Have you ever thought of what happens if you need emergency medical care at sea?

I have heard many stories and different scenarios over the years. Cruise lines don’t really advertise this sort of thing and you would not often hear of any happenings. Because of the lack of information I thought I would put something here

There is a medical centre with a qualified doctor on every ship, large or small. Generally, if guests need medical care they will be seen by the doctor on board who would then establish the conditions and give a diagnosis. Each case is different and is based on individual basis but on based on an overview the doctor can prescribe some medicines like antibiotics and if the conditions are stable you will be observed during the cruise. When the illness is contagious guests are confined to their cabins unless a cure can be given. If the doctor thinks the poorly guest doesn’t need urgent care but thinks should be seen by a specialist, then the cruise line will disembark at the next port of call for hospitalization. If guest is critically ill whilst at sea and hospitalization is needed the cruise line will provide helicopter transportation to the hospital. Therefore, It is important to have travel insurance in place, without, all these services would be charged to the guest.

I found two reviews from clients who needed care:

Review number 1

No one wants an emergency on holiday, especially a medical emergency. The staff on Ventura were on call at one in the morning and international rescue should take lessons. They managed the crisis took the patient to the medical centre and even had time to calm me down. The whole procedure was explained in a calm authoritative manner and when the worst happened and we needed a transfer, it was done seamlessly. Did the service end there? no way. They rang twice a day every day just to check if all was ok. despite being stuck in a hospital on foreign shores I always felt supported. I don’t wish my experience on anyone, but you will go a long way to beat their aftercare. Well done the crew and staff of P&O. As to the ship and cruise, you will read reviews on these pages that praise the food, delight in the entertainment, moan about the lack of sun beds, scream about how old the ship is looking and most of all the prices on board. Trust me they are small beer when you have a problem. A wise man once said it is not by our mistakes we should be judged but how we correct them. I judge them top rate. As a frequent cruiser I can say I have had my fair share of gripes. But when you reflect on any cruise and consider your next voyage you should bear in mind that with many thousands of people on board and hundreds of cabins to maintain, the odd opportunity will arise. If only my own doctor surgery could react so quickly. Nothing was too much for these guys. I guess they deal with these events almost every cruise, the practice has evidently made perfect…….Bravo heres to the next trip viva Ventura and P&O.

Review number 2

We too were medically disembarked from Oriana in November. The treatment from the medical team and help from ship staff was also so caring and kind. My partner was taken very ill in the early hours and I cannot praise them enough. The whole process of leaving the ship was explained and while my partner was taken to hospital in Gibraltar by ambulance I was escorted off by the port agent, who found me a hotel room and put me in a taxi with the luggage. When my partner was transferred to a Larger hospital in Malaga, Spain the hotel organised my transport and again I was put in contact with the local port agent by P&O. A lady from the P & O care team in England rang me at least once a day to check I was OK until we were back in England. Like the reviewer I would not wish the experience on anyone, but it makes a difference at 75 years old stranded in a foreign country without the language to know you have support.

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Has you witnessed or have had first hand experience? Feel free to write a comment or review