OK obviously we have heard this since the time I knew where Mexico was...but where does this really apply on our cruise. I know the ship is safe...We will be in Cabo, PV and Mazatlan.

I had gone on a Missions trip to Juarez a few years back and a few of the guys with our group got sick from the ice in the fast food drinks.

I am more concerned in going to the restaurants and eateries, the shore excursions - drinks provided w/ice and such????, the small places to eat - like on Stone Island and water out of fountains at the water park and such. Just trying to cover the basis with having kids on the trip.

If you're going to a restaurant, order soda from a can. Bring your own bottled water - the ship will be selling some when you debark, or it should be fine to purchase from a farmacia or grocery store.... we always pack a water bottle that has a strapped cover - fill it with ice and water from the ship before we get off.

"Tourist" areas usually have filtered water supplies. I've never gotten sick from frozen or iced down drinks on the east coast Mexican resort areas - Cancun, Cozumel, etc. I tend to stay on the beaten path though.

Michele, it must be a concern because our excursion guides in Cabo told us that their ice is safe to drink since it's purchased directly from Coca-Cola. Now, if he was telling the truth is a whole other matter. I took him on his word, had ice in my drink and didn't get sick.
I like bottled water, just by preference. My husband and I have been violently ill in both Cancun and Cozumel in the past. I'm sure people react differently. All I know is, I never want to experience that feeling ever again.
A'ndrea

I've never had a problem... but come to think of it I think I only drink beer at the ports there. You get off the ship and for a buck you get a Dos Equies (spelling?) or Sol or some other ice cold really good Mexican beer.

Probably not a good idea for the kiddos. Stick with bottled water and canned Coke or similar. Better safe that sorry!

Cheers, Neil

I would echo Neil, I never drink the water when I go to the caribbean side. I take my water or have a few Dos X's.

My advice is to avoid mixed drinks or iced drinks at ANY Mexican port of call. My wife and I suffered "montezuma's revenge" from just a couple of frozen drinks purchased from Carlos and Charlies Cozumel. I have always done bottled beer but I let my guard down and ended up king of the porcelain throne. Be careful.

Or, as I like to say, praying to the porcelain goddess.

Oh, I don't know TrvlPro....my kiddos absolutely love a good, cold Mexican beer.

OK now ya'll have me worried I am going to have to forego my Waborita at the Cabo Wabo Cantina!!!

We'll definitely bring along the bottled water...and DH just needs his bottle of beer.

Michele, Cabo Wabo is a recommended bar and eatery by the cruise line. You'll be fine. Drink to your heart's content.
A'ndrea

WOW....that's a relief...might have had to jump of the ship if I couldn't have one of those fine Sammy Specials!!! Thanks A'ndrea your a "life" saver!

As a good rule stay away from ice in your drinks and tap water. Bottled water,canned soda,beer and wine are relatively safe. Nothing like a good dose of "Motezuma's Revenge" to ruin an otherwise perfect cruise!

BillyBuzzy

Now I'm getting scared-hehe. My friend and I are going to Costa Maya and Grand Cayman in December. Are these places bad? I've heard they are really beautiful places and then I have heard they are just plain out nasty. I dont want to spend all this money on a cruise to a place that is nasty and not enjoy the ports and I also dont want to wind up sick. Help Should I book a cruise elsewhere? We already did the Bahama's and I've always heard mexico is nice...

Hi Tabby. Welcome. I can't personally speak for Costa Maya, but G.Cayman nasty? That's the first time I've ever heard that one.

Grand Cayman is a very rich port and personally, one of my favorites. Where you dock, the shops include Versaci, Rolex and Prada, among others. Very rarely will you see such high end stores in port. Grand Cayman was clean, beautiful, well-maintained, and gorgeous. Tom Cruise owns a home here.(not like that means anything, of course)
Are you sure they weren't in another Grand Cayman?

Water is perfectly fine to drink here. Everyone speaks the English language. We stopped at a local restaurant for conch fritters and our waitress was from Maine. We struck up a long conversation with her. She loves living in G.C. and said she would never leave.

A'ndrea

I'm trying to figure out how you buy ice directly from coca-cola.

?

quote:

Originally posted by Tabby:
Now I'm getting scared-hehe. My friend and I are going to Costa Maya and Grand Cayman in December. Are these places bad? I've heard they are really beautiful places and then I have heard they are just plain out nasty. I dont want to spend all this money on a cruise to a place that is nasty and not enjoy the ports and I also dont want to wind up sick. Help Should I book a cruise elsewhere? We already did the Bahama's and I've always heard mexico is nice...

I just recieved this from Concierge.com in my email and couldn't help myself - please go to this link to relieve your mind when it comes to Grand Cayman. I think you'll agree Grand Cayman is anything but "nasty"!!!

Costa Maya is the newest addition to the Mexican Caribbean coast, designed especially for the cruise line industry. I'm fortunate enough to know a gentleman that was one of the initial investors. I wouldn't be too concerned.

Ask your doctor for a prescription for Dukoral. I always take this before going on vacation. It really works! (no, I don't have shares in the company )

Dukoral Oral Vaccine To Stop Travellers' Diarrhea Approved In Canada

TORONTO, ON -- May 13, 2003 -- Travellers' diarrhea is the most common medical problem affecting travellers to developing countries. Up to 50 per cent of international travellers to developing countries will fall victim to Travellers' diarrhea, potentially ruining a perfect vacation.

Health Canada has recently approved Dukoral™ and it will be available to Canadians in May 2003. Dukoral, indicated for adults and children two years of age and older, is the first and only oral vaccine that safely helps protect travellers against enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), the most common cause of Travellers' diarrhea. Dukoral also provides protection against cholera caused by Vibrio cholerae.


"Dukoral provides the best protection against the most common cause of travellers' diarrhea," said Dr. Suni Boraston, travel medicine specialist, Vancouver BC. "I have patients who have taken all of the necessary precautions -- drinking purified water, eating fully cooked and hot food and peeling their own fruit - and have still been affected by travellers' diarrhea. Dukoral is another way for us to help our patients have an uninterrupted vacation or business trip."


Two doses of Dukoral, taken one week apart prior to the trip, helps protect travellers for three months. The last dose should be taken at least one week before departure.