Cruise
Information Center
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Cruise Information Center
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Medical Services
Most cruise ships today have a ship’s hospital, along with qualified medical staff of doctors and nurses that is appropriate for that size of ship. It is customary that the medical staff are on call 24 hours when a ship is at sea and will also be available at selected times during the day for private consultations. When a ship is docked there maybe a reduction and limited availability of medical staff onboard, although they will make themselves available for private consultations at specified times and this will vary from cruise line to cruise line. A Cruise ship’s hospital is equipped to provide medical care for passengers and crew who have an accident and/or an illness that occurs while aboard. Passenger may be charged for medical services and medications that are used for their medical treatment. These facilities are not intended or designed to provide for ongoing treatment of pre-existing conditions or extended critical care. There is a wide variation in medical standards and equipment that the cruise lines provide depending on the ships registration. Aboard many ships doctors and nurses come from a variety of countries and disciplines. Cruise Lines that cater to the North American market will tent to carry medical personnel that are licensed in the USA, Canada and the UK. Most shipboard doctors are not certified for trauma treatment or emergency medical evacuation. There is no International Maritime Law that requires the cruise lines to have a hospital or medical staff onboard a ship. The only exception is that ships registered in both Norway and Great Britain are required to provide medical facilities and qualified medical staff. Pre-existing Medical Conditions If you have a pre-existing condition or anticipate a need for medical services and/or must travel with special medical apparatus such as wheelchairs, motorized scooter, oxygen therapy, etc., while aboard a ship, you must notify the cruise line, in writing, of your special requirements at time of booking and deposit. The cruise line will then respond with an appropriate written authorization confirmation. Passengers wishing to bring their own portable oxygen tanks must obtain prior written permission from the cruise line as restriction may apply. Physical Disabilities While many cruise lines have made tremendous effort to improve facilities for people with physical disabilities such as special designed cabins to meet their requirements, most cruise lines offer limited facilities for disabled passengers aboard a ship. To ensure the well being and safety of passengers confined to a wheelchair or with significant health problems the cruise lines will normally insist that disabled passengers be accompanied by a non-handicapped adult. You must notify the cruise line in writing of your condition and/or special requirements at time of booking and deposit. The cruise line will then respond with an appropriate written authorization confirmation. Pregnancy At time of booking, most cruise lines require expectant mothers to provide them with a medical certificate establishing their fitness for travel. Most cruise lines are unable to accommodate expectant mothers who will be in their third trimester of pregnancy at any time during their cruise.
Legal Note Each cruise line will provide you, via their brochure or internet site, their Terms and Conditions of carriage. Most cruise lines will state the following: That they the Cruise Line reserves to right to refuse passage or demand your disembarkation, to anyone who in the Cruise Lines opinion, is in such physical or mental condition that could cause or create an unreasonable risk to yourself or others, and to be incapable of taking an ocean voyage or who may require care beyond that which the cruise line can provide. Please consult with you cruise line directly or via your travel agent prior to making any commitment. To The USA Center for Disease Control / Travelers' Health
Insurance Don't risk travelling without insurance - it could cost you a great deal more in the long run. Arrange travel insurance as soon as you book your Cruise Holiday, this will ensure that you are covered for cancellation and curtailment. Always shop around, while many cruise lines will offer optional travel insurance, it is recommended that you check directly with a travel insurance specialist before purchasing travel insurance. A travel insurance specialist will be able to tailor the policy to your individual requirements and will usually provide better value, than you would get from a cruise line, travel agent or bank etc. Please ensure that the insurance company have a Claims Charter? Check the levels of excess on the policy. It is important to be covered for medical expenses, personal accident, personal liability, cancellation and curtailment of the trip, money/documents and baggage. Other areas of cover usually include delay, missed departure, loss of passport, legal expenses and assistance services. Check the levels of cover and make sure they suit your particular circumstances. Be wary of paying excessive premiums for unnecessary cover. Always declare pre-existing medical conditions and any hazardous activities/sports you may be undertaking. Failure to do so could mean that you are not covered if something goes wrong. This is important for any holiday you may be going on, that includes activities like scuba diving or sailing. Make sure your policy covers the full length of your trip. Is cancellation cover, enough to cover the cost of your trip? Check that any expensive items you are taking away (e.g. video camera, jewellery) are covered either by your travel insurance or some other form of policy e.g. home contents. Ensure that you can telephone back to your insurance to extend your cover
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