Like many people escaping a Maine winter, I recently took a cruise to warmer weather. Sunshine, ocean air, and a break from the snow are hard to beat this time of year. Cruises are a great way to travel, but after spending years treating foot and ankle problems, I couldn’t help but notice the many ways people could potentially injure their feet while onboard.
Ship medical clinics are excellent, but they are also notoriously expensive. A little awareness can help you avoid problems and enjoy the trip without an unexpected visit to the ship’s doctor.
Here are a few cruising tips I noticed firsthand.
Be Careful with Drink Packages
Cruise lines make drink packages very appealing, but they are not always the best choice for your health. Paying for beverages as you go may make more sense and be less expensive in the long run
Alcohol can increase the risk of gout attacks, especially in people who have had gout in the past. Eating rich meals, dehydration, and increased alcohol intake can trigger a painful flare in the big toe joint. A gout attack at sea can quickly derail a vacation.
Excess alcohol also increases the risk of falls and injuries. Ships are constantly moving—even when you barely notice. Seas can get rough and alcohol can affect balance and reaction time. I saw more than one passenger limping after a long evening at the bar.
Enjoy the trip, but moderation goes a long way when it comes to keeping your feet (and the rest of you) safe.
Rinse Off After the Pool or Hot Tub
Cruise ships have beautiful pools and hot tubs, but they are also shared environments with a lot of bare feet. Not everyone showers before getting into the pool.
After using the pool, hot tub, or spa area, it’s a good idea to shower and dry your feet thoroughly. Warm, moist environments can promote fungal infections like athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.
Be sure to wear shoes on the pool deck because it can get quite hot in the midday sun.
Watch the Bathroom Threshold
One small detail surprised me on the cruise: the raised threshold entering the bathroom in the cabin.
It’s easy to miss, especially in the middle of the night. More than one passenger mentioned catching their toe or tripping on it. Stubbed toes and minor falls can easily happen in these tight cabin spaces.
A small nightlight or simply being mindful of that step can prevent a painful toe injury.
On Formal Night, Skip the Dress Shoes
Cruise formal nights are fun. People love getting dressed up for photos and dinner.
My advice: wear the beautiful dress or sharp suit but skip the uncomfortable dress shoes.
You’ll be standing in lines, walking across large dining rooms, and possibly moving between decks. Painful shoes can quickly turn an elegant evening into a miserable one.
The secret? Wear comfortable shoes. No one will see them in the photos anyway.
Bring One Pair of Good Walking Shoes
Cruise ships are essentially floating cities. You may end up walking far more than you expect.
Between excursions, shows, restaurants, and exploring the ship, many passengers walk several miles a day. Hard decks can aggravate plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendon pain, or forefoot soreness.
One comfortable pair of supportive walking shoes can make a huge difference.
Pack a Small First Aid Kit
A small travel first aid kit can solve many problems before they become bigger ones—especially when you’re far from home.
Consider packing:
- Band-Aids or blister bandages
- Moleskin for hot spots
- Antibiotic ointment
- A small nail clipper or file
- Gauze or medical tape
Blisters, minor cuts, and irritated skin can happen easily when you’re walking more than usual. Treating them early can prevent an infection or a painful blister that makes the next day’s excursion miserable.
A Simple Habit That Helps
One simple habit that works well while traveling is keeping your feet clean and dry after long days of walking.
I often recommend using a gentle antimicrobial spray after showering to reduce bacteria and irritation on the skin. A quick daily routine helps keep skin healthy, especially when you’re spending long days in warm climates and shared environments.
Enjoy the Trip
Cruises are a wonderful way to recharge during the winter months. With a little awareness—moderating alcohol, wearing comfortable shoes, watching for trip hazards, keeping your feet clean, and packing a small first aid kit—you can avoid many of the small problems that turn into painful interruptions.
Your vacation should be about sunsets and new destinations—not foot pain.
If you’re dealing with heel pain, toenail problems, or foot discomfort before an upcoming trip, we can help you address it before you travel so you can enjoy every step of your journey.
Schedule a visit at Lighthouse Foot & Ankle Center:
www.lighthousefootandankle.com
