Ahoy !!!! Is there a doctor on-board ??????
Now when researching cruises for my clients I get asked lots of questions about the facilities on board the ships. Anything from the size of cabins to kosher meals, meal times to kids in swimming pools but I have never had anyone ask me about medical facilities. Now being really honest I personally have never had the pleasure of seeing a doctor on board and it got me to thinking……………
How sick do I really have to be before I see the Dr on board? Any minor aliments I can visit a local chemist and get what I need but what if I am at sea.
If I want to see the Dr can I be seen immediately or do I need an appointment? If so how long am I expected to wait?
Who makes the appointment – front desk reception?
Is the service free? I assume it is but what if I need medication/prescription – will I be charged the standard £7.50 charge or do meds cost more on board?
How good is the service? Do the Dr’s practise a good bedside manner or will it be a scene reminiscent of a Carry on Matron film?
Would the med centre on a Thomson ship be of the same standard of that on a 6*Luxury Liner or would you expect better surroundings and service?
What nationalities are the doctors and does it matter.?
At what stage do you need to inform your insurance ???
Is it better to obtain treatment off the ship or on ???
How serious does it have to be before they would disembark a passenger to have treatment on land ???
As part of my standard service I always ask my customers if they are taking any prescribed medicine on board. That way I can always make sure the cruise line know (saves any embarrassing questions at checkin). Some clients need their meds kept in a fridge – we can arrange that too.
After me doing a bit of digging about the websites I did get to find out that “All cruise ships should have a qualified doctor and medical facilities on board.” Although the range of facilities varies from ship to ship and line to line, the minimum standard is designed to provide emergency medical care and the capability to stabilise patients.
But none of the websites gives any information to what sort of charges a passenger will be expected to pay.
If you have had the experience of seeing a doctor on board please let me know, any information on this it would be gratefully appreciated.
About Me
My name is Michelle Fennelly and I have over 28 years of experience in the travel industry and cruising is my passion. I have worked for Cruise.co.uk for the last 6yrs which I absolutely love, before then I have worked for Air200 – Airtours / MyTravel – Tomas Cook. I…
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