Panama Canal in December

[flacity49]

Hi, My very good friend is being treated to a cruise in December to the Panama Canal. She is not a computer person, so I told her I would try to get some information from the experts (you guys). One of the ladies that she will be traveling with told her she needs to have a VISA and immunizations. She has not heard from Holland America, but she if a worry wort. Does anyone know about this?

[CruiserBruce]

No visa, but you will need a passport to leave and get back in the country.
Remember, the passport must be good for 6 months past your return date.

No immunizations. There has been some recent talk about yellow fever, but an immunization is only optional.

[takemewithyou]

Just got off the Volendam on a full transit of the Panama Canal - no VISA needed. I did not have any immunizations. Some people have mentioned their MD recommended yellow fever immunizations. Depending on your friend's medical history - she would be best to talk with her MD. Would probably depend on whether she plans excursions off the ship into the rain forest, etc. There was mention of Dengue Fever alerts by the CDC before I left (on these boards, but never any mention onboard). I really didn't encounter any mosquitos on deck either in Costa Rica or during Panama Canal transit. I did not go very far off the ship in Costa Rica, just around the city we docked in.

[Krazy Kruizers]

Is this a partial or full transit?

Some of the full transits DO require the yellow fever shots.

Partial transits do not.

It is a good idea to have Hep A, Hep B, thyphoid, flu, pneumonia, tetnus and diptheria shots.

[CruisinKiki]

We did the partial transit last December (on Princess). It was great! We did not enounter much for bugs. We did a white water rafting trip in Costa Rica so were definitely out in the wilderness. After we returned, my husband told me about Dengue Fever. Not sure if it is a problem now, but something to check on if concerned about health issues. We didn't have any problems at all. It's a great cruise!

[CruiserBruce]

Krazy Kruizer-

What full cruises are requiring the Yellow Fever shots? We are doing a full crossing in April 2008 on HAL- nobody has mentioned shots.

As a full crossing, there is no shore excursions. We have been in the Canal twice before- once a partial, once full, and shots ahve never been required.

Bruce

[Krazy Kruizers]

We have done several full transit canal cruises and until recently shots weren't required.

Because we stop at Ecuador and then Nicaragua and Guatemala afterwards on our upcoming cruise, the yellow fever shot is now required.

I had a list of which 2008 cruises now require that shot - can't find it right now, but will get back to you.

[advocado]

Yikes!! Yellow fever, hep A, hep B, etc? Traveling a full transit in late January (Maasdam). Stops in Cartegena, Costa Rica (Puntarenas), Mexican Riviera (Puerto Chiapas, Huatalco, Acapulco...). Any word that shots are recommended for these spots? Of course, I'll ask my doctor, but wondered if anyone had any experience needing shots in these regions. Thanks.

[CruiserBruce]

avocado:

We are stopping at all those same ports as you and a couple more in Mexico and perhaps Cartajena. None of those stops are in Ecuador, Guatemala or Nicaragua.

I have been to almost all the stops and never needed any shots. Things can change, but I am pretty sure Mexico is safe.

Hopefully Krazy Kruiser will get back to us with the list.

I went to the CDC site. Ecuador is the country that CDC says needs Yellow Fever shots. Nicaragua and Guatemala require Yellow Fever shots if you are coming from a country that has a Yellow Fever problem.

The CDC says Yellow Fever is not a problem in Mexico, Nicaragua or Guatemala.

As to Hep A, Hep B- those are recommended in the US!

Bruce

[advocado]

Bruce -- Thanks. That's comforting. The closer I get to departure the more involved I'll get on this issue. Sounds like it's OK however.