Watch out! These 13 disgusting things often happen on a cruise ship

It is very easy for germs to grow and spread on a cruise ship, but unfortunately that is just the tip of the iceberg. Read on to know more.

You won’t believe these 13 disgusting things that happen on a cruise ship!

In case you're planning to take a cruise trip this holiday season, you might want to reconsider. It's more likely that you'll end up with a stomach flu than a camera full of pictures!

Yes, you read that right!

Most cruise ships are floating beds of diseases and germs. In fact, in March this year, 8 percent of passengers and 3 percent of the Coral Princess crew were left sick by norovirus. This incident prompted the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue stricter actions to make sure the ship was sanitised and followed all health procedures.

Unfortunately, this is not a one-off case.

It is very easy for germs to grow and spread on a cruise ship. But that is just the tip of the iceberg. You'll be shocked to read what happens on a cruise on a regular basis! So keep your eyes peeled for these.

Bedbugs on board

This is one of the most common issues with cruise ships. Since most rooms do not get ample sunlight, they become a breeding ground for bedbugs.

Sometimes even sprays do not work with them. Sunlight is needed, but impossible to get. And while CDC has provisions to check cleanliness for bedbugs, many ships do not follow them and these stubborn pests become difficult to get rid of once they infest the ship.

Dirty beer taps

If you thought it's a good idea to kick back with a pint of beer, it's probably best you don't! Many cruise ships lack basic hygiene, and that includes unclean beer taps.

When left untreated, beer taps can get soiled with dirt and germs. So keep an eye out for beer taps and ask the waiter about them as well.

Buffets

A buffet can be tricky in ships. Many people who themselves do not maintain hygiene use their dirty hands to pick up food, without opting for tongs or spoons.

On the other hand, the crew may avoid telling passengers to be more orderly when picking food. Either way, unhygienic!

Dirty dishes

While on your vacation, the last thing you need to see is yesterday's food still stuck to your 'fresh' plate!

Plates and saucers are often left uncleaned or not cleaned properly. This is an all-too-common issue in cruise journeys. So watch out!

Sick crew members onboard

Many crew members are unable to afford leave even when they are unwell. As a result, they end up passing their germs to other crew members and passengers.

Although the CDC has pretty strict rules about crew hygiene and health, they are not followed rigorously.

Dirty play areas

This one is a real problem! Most of us parents travel with our kids everywhere, and they also need their separate areas to play. But what if those areas were filled with dirt, germs and sometimes even poop?

This happens when play pens and play areas are not sanitised properly. In May this year, the CDC found that Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas ship had many soiled large toys on the floor. "They were soiled with dust and debris beyond a day’s worth of accumulation," it reported.

Fake food logs

Sometimes ships maintain fake food logs to show that the food passengers eat is safe and germ-free.

This is especially common for meat when they are kept in low temperatures and cooked, against the policies of CDC.

Taste testing 'experts'

You may have noticed that royals and politicians often hire taste testers. They ensure that the food is not just tasty but also of good quality.

But what if a taste tester dips his used spoon into the cooker or adds salt with his dirty hands! Eww, right?

This is also common in cruise ships. While it's difficult for passengers to check this, make sure to read the ship's sanitary check list before booking your maiden journey.

Ant infestation

An ant infestation or any kind of pest infestation for that matter can wreak havoc in a ship.

Especially with food and water all around, it can lead to infections and health problems.

SO CDC has listed ways on how to clean the ships and often inspect them on this matter.

Dirty Hot Tubs

You're bound to use a hot tub during your cruise trip. But just imagine if it is cleaned and changed only once a week.

Imagine the number of people who may have used it in that one week. Not so sanitary after all, eh!

Mold in food

A ship called the Crown Princess was inspected by CDC this year. The inspector found "pan containing peppers … soiled with white debris. A pepper in the pan had white mold."

Unfortunately, this is also not a one-off incident.

Many times you may notice mold growing out of your food. And, if you do, report it to the ship authorities immediately.

Unknown pink slime

Many ice and coffee dispensers also remain untouched and uncleaned, thereby, giving rise to germs and gunk.

You may even notice a strange, pink slime on these machines. This actually happened on the Carnival Paradise in June this year. The ship was given low ratings and blasted for its lack of hygiene. So the point is that you should keep an eye open on how food gets into your cups and onto your plates.

Suspect tap water

You may think that the tap water you use on a ship is clean and comes fresh from the water tank. But chances are it is drawn from the sea!

While many machines allow potable water to be made from the sea, the CDC has rules on how to make it, and how to clean it. Both of these regulations are flouted often.