What Vaccinations Do I Need for a CroisiEurope Cruise?
Vaccination requirements for river cruising vary significantly by destination. European river cruises require very little in the way of vaccinations the rivers of central Europe are not tropical disease risk zones. International CroisiEurope itineraries (Mekong, Nile, Amazon) require more preparation. Here is the destination-by-destination guide, with the important caveat that vaccination recommendations change always consult your GP or a travel medicine clinic before departure.
European River Cruises Minimal Requirements
For European river cruises on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Rhône, and French canals, no specific vaccinations are required for Australian travellers beyond the standard Australian vaccination schedule.
Strongly recommended: Ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and hepatitis B. These are standard for all international travel.
Recommended: A seasonal flu vaccination (European flu season peaks November March) is sensible for older travellers, particularly for winter/Christmas market cruise departures.
Hepatitis A: Generally not required in Western Europe, where food and water safety standards are very high. For travellers venturing into Eastern Europe (lower Danube, Ukraine, Moldova), hepatitis A vaccination is a sensible precaution.
COVID-19: Check current Australian and destination-country COVID-19 requirements before departure these change with policy and variant developments.
Mekong (Vietnam and Cambodia)
Southeast Asian river cruises require more preparation. Consult a travel medicine clinic at least 8 weeks before departure.
• Hepatitis A: Strongly recommended food and water hygiene standards vary.
• Typhoid: Recommended, particularly if eating at local establishments ashore.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended if not already vaccinated.
• Tetanus: Ensure booster is current.
• Japanese Encephalitis: Recommended for Cambodia and rural Vietnam, particularly during the rainy season.
• Rabies: Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis if visiting rural areas or interacting with animals ashore.
• Malaria: Risk is low on the Mekong itself (the ship provides protection from mosquitoes), but prophylaxis may be recommended for certain Cambodian land excursions. Discuss with your travel medicine physician.
• Dengue Fever: No vaccine available for all strains. Use DEET-based insect repellent ashore.
Nile (Egypt)
• Hepatitis A: Recommended.
• Typhoid: Recommended.
• Hepatitis B: Recommended if not vaccinated.
• Tetanus: Ensure current.
• Rabies: Consider if planning extended time outside the ship in rural areas.
• Malaria: Generally low risk along the Nile cruise route (Luxor to Aswan). Discuss with your travel medicine physician.
Amazon (Brazil/Peru)
• Yellow Fever: Required for entry to Brazil and Peru. A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required by Australian customs on your return.
• Hepatitis A and B: Recommended.
• Typhoid: Recommended.
• Malaria: Risk varies by region. Anti-malarial medication is strongly recommended for Amazon itineraries.
• Rabies: Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis.
How Far in Advance to See a Travel Doctor
Book a travel medicine clinic appointment at least 8 weeks before departure. Some vaccinations require multiple doses over 2 4 weeks. Yellow Fever vaccination requires at least 10 days to take effect before entry to some countries. Leaving vaccination preparation to the week before departure is a significant risk.
Find a travel clinic: Your GP can provide travel vaccinations or refer you to a specialist travel medicine clinic. Many pharmacies also now provide standard travel vaccinations.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
