How are the medical facilities on cruise ships? my family wants me to go and i am scared to cruise.?

Question

How are the medical facilities on cruise ships? my family wants me to go and i am scared to cruise.?

Answer 1

The medical facilities on cruise ships are very good. There is usually at least one qualified doctor and a couple of registered nurses.They can do all the tests your local doctor can do and minor operations. Anything serious they will arrange to get you to the nearest medical facility for treatment.

It is private treatment and they charge the appropriate rates for any treatment so travel insurance is important.

There are even companies that arrange dialysis treatment on cruise ships.

Answer 2

There is absolutely nothing to be afraid... they are an incredible experience!!

Answer 3

A girl was recently airlifted from one to a Navy aircraft carrier for an emergency procedure.

Answer 4

The cruise ship medical facilities are very good.  They are all required to carry a doctor plus nursing staff.  In case of emergency, guests can even be airlifted from the ship.

If you're concerned, I'd opt for Holland America Line, which hires only doctors and nurses from the US and Canada.  The other lines' foreign doctors DO speak perfectly good English and have lots of experience, but you may find it easier to communicate with someone from North America.

A couple of articles that might interest you:

(1) How to stay healthy on a cruise:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide/kn...

(2) A general guide to cruising, including an "Introduction to Cruises" and more:

http://www.cruisesavvy.com/savvyguide

FYI, there's travel insurance available that will cover medical evacuation, etc., if you're concerned about that.

Please don't worry too much.  Cruises are very healthy vacation.  And they are a great way to travel with family!

Happy travels!

Answer 5

All cruise ships are required to have a medical facility.  The medical facility is just like your regular doctor's office. It has a licensed doctor and nurses and the basic equipment that you would find in about any doctors office.  The facility will not have X-ray and  MRI equipment or a lab but will have a defibrillator, an EKG machine, examination tables and beds for people who need to remain in bed for a time.  It will have a pharmacy to cover the usual ailments.

On one cruise I had to use the medical facility and it was very well maintained and efficient.  The nurse took my information and then the doctor examined me and treated me.  He actually wrote a prescription and then the nurse filled it from the ship's pharmacy.

Most cruises have people with disabilities, in wheel chairs, using walkers, on oxygen tanks, and/or using scooters.  So the cruise lines are prepared for disabilities as well as emergencies.

On my second cruise ever one passenger had a heart attack and after the medical staff stabilized the person the ship stopped at the next island available and the passenger was transferred to a helicopter that was summoned and the passenger was transported back to Miami.  Many of the newer cruise ships actually have a heli-pad right on the ship which they can use in an extreme emergency.

Answer 6

there great!

and dont be scared to cruise.

i was before i went on my first cruise, i almost wasnt gunna go..

but im so glad i did because they treat you like royalty!

youll have the time of your life, its a good way to bond with your family too.

Answer 7

Medical facilities is sorta like going to the old town Dr. they can do your basic lumps and bumps, runny noses and sea sickness, but they do not have the facilities to handle much more than that. On a cruise I took last May, I had injured myself at the airport. I was able to get basic first aid supplies, but was told I should purchase what I need at the next port of call. Someone I met in the waiting room had fallen getting into the bus from the airport (it turned out to be a broken leg) and she was asked if she wanted to be sent home from Grand Cayman when the x-rays (taken at a hospital on the island) showed it was actually broken, Now on a happy note. I have been on 7 cruises and have found nothing on the ship to be afraid of. Go and Have a fantastic time, you will love it