Do you really have to get immunized against weird diseases to go on a Caribbean cruise ?

Question

I'm thinking about going on a cruise to the Caribbean but the website says that I am responsible for getting immunized against whatever diseases one might encounter there, such as yellow fever, typhoid, etc., and that I should visit a travel clinic to get the shots and an immunization card. But if I'm going to be in a resort area, would I really need all that? and do they even check?

Answer 1

There is no regulation (for Americans) to get immunized. You do not have to get any immunizations to visit the Caribbean on a cruise.  If you are going to the normal cruise ports, just take normal precautuions such as drinking bottled water when on shore (the ship sells bottled water when passengers go ashore), do not eat local meats from street vendors, etc

  You will not encounter tropical diseases.  Do not be worried about shipboard safety, either.  There are tens of thounsands who cruise each year and only two or three fall overboard.  These are the fools who got so drunk they deserved it.

Answer 2

If you go on a Western Cruise it is highly recommended that you do. The main problem that I have heard of is hepatitis. It can't hurt to get the shots, it better to be safe than sorry.

You should call your cruise line or travel agent and make sure that you are not required to have the shots. If you are required than I would definitely get them. You could be refused boarding without the shots and it buy chance that allow you to board, there is a chance that when going through customs you may have problems. As long as it isn't required you will be fine with or without, but there is always the chance of getting something, so it wouldn't be a bad idea to get immunized.

Even if you are going to a resort area there is the chance that you could get sick from something, employees, travelers, guests, etc. could all have a disease that you should protect yourself against. Also remember that not all ports are a resort area, some of them may not be what you expect, but can be more like a little village. It depends on your ports, however.

In short, more than likely you aren't required to get immunized, but most people recommend getting it. Just be sure to confirm with your cruise line that you don't have to have them and if you can purchase trip insurance to be on the safe side!

Have a great time!

Answer 3

just came back from eastern carribean and we didnt get any shots before.if it makes you feel better check with your dr.happy sailing.

Answer 4

Depends on where you go.  My wife and I took a cruise to the Bahamas last year and never got any shots at all, an no, no one asked us for documentation.  There ARE areas where immunization is a must, but that particular area of the Caribbean is evidently not one of them.

Answer 5

The cruse company will not let you drink dirty water.  Just take some motion sickness patches just incase.

Answer 6

not really i wasnt unless you go to like islands that only small boats go to not the more traveled ones i ahve gone on two cruises and both times i didnt get immjunized against anything.

Answer 7

I'd suggest getting the shot if you're doing the western Caribbean, but not the eastern....in my opinion.  You probably won't catch anything in the Caribbean no matter where you go, but I've heard some of the island south of Aruba ... might be a good idea to get a shot.

Answer 8

I would be careful about cruise safety more than about cruise diseases. Google 'cruise safety issues' before you go. There have been some negative stories about sexual assaults and murders/dissappearances on cruises (port excursions too), and they are not under U.S. sovereignty when they are out of U.S. territorial waters. So I'd look into that sort of safety for sure.

.