A purported symbol of luxury that turns out to be a source of contamination may sound like a metaphor for critiquing society.
But it’s also an actual thing on cruise ships, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In the fall, the federal agency released the results of an investigation into two separate outbreaks of Legionnaires’ disease aboard cruise ships. (This was back when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still tried to, you know, control and prevent diseases.)
In each case, the source of the severe bacterial pneumonia was traced to hot tubs on private balconies adjoining luxury suites.
Cruisers who book those kinds of staterooms pay large sums for the extra space and amenities. As an unexpected perk, those passengers evidently get easy access to the nastiest part of the ship, too.
The Filthiest Part of a Cruise Ship Is in the Fanciest Part of a Cruise Ship
According to the CDC, any hot tub potentially provides favorable conditions for the growth and transmission of Legionella bacteria, which thrive in wet and warm environments and cause Legionnaires’ disease.
But both of the unnamed cruise lines in the report minimized the chances of bacteria transmission in the ships’ public hot tubs by regularly “removing the heating elements, draining water between uses, and increasing the frequency of hyperchlorination and cleaning.”
Private hot tubs on suite balconies, on the other hand, “are not subject to the same maintenance requirements” as public hot tubs in a ship’s common areas, the CDC found.
First of all, yuck.
Second of all, yikes.
Legionnaires’ disease is serious business, characterized by flulike symptoms that develop into high fever, cough, diarrhea, severe pneumonia, and mental confusion. The disease can be fatal, especially for seniors and immunocompromised people.
And by the way, Legionella isn’t the only type of dangerous pathogen that could be lurking amid the bubbles in a hot tub. A simple soak can lead to “gastrointestinal disease, ear infections, skin infections, and respiratory infections,” warns Reader’s Digest.
How to Avoid Getting Sick from a Hot Tub During a Cruise
You could just stay out of hot tubs altogether, of course.
But if that strikes you as an unthinkable sacrifice, there’s a fairly simple measure you can take before lowering your vulnerable self into a hot tub on your cruise suite’s balcony—or, for that matter, on the balcony of your hotel room or next to the pool at your vacation rental.
You can check the safety of the water yourself.
Before your trip, simply buy some test strips at the hardware store or online. You can order hot tub testing kits at Amazon for around $10.
Kits won’t take up much room in your luggage, and they’re not prohibited by the Transportation Security Administration or cruise lines.
Before testing the water in a hot tub for private use, read the kit’s instructions carefully and make sure the expiration date hasn’t passed.
According to the CDC, here’s what you’re looking for: The “free chlorine level should be at least 3 parts per million”; the “bromine level should be at least 4 parts per million”; and the “pH should be 7.0–7.8.”
If any of those numbers are off, don’t get in the water and alert a crew member.
The CDC found that the risks are lower in cruise ships’ public hot tubs—and, besides, you’d look a little funny testing the water in those.
Even so, the CDC recommends inquiring, if possible, about how often the hot tub is cleaned and how frequently the water is tested. Water inspections should happen at least twice per day—more when the hot tub is being used by a lot of people. The tub should be scrubbed at least once a day and the water frequently replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
For more tips on protecting yourself from Legionnaires’ disease go to the CDC’s website.
And for more helpful pointers on staying healthy on the high seas, see our recent collection of best cruising practices.
