Latest news with #ShalomSokolow
New York Post
01-08-2025
- Health
- New York Post
Sick cruise ship passenger furious after getting hit with shocking bill: ‘What is this nightmare?'
They got more than they asked for. There's nothing worse than getting sick on vacation — especially if your getaway is out at sea. A frustrated traveler took to Reddit to share not only how bad their recent experience was getting ill on a Norwegian cruise ship — but also how expensive it was. Advertisement In the r/mildlyinfuriating subreddit, the disgruntled cruise ship passenger warned, 'Don't get sick on a cruise ship' above a picture of a lengthy, itemized medical bill. This traveler left his vacation poorer and sicker. The original poster came off that cruise with a tan and a $9,750.86 bill. Advertisement If you look closely, it seems that 21 different tests were performed on the OP, which totaled around $8,761 — and then an additional $618.59 on medications and $380.27 on supplies. Yikes. It's unknown what exactly this cruise-goer came down with — but it obviously was bad. Many empathetic Reddit users took to the comment section of the post to share similar sickly experiences. Advertisement 'My neighbor had to be airlifted off a cruise ship the other year. Fortunately she is a 'veteran cruiser' and carries enough insurance to mitigate the diabolical costs. Sorry you have to absorb this, OP.' 'Over $100 to slap a fingertip pulse ox sensor on you?? What is this nightmare?' There was nothing relaxing about this cruise ship vacation. 'I love the new patient charge, where every patient is a new patient.' Advertisement To avoid getting slapped with a wildly expensive bill like this poor soul — there are a few precautions you can take to avoid getting sick before boarding your next cruise vacation. Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands thoroughly. 'Infectious diseases spread quickly on cruise ships because a lot of people share the same space day and night for an extended amount of time in relatively close contact,' Dr. Shalom Sokolow, an emergency medicine physician at Northwell's Phelps Hospital, told The Post. 'Always wash your hands after you have been in contact with other people and before you eat,' Sokolow said. While it's tempting to pig out on the buffet — Dr. Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital, explained how it's 'also an easy way for the norovirus to spread because of all the shared utensils.' Sokolow agreed, adding, 'Plentiful and fun food is among the main appeals of a cruise and there is no reason to miss out.' 'However, there are a few basic steps to protect yourself from getting sick.'
New York Post
29-06-2025
- New York Post
Massive cruise ships will soon be banned in this major European city: ‘Less polluting and more aesthetic'
Europeans are over tourists flocking to their cities — as a result, they're taking drastic measures to keep them out. Just as the Cannes Film Festival and Cannes Lions recently wrapped up, which brought in celebs from and tourists from all over — the glamorous French Riviera resort has decided to impose a 'drastic regulation' on massive cruise ships. 3 Cannes, France, is a cruise hot spot. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement Gone are the days when travelers will be able to book a European cruise where Cannes is one of the stopping points on the itinerary. Beginning next year, the French city council is banning large cruise ships that carry more than 1,000 people from its harbor with the goal of 'less numerous, less big, less polluting and more aesthetic.' Reportedly, large ships will be forced to transfer travelers to small boats if they want to visit Cannes. Advertisement 'Cannes has become a major cruise ship destination, with real economic benefits. It's not about banning cruise ships, but about regulating, organising, setting guidelines for their navigation,' Mayor David Lisnard said in a statement. 3 Cannes is known for its luxurious appeal. oleg_p_100 – The city itself has a small population of only 75,000 people, but its luxurious appeal brings in hordes of tourists throughout the year. 3 The ban will go in place January 2026. EPA Advertisement Whether you're planning on going to Cannes or not on your next cruise vacation — while aboard the massive ship, there is a chance you might get sick. To avoid doing so, experts advise practicing good hygiene first and foremost. 'Infectious diseases spread quickly on cruise ships because a lot of people share the same space day and night for an extended amount of time in relatively close contact,' Dr. Shalom Sokolow, an emergency medicine physician at Northwell's Phelps Hospital, told The Post. Dr. Eric Ascher, a family medicine physician at Northwell's Lenox Hill Hospital, agreed, adding, 'Norovirus, a stomach virus, travels very quickly on cruise ships.' Advertisement The experts also strongly encourage slathering on sunscreen. 'Sunscreen is the first thing travelers should pack, and extra!' said Ascher. 'It is important to make sure you reapply as the label instructs, especially after being in the water. And do not forget to apply to the nose, back of the neck and ears. Wearing hats and sunglasses are also things I encourage.' Lastly, make sure you make an appointment with your doctor prior to boarding the ship to be up to date on all the necessary shots, since you don't know what you might be exposed to while aboard. 'Cruises often bring together people from different parts of the world. A traveler or crew member from one continent may expose their shipmates to germs to which they have no previous exposure and therefore no immunity,' said Sokolow.
