The last thing you like to think about before packing your bags and sailing away on your dream cruise vacation is what would happen if you got sick while on board the ship.
People do get sick while on vacation. They can furthermore injure themselves or become ill enough that they need to return home.
That’s why it’s prudent to invest in a cruise travel insurance policy and be prepared for the unexpected. It’s also a good idea to know what onboard medical care your ship can and cannot provide in an emergency. It’s especially vital if you’re traveling in far-flung locales that may not have adequate medical facilities – when you can even go ashore.
All ocean-going ships have medical centers staffed with trained professionals, so medical care is accessible when you’re on board the ship. The facilities and what they offer will vary, depending on the size of the ship and the number of passengers and crew.
For instance, Royal Caribbean medical centers are staffed with two or three licensed physicians and three to five licensed nurses 24 hours a day. The staff may be international or U.S.-based.