Myth #1: Cruises are floating petri dishes
Myth #1: Cruises Are Floating Petri Dishes
Let’s be honest—if you’ve ever told someone you’re going on a cruise, there’s a good chance you’ve heard it: “Aren’t cruise ships just floating petri dishes?” It’s one of those stubborn myths that clings to cruising like sunscreen after a day at the pool. And sure, germs exist wherever people gather. But here’s the truth: modern cruise ships are some of the most regulated, inspected, and rigorously cleaned environments in travel. Far from being petri dishes, they’re more like floating fortresses against germs.
The Numbers Tell a Different Story
Every year in the U.S., there are 19–21 million cases of norovirus. According to the CDC, less than 1% of those are linked to cruise ships. So where are the other 99%? On land—schools, nursing homes, daycare centers, restaurants, and community events.
Cruises make headlines because they’re required to report and investigate outbreaks, while your local pizza joint or kid’s cafeteria isn’t under the same level of scrutiny. That transparency makes cruise lines an easy target for dramatic coverage—but also means you can trust they’re doing something about it.
How Ships Stay Clean (Spoiler: It’s Constant)
Modern ships operate under strict sanitation rules, including oversight from the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). Inspectors drop in unannounced to check food handling, water systems, housekeeping, and medical facilities. Ships are scored, and those scores are made public. (Imagine if every hotel or resort had to post their latest inspection grade at the front desk!)
Behind the scenes, the cleaning protocols would put even the tidiest housekeeper to shame:
Surfaces sanitized constantly. Handrails, elevator buttons, and door handles are wiped down multiple times a day.
Dining spaces under the microscope. Crew members monitor self-service buffets, sanitize tongs, and swap them out frequently.
Cabins deep-cleaned daily. Stateroom attendants disinfect high-touch surfaces like light switches and remotes every time they tidy up.
Air filtration systems. Many ships now use hospital-grade HVAC filters that refresh and circulate clean air throughout the vessel.
Crew health checks. Crew members undergo strict medical screenings before joining the ship and are monitored regularly while onboard.
And this isn’t just a checklist—it’s real, visible work. On my most recent cruise, I saw crew members cleaning constantly—not just the obvious spots like railings and elevator buttons, but places you wouldn’t even think about. They were wiping down decorative ledges, polishing wall panels, even sanitizing the corners of staircases. And at the entrance to the buffet? There was a cheerful crew member stationed there singing the “washy-washy” song to make sure everyone scrubbed up before grabbing a plate. It’s impossible not to smile, but it also drives home how seriously they take sanitation.
What Passengers Can Do
Cruise lines do the heavy lifting, but passengers play a role too. The good news? The habits that keep you healthy at home work just as well at sea.
Wash your hands. Soap and water beat hand sanitizer every time. Do it before meals, after using the restroom, and after touching shared surfaces.
Use the handwashing stations. Ever notice the sinks or sanitizer dispensers dotted around the ship? They’re not a suggestion—they’re your best friend.
Be honest if you’re sick. Cruise medical staff are trained to respond quickly. Reporting early helps protect you and your fellow passengers.
Practice common sense. Don’t share drinks, skip the buffet if you’re feeling off, and take the same precautions you would at a busy concert, hotel, or sporting event.
Why the Myth Sticks Around
Cruise ships get more media attention because they’re visible, self-contained environments. If 50 people get sick at a wedding or a school, it’s rarely national news. If it happens on a ship? It’s splashed across every headline. The irony is that you’re often safer on a cruise precisely because of the inspections, cleaning, and reporting requirements.
Final Thought
So, are cruises floating petri dishes? Not even close. They’re floating resorts with round-the-clock cleaning teams, strict government oversight, and more transparency than most places you’ll ever travel. With a little common sense and some good handwashing habits, your chances of getting sick at sea are actually lower than they are on land.
Next time someone tries that line on you, just smile and say:
“Actually, my cruise ship is cleaner than your local restaurant—and it has better views.”