On Board Medical Facilities

Modern cruise ships are required to meet medical standards set by organizations such as the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). 

The medical facilities on board are not to be compared with a hospital as there is no way every medical incident can be handled at sea. 

However, the medical clinic looks quite similar to a walk-in clinic or urgent care clinic on land and is surprisingly well-equipped with modern medical equipment. 

The facilities are usually located on a lower deck, and apart from crowded areas.  There will be a waiting room, and you will have to fill out the dreaded medical history forms, just as you would in a doctor’s office. 

Doctors And Medical Staff

Major cruise lines staff their ships with doctors trained in emergency room medicine, making them ideal candidates to work on cruise ships where emergency situations occur frequently.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP), together with the Cruise Lines International Association, have set strict standards and guidelines for the onboard medical facilities. 

Depending on the size of the ship, a cruise ship could have two to three licensed doctors and three to five licensed nurses. These professionals are available to both passengers and crew members.

Cruise lines that carry children under 12 years of age have to have at least one physician that is trained in pediatrics with emergency training that includes children.

Cruise ship doctors are often required to have several years of post-graduate experience, especially in trauma or acute care, and be certified in advanced life support techniques. 

Nurses bring experience in a variety of healthcare settings and are also trained in emergency care. 

What Can Cruise Doctors Help With? 

These facilities are designed to handle common illnesses and injuries, such as respiratory infections, gastrointestinal issues, minor fractures, cuts, and burns. 

They are also equipped with essential medical equipment like defibrillators, X-ray machines, ECG monitors, ventilators, and even small laboratories for basic diagnostic tests.

In addition to treating minor medical issues, cruise ship medical centers are prepared to stabilize patients in the event of serious emergencies, including heart attacks, strokes, or trauma-related injuries. 

Ships maintain stocks of emergency medications, oxygen, and blood pressure monitoring devices. If a situation requires specialized care beyond the ship’s capabilities, the medical team coordinates with port authorities to arrange a medical evacuation, either by sea or air, to the nearest onshore hospital.

Depending on the ship’s location, you may be evacuated by a helicopter by the Coast Guard, or transportation to a local hospital will be arranged if the ship is docked or close to land.

Hours Of Operation

The medical clinic on a cruise ship is open during specific daytime hours for visits from passengers. In addition to the regular office hours, staff are available 24 hours per day for emergencies.

Public Health Concerns

Beyond emergency care, the medical staff also manage public health concerns on board. Outbreaks of illnesses like norovirus or respiratory infections can spread quickly in the enclosed environment of a ship. 

Medical teams play a critical role in monitoring symptoms, isolating contagious passengers when necessary, and implementing sanitation measures to prevent the spread of disease. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, medical protocols on cruise ships became even more stringent, including onboard testing, isolation cabins, and enhanced ventilation systems to safeguard health.

For passengers with chronic conditions, cruise ship medical teams assist with ongoing care, such as administering insulin, managing medications, or performing routine health checks. Many cruise lines offer telemedicine services, allowing medical staff to consult with specialists onshore if needed.

*NOTE – If you experience an unusual case of fever, symptoms of a cold, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or nausea, it’s important that you visit the ship’s doctor immediately to determine if this could be a widespread issue like COVID-19 or Norovirus that could affect many others.

Pharmacies On Board

The ship also has a pharmacy that can provide access to common over-the-counter medications that may be needed during a cruise.

Pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for seasickness and many others are available, for a cost.

If you forget your regular prescription medications at home, don’t assume the ship will have what you need. The ship is equipped for emergency situations and while they may have your forgotten medications in their inventory, don’t count on it.

Use Of The Medical Clinic Is NOT Free

There are fees to see the doctor and fees for any medications that may be prescribed. These fees are charged to your room/ship account and must be paid before you can leave the ship.  

The cruise ship doctors work as independent contractors and usually charge a basic hourly fee. Cruise ship medical services can be reimbursed by most travel insurance providers. 

Check with your insurance provider before you leave because many personal insurance policies don’t cover you when you are traveling outside of the United States. 

Final Thoughts

Check and double check that you have your prescribed medication with you when you board for a cruise. Keep it in your day bag, not the luggage that staff will bring to your room. 

Purchase travel insurance! Travel insurance could save you thousands of dollars if an emergency arises. It is far better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. 

Overall, while the medical centers on cruise ships may not replace fully equipped hospitals, they are impressively capable of managing most medical needs that arise at sea. 

Combined with the expertise of dedicated medical staff, these facilities provide peace of mind for travelers, ensuring that health and safety remain a top priority throughout their voyage.