I was asked today what happens if someone became ill whilst at sea during a transatlantic trip? My customer was concerned what would happen if for instance someone in her party became ill during the 6 days at sea between leaving Southampton and arriving in the Caribbean.
Medical assistance on board cruise liners is extremely important and never understated. All cruise liners will have some variation of medical care within their infirmary and have plans in place for even the most minor alignment including seasickness, sunstroke and even x-rays to enable them to deal with broken bones, in some cases they can even seek advice send results to land based hospitals for further advise and treatment. All cruise line medical care can differ and any specific needs should be checked they can cater for prior to booking your trip.
Most ships will have a number of doctors and nurses on hand 24/7, now days the newer and bigger cruise ships tend to have the larger and more equipped infirmaries. Ships such have the new Oasis class ships with Royal Caribbean even have helicopter landing pads for extreme emergencies which require passengers to be airlifted to land.
Still, there are some illnesses that, in most cases, cruise ships won’t treat — serious heart problems and strokes are right up there. These would be classes as extreme cases and would need more advance medical care.
A lot of travellers would assume that their medical care would cover them for this on board care, however it is very important to check with your insurance cover what you are covered for and if necessary purchase a top up for addition cruise cover.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER PRIOR TO TRAVELLING.
*Let the line know if you have a pre-existing condition. Have high blood pressure and need a low-salt diet? Are you diabetic? Need to carry oxygen with you? Use a wheelchair? This is very important.
*Should you have a pre-existing take as much information with you including what medicine you may need and any allergies to treatments . Make sure your travelling companion know where this information can be found.
*The ship’s doctors and nurses are professionals and know what they are doing. If they feels you should disembark for treatment, this is not something they take lightly therefore do not fight their decision.
*Please use your common sense! Don’t take up the doctors time if it is not necessary and also do not put off seeing the doctor, you could get a lot worst.
Have you even had to use you an on board infirmary? What was your experience like with their care?
What precautions do you take before cruising? Are they different to ones you make take on a land bases holiday?
I would love to hear your stories.
If you would like to know more about what facilities are on board a cruise line. Also maybe in past you have been put off a cruise holiday because you are worried about if your needs can be looked after and you would like to talk to me about these concern please feel free to call me on 0800 408 6160 or email me at mariet@cruise.co.uk