The Dirtiest Places on a Cruise Ship (According to Experts)

I’ll never forget this one cruise where my youngest licked the handrail. Not even joking. We were walking down the stairs after dinner and before I could say a word, he just… leaned over and did it. I stood there like, well… that’s one way to build an immune system I guess.

And honestly, that moment stuck with me. Because cruises feel so clean. Everything is shiny, smells good, staff is wiping things down nonstop. But when you really think about it… you’ve got thousands of people all touching the same stuff all day long.

Now don’t get me wrong, I LOVE cruising. I’ve been on more than 15 with my husband and our three kids, and I’d book another one tomorrow without thinking twice. But after a few trips, you start noticing little things. Like what everyone touches… and how fast it gets touched again right after it’s cleaned.

So this isn’t meant to freak you out. It’s just the stuff I wish I paid more attention to earlier. Because once you know, you can avoid a lot of it and still have the best time.

Why Cruise Ships Can Be a Breeding Ground for Germs

Cruise ships are kind of the perfect setup for germs, even with all the cleaning going on. You’ve got thousands of passengers, crew from all over the world, and everyone sharing the same spaces for days at a time.

And it’s not even that cruise lines aren’t cleaning. They are. I’ve seen staff wiping down railings at like 6 in the morning while I’m grabbing coffee. But the problem is… it doesn’t stay clean for long. Someone comes right behind you and touches the same spot five seconds later.

Then you add in things like buffets, elevators, casinos, pools. Basically all the fun stuff. That’s where everyone ends up, and that’s where hands are going everywhere.

Cabins turn over fast too. Sometimes in just a few hours. So while they do a great job, there are a few spots that can get missed or just not cleaned as often as you’d think.

And one more thing people don’t really think about. You’ve got travelers coming from everywhere. Different countries, different flights, different germs being brought onboard. It’s just part of traveling.

Again, this isn’t me saying cruises are dirty. I still think they’re one of the best vacations you can take, especially with kids. You just want to be a little aware of what’s getting touched the most… because those are usually the spots that matter.

The Dirtiest Places on a Cruise Ship

Hot Tubs (Especially Private Ones)

This one surprised me the first time I heard it. You’d think the dirtiest spot would be a bathroom or something obvious. Nope. It’s the hot tubs.

And not even always the big ones out on the pool deck. The smaller, private ones can actually be worse. The reason is pretty simple. Warm water, a bunch of people, and not always getting cleaned as often as you’d expect. That combo is just… not great.

I used to think booking a suite with a private tub was like the ultimate upgrade. Now I’m a little more cautious. I’m not saying never use them, but I definitely don’t just hop in without thinking anymore.

If I do use a hot tub, I rinse off after. Every time. It’s a quick habit but it makes me feel way better about it.

Buffet Utensils and Self-Serve Stations

If you’ve cruised before, you already know how busy the buffet gets. Especially on sea days. It’s chaos in the best way, but also… yeah, a lot of hands.

Those serving tongs and spoons get passed around nonstop. People grab them, set them down, grab them again. And not everyone washes their hands like they should. You see it happen and you just kinda pretend you didn’t.

Drink stations are another one. The buttons, the handles, even the little area where you grab your cup. It’s all getting touched over and over again.

What I do now is wash my hands before I go in and right after I leave. And sometimes I’ll grab a napkin to hold the utensils if it’s really busy. Maybe a little extra, but I’ve got three kids, I’m not taking chances.

Elevator Buttons

This is probably the most obvious one, but also the hardest to avoid. Everyone is using the elevators. Kids, adults, people coming from the pool, the gym, the buffet. All of it.

And those buttons? They’re getting pressed all day long. Like… all day. There’s no break.

I’ve started using my knuckle or even my elbow when I can. It feels a little silly at first but honestly you stop caring after a day. Half the ship is doing the same thing anyway.

If you can take the stairs, even better. I tell myself it counts as a workout, even if it’s just one deck.

Handrails (Stairs and Deck Areas)

This goes right along with the elevators. Handrails are everywhere, and people use them without even thinking about it. Especially when the ship is moving.

I used to grab them all the time, especially going down stairs in heels at dinner. Now I try not to unless I really need to.

The thing is, even when crew wipes them down, they don’t stay clean long. Someone’s grabbing it right after. Then someone else. It just keeps going.

So if I do use them, I’m making a mental note to wash my hands soon after. It’s one of those small habits that actually makes a difference.

Casino Chips and Slot Machines

Okay this one is kind of a hidden one. You don’t really think about it unless you spend time in the casino.

Chips are getting passed from person to person all night. And slot machines, those buttons and screens are constantly being touched.

My husband loves the casino, so I’ve spent my fair share of time there. And once you notice it, you can’t unsee it. People eating snacks, touching machines, going back and forth.

Now I just make sure I wash my hands when we leave. No touching my face, no grabbing food right after. Simple stuff, but it helps.

Cabin TV Remotes and Phones

This one kind of grossed me out when I first thought about it. Because your cabin feels like your safe space, right?

But those remotes and phones are some of the most touched items in the room. And during quick turnaround days, they might not always get the same attention as everything else.

Now the first thing I do when we get in the room is wipe down the remote, the phone, and the light switches. It takes maybe a minute.

And after that, I don’t think about it again the rest of the trip. Worth it.

Public Restroom Door Handles

This one is exactly what you think it is. Not everyone washes their hands. We all know it, even if we don’t want to admit it.

So those door handles? Yeah… they’re a problem.

If there’s a paper towel, I’ll use it to open the door on the way out. If not, I’ll use my elbow or just go straight to sanitizer after.

Little things like that just become second nature after a few cruises.

Gym Equipment

I always tell myself I’m going to work out every day on a cruise. Reality is… maybe a couple times. But when I do go, I’m way more aware now.

You’ve got people sweating, hopping from machine to machine, and not everyone wipes things down like they should.

Most ships do have cleaning stations, which is great. I just wipe everything before and after I use it. Takes a few seconds and honestly just feels like common sense at this point.

How to Stay Healthy on a Cruise (Without Stressing)

I promise you don’t need to walk around in a bubble to enjoy your trip. I’ve done plenty of cruises with my family and we’ve stayed healthy most of the time just by being a little more aware.

Wash Your Hands (Yes, Really)

I know, I know. Everyone says this. But it actually matters more than anything else.

Hand sanitizer is fine, but good old soap and water is better. Especially after the buffet, elevators, or the casino.

On cruises, I wash my hands way more than I do at home. It just becomes part of the routine.

Bring a Small Sanitizing Kit

I always pack a little bag with wipes and hand sanitizer. Nothing crazy. Just enough to wipe down the remote, phone, and a few surfaces when we first get in the room.

It takes maybe a minute, and then I don’t think about it again the rest of the trip.

I’ll also throw it in my beach bag or backpack for the day. Comes in handy more than you’d think.

Be Smart About High-Traffic Areas

You don’t have to avoid them. That would defeat the whole point of cruising. But just be a little mindful.

If the buffet is packed, maybe wait a few minutes or go at an off time. If you can take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for it.

And I’m a big fan of using my knuckle or elbow for buttons. It sounds silly, but it works.

Shower After Hot Tubs or Pools

This is one habit I never skip anymore. Even if I’m tired, even if it’s late. I always rinse off after being in the pool or hot tub.

It’s quick, and it just makes you feel clean again. Especially after being around a lot of people.

Check the Ship’s Health Inspection Score

Most people don’t even know you can do this. But cruise ships get inspected regularly, and the scores are public.

If a ship scores 86 or higher, it’s considered passing. And a lot of them score really high.

It takes a couple minutes to look it up before your trip, and it can give you a little peace of mind going in.

Should You Be Worried About Cruise Ship Cleanliness?

Honestly? No.

I’ve been on more than 15 cruises with my family, and we’ve had way more amazing trips than anything else. The crew works hard, you can see it everywhere. Cleaning, wiping things down, keeping everything running.

But at the end of the day, it’s still a shared space with a lot of people. That’s just part of it.

So instead of stressing, I just stay aware. Wash my hands, wipe a few things down, and go enjoy my vacation.

Because that’s really the goal. You’re there to relax, eat way too much, maybe let your kids stay up too late, and make memories you’ll laugh about later.

Just maybe… don’t let anyone lick the handrails 😅