Even luxury hotels have been bitten by the bugs. Bed bugs, that is, but surely you won’t find them on your next cruise, right?
“The short answer: Yes, and they’re equally content to feed on the blood of both the budget-minded and big spenders,” according to Cruise Critic.
Cruise ship infestations are rare, it adds, but the site has some reports of them.
For those with morbid curiosities, Web site CruiseBruise.com keeps a list of cruise outbreaks.
The unfortunate aspect of bed bugs is that since the ban of the once-common pesticide DDT, the bugs have become more immune to the chemicals now being used, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
They’ve become stronger. And that means they can be found almost any place, even the luxury cabins of cruise ships.
How do they get there? Often riding in hand bags or in luggage.
But cruisers don’t have to panic. All they need do is inspect their mattress and bedding, especially in any folds or corners. If you find any, simply report them to a cabin steward or ship doctor.
Ships have specific procedures to chemically treat rooms with bed bugs.
By David Wilkening
