Should I get shots befor I go on my cruise?

Question

I was reading RC website and it said that I should get shots befor I leave, I dont have enough time for that now. I am now gettign scared that I shouldnt go.

Answer 1

The ports you will be going to are a bigger concern than the actual cruise ship, for shots. For example, some ports require shots, others, like the Western Caribbean, highly recommend you get shots.

Because I have to travel all over the world for business, and otherwise in some cases, I have to have shots anyways. When I cruise with other people, a lot of them don't get the shots and have been fine.

Just be careful when you are vacationing, you can get sick on any vacation. Always, always, wash your hands, and wash them really good. Don't drink water off the boat unless it is bottled and you open it yourself. Don't eat at any restaurants that don't look the cleanest, sea if your cruise line has some recommendations. These are just a few ideas, use your own judgement when deciding on these things.

I don't think I would not cruise because of not having the shots, unless you are required to have them, and I would also verify that you don't have time to get the shots, I would think that you would still be able to, depending on when you leave.

I hope you still go, have a great time!

Answer 2

Shots are only really required if you are traveling to selected states in South America and other lands.  If you are taking a basic cruise to MX, Caribbean , Alaska, Canada, and most Europe destinations you should be fine.  If it was requried that you get a shot the cruise line would have informed you and they will not let you board without a required shot.  If you have not received a direct letter from RCCL for your cruise I would not worry about it.

Answer 3

wouldn't get on a cruse ship if they paid me to above decks they are nice below they need tons of work and are very dirty. i live in virginia and repair ships for a liveing. the coast guard has made the liners pull in and get repairs while people where on them. they are unsafe the crews dont know how to run them. youre shots are the least of youre worrys. trust me. read up on how many pulled into port burning and the use untrained people in the enginerooms to save money

Answer 4

There is no need to get all worried and this is not a stupid question. The only place you would possibly get sick is off the cruise at a port. But even then unless you eat somewhere dirty or something you will be fine.

Don't worry, happy cruising!

Answer 5

LOL that was a funny answer.  No you don't need to get shots before you go.  They sail out of American ports and have American standards of hygiene/water standards/etc.  

You should make sure you have the standard shots that you are suppose to have anyway--like tetanus shot in case you come in contact with metal anywhere.  

Also depending on where you are sailing to.  Barbados has the cleanest water anywhere but if I were sailing in Mexico like Calica I would not drink water while in port.  If you are going to the Virgin Islands, they are US anyway and therefore even the port follows the same US standards.

Yes people get sick on cruiseships.  People get sick on vacation--it happens.  People get sick at work.  Kids who go to daycare are more likely to get sick than kids who don't go to daycare.  It's a risk when you interact with people.  You'd have that same risk at a resort.  Or at home.

Take some vitamins with you, perhaps Airborne if you've had that before and like it.  Echinasia.  Whatever helps boost your immune system if you are worried.  But calm down.

You are going to have a great time on your vacation.  Don't overplan, don't overstress.  Just enjoy your cruise.