Underwater Safety Considerations - Cruise Line Fans: Cruise Forum, Reviews and Chat From Real Cruisers

cruisin' chick · 04-29-2007, 10:54 PM

A few years ago hubby started researching ship's water as he would often come down with a respiratory problem on cruises. He found an article about bacteria levels on water on ships and airplanes and took precautions on our last two cruises to minimize contact with the water.

The other day he told me he ran across some info about natural bacteria that occurs in the oceans. He mentioned that many experienced scuba divers and surfers would washed up as soon as they get out of the water and that many will cover any cuts and scrapes with petroleum jelly to protect their wounds.

What do you do about protecting yourself?

Cruise Planner · 04-30-2007, 08:29 PM

I've been on 26 cruises and have always drank the water right out of the facet onboard ships. I find their water better than the water that comes out of our faucet at home - perhaps because it's fresher since they make their own water. Never had any problems.

I do know of clients who will only drink bottled wate whilte on a shipr, but most of the people I talk to just drink the normal water provided on the ship and I've not heard of any unusual situations.

I've heard of problems with water on airplanes, but they don't make their own water and don't flush their systems. Whereas on ships, the water is constantly being used, just like a municipal water supply.

Other than wash my hands regularly while on ship, I don't take any unusual precautions and have never had any problems. Perhaps I'm just normally healthy.

As for diving, I've been scuba diving for about 11 years and have over 150 dives. Certified open water, advanced open water, and rescue diver. I've never had any problems with the water or infections. Although if you do get a scrap underwater, it's always best to clean it well when you surface just as a precaution because you can get some nasty infections. I've never seen any diver use petroleum jelly - perhaps that's something that is beginning to make the rounds. But I just dove in Bonaire a couple of weeks ago and didn't see anyone using it.

But I've belonged to diving clubs and have not noticed any unusual problems either. Although we do rinse ourselves off after getting out of the seawater, that seems to be more for comfort than anything else.

It could be that he is just more susceptable to bacteria. That would not be abnormal in today's environment.

Pete

HappyHikers · 10-19-2008, 11:46 AM

Hello,

We're going to stop at Grand Turk on a cruise next week and were wondering if anyone had been there in the past month.

Any thoughts on going snorkeling there considering the Hurricane Ike devastation in Sept 2008?

Any other advice for the Eastern Caribbean - things to see or skip?

Thanks!

Krazy Kruizers · 10-19-2008, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyHikers

Hello,

We're going to stop at Grand Turk on a cruise next week and were wondering if anyone had been there in the past month.

Any thoughts on going snorkeling there considering the Hurricane Ike devastation in Sept 2008?

Any other advice for the Eastern Caribbean - things to see or skip?

Thanks!

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holacanada · 10-22-2008, 05:50 PM

Hello experimented divers, What about the tuba and the mask they rented on the beach. Is it washed precautiously (sterilyse..?) after each excursion..?
What can we do better to prevent the transmit of bacteria..?
Thanks in advance

Holacanada
Noordam in 6 days, 10 minutes and 56 seconds

Cruise Planner · 10-23-2008, 09:11 PM

I always tell people you can rent your gear, but NEVER rent a mask or a snorkel! You don't want something that others have had on their face or in their mouth.

A snokel is cheap - you can get them for $15 - $25 depending on how fancy you want them. But don't go with a cheap mask - you'll regret it! It's the most important part of your gear. And if the mask does not fit properly, water will leak in and you'll have a miserable time. Go to a scuba diving shop and get fitted for you. And if the price is too high, then order it online after you find the brand and model that fits you best. Everyone's face is shaped differently, so what fits one will not fit all.

Pete