Safety of water?

[Jim1970]

Hello,

We are going on a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise in December. We are doing our research now and we are learning a lot. We have a question.

We do not want to become ill during our trip. We want to know about drinking water during our trip. Is it safe on the ship? Bottled water only while on excursions? What about ice in drinks -- on the ship okay but not on land?

Any advice about consuming water is appreciated!

James

[Phil&Liz]

You should be just fine on the ship. Ashore you should try to stick with bottled. Try to locate a shop or store that sells water and pick up a few while you are out. Drinks ahore should be ok in most larger establishments. A small hole in the wall mom and pop kind of place in town may not be safe.

Maybe pack some stomach meds from home just in case so you don't have to be charged by the ship doctor for them, just like the sea sickness pills etc.

Phil & Liz

[wraithe]

Ship's water is steam distilled from sea water, at a temp of about 150 degrees, so it kills all the beasties in the water that could be there. They also chlorinate it before it goes in the tanks, to prevent growth of any organisms. So no worries on the ship, but I would stick to beer, wine, or soda while on shore, bottled water half the time comes from a local tap, so it isn't going to protect you to buy bottled.

[My2cents]

I've cruised to the eastern carribean a few times and always drink water/tea w/ice in a glass at onshore restaurants, but I do go to decent looking places. If I'm going to a beach, I take bottled water from the ship.

I always drink water right out of the tap in the cruise cabin and I've done so on the past 10 cruises (many different lines).

The only place I've made sure to drink bottled water if not in a nice restaurant...is in Mexico. Been there many times (cruises and direct vacations) and never a problem for me or my children.