroad. Medical care is expensive for severe chronic illnesses such as heart disease or mesothelioma. However, travel insurance ensures you won’t have to pay for medical care during your trip. 

However, not all insurance companies cover conditions such as mesothelioma or heart disease. But you can find ones that do cover these. Make sure to purchase travel insurance from companies that cover the pre-existing conditions, even if they sell them at a premium.

3. Plan your excursions

Although you might want to visit all attractions during your cruise journey, you must not stress your body if you have a chronic illness. The best way to keep yourself stress-free is to plan your excursions well before embarking on your adventure. 

Be realistic about what is doable for you and what isn't. Think about the energy each excursion would require and whether your body can handle the stress. You can also consult your family or caretakers about the excursions and ask for their advice.

4. Pack your medicines

To enjoy a worry-free time, you need to pack all your medicines well in advance. Pack all medications you might need, including antibiotics, painkillers, etc. Although you may find these medicines on a cruise ship, they’ll be priced up. And some meds might not even be available on board the cruise ship. So, it is best to bring your medicines along with you.

An important thing to remember is to keep your prescribed medicines in their original bottles. It avoids the hassle at the time of departure. Also, pack your medication in a hand carry, so you can access them anytime.

5. Check Out Cruise Assistance

Cruise assistance is just like airline assistance. Cruise assistance can help disabled or chronically ill patients embark, disembark, and get around the cruise. You can contact your cruise ship before going onboard to let them know that you might need extra help.

If you are traveling alone, then it is a must. Being a patient with chronic illness, you might be perfectly fine one day and be in extreme pain the next. Knowing someone is there to help when you need it makes a lot of difference. You can enjoy your cruise stress-free.

6. Find a travel partner

Although some people like to travel alone, it is not the best idea for chronically ill persons. Taking your spouse or a travel partner on your cruise trip is a good idea. That way, you'll enjoy the company of a loved one and have peace of mind knowing someone is there for you. Talk to your spouse or the travel partner about what you can and can't do. Ask them if they're willing to come along, knowing they won’t be able to do adventurous stuff on the cruise. 

7. Plan your meals ahead of time

By planning your means in advance, you can ensure you don't contract food allergies during your cruise. It is essential to plan your meals ahead of time. Contact your cruise ship in advance to inform them of your food allergies. Your cruise line can prepare for your food needs if you discuss your condition with them.

8. Do some exercise

You can exercise when you have time to keep yourself healthy on a cruise. Most cruise ships offer gym facilities onboard where you can do cardio, strength training, and stretching. You can schedule a 30-minute slot for your cardio and strength training exercises. If your cruise ship does not offer gym facilities, you can do indoor strength training exercises yourself.

9. Bring a sanitizing kit with you

Traveling is very risky for people with chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems. It poses a threat of new diseases, especially for people who travel by airplane or cruise ship. There are thousands of passengers on a cruise ship and a lot of germs as well. To ensure that you don’t contract new diseases, you must bring a sanitization kit with you. A good sanitization kit includes a hand sanitizer, an air mask with a filter, gloves, and sanitizing wipes.

Conclusion

Cruise vacations are pleasing, fun, and relaxing. Yet tiresome and physically challenging for some people, especially those suffering from chronic illnesses. However, it doesn't mean chronic disease patients can't enjoy their cruises. 

Following some simple tips, chronically ill patients can enjoy their vacations. Visiting your doctor before you plan your cruise trip, purchasing travel insurance, bringing your sanitization kit, and packing your medical supplies are some things you can do to ensure your safety. 

To enjoy fully, you can plan your excursions, travel with a partner, and let your cruise liner know about your food allergies and the extra help you might need.

Then get packing and explore the triple-fold benefits of traveling, being on a cruise ship, and exploring the world on your next vacation.