What happens if you have a family emergency on a cruise ship?

What happens if you have a family emergency on a cruise ship? If the emergency is serious enough, sometimes passengers will be evacuated by helicopter or the ship will divert to a nearby port to get the passenger ashore as quickly as possible.

Are there paramedics on cruise ships?

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Has a cruise ship tipped over?

Sadly, there have been incidents in the past where a cruise ship tipped over. Most people are familiar with the incident in January 2012 just off the coast of Italy.

What happens if someone has a medical emergency on a cruise?

Usually, the decision is made to disembark the patient at a location where the relevant medical facilities are available. If the necessary facilities are not available at this location or if the patient wants to get back home, an air ambulance is usually needed for medical evacuation or for medical repatriation.

What happens if you get hurt on a cruise ship?

Once an accident occurs, an injured cruise passenger and prospective plaintiff has a duty to notify the cruise line of the accident. This can be done by going to the medical center or front desk or by contacting security. All cruise lines have an incident report form that they ask injured passengers to complete.

Can you refuse to pay gratuity on a cruise?

You have the right to refuse this automatic gratuity charge and may compensate cruise staff on your own terms. However, you will need to notify the front desk of this desire. Otherwise it will appear on your bill when your cruise ends and it will be charged to your credit card on file.

Can I take my child on a cruise without permission from other parent?

Most cruise lines do not require a child travel consent form if a child is traveling with only one parent. However, if parent and child do not share a last name, many lines do require you to bring your child's passport and birth certificate as legal proof that you're related.

Can you sue if you fall on a cruise ship?

Bottom line, cruise ship passengers can sue if they are injured during the cruise due to another's negligence. However, the process is not easy, and it requires navigating maritime law and a complicated legal system.

What is the most common injury on a cruise ship?

Slip and Fall Accidents: These are among the most common accidents on cruise ships. Slippery surfaces, uneven flooring, or inadequate warning signs can lead to passengers or crew members slipping, tripping, or falling.

What happens if you need to go to the hospital on a cruise?

These facilities are typically equipped to treat only minor nonemergency conditions. If your illness is serious or you find yourself needing emergency treatment, you'll be referred to a facility on land and disembarked to get care.

What happens if you get a UTI on a cruise?

The short answer: Drink water and go see a doctor. If you experience symptoms of a UTI at sea, respond first by drinking plenty of water. Increasing your urinary flow can slow the progression of a UTI, which is especially important if you do not have immediate access to professional medical care.

Can I go on a cruise with a cough?

No one is going to call you out for sneezing or coughing in the check-in line for your cruise. But as a matter of course, all cruise lines require that boarding passengers fill out a health questionnaire that asks if you have been vomiting, running a fever or experiencing other symptoms of illness in the past week.

Does my health insurance cover me on a cruise?

Cruise ships can treat a wide range of illnesses and injuries on board. Some onboard medical facilities look like urgent care centers, while others are more like doctor's offices. Health insurance often does not cover medical care on cruises, but travel insurance might.

Do you have to pay to see a doctor on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship doctors work as independent contractors and may charge a basic hourly fee. There will be additional charges for medications and tests. All must be paid for at the time of service and will be billed to your shipboard spending account.

Do cruise ships have police?

Cruise lines don't have police onboard. Instead, they have security teams they employ. The captain has the ultimate authority in decision-making on the ship regarding what should happen to those suspected of criminal activity.

How much does it cost to be airlifted off a cruise ship?

Being airlifted off a cruise usually costs at least $20,000 and this can rise into the hundreds of thousands depending on location and other factors. This is one reason why taking out travel insurance with good medical cover is essential when cruising. Do not EVER cruise without travel insurance.

Do cruise ships have jails?

Yes, cruise ships have brigs, which is the nautical term for a jail on a vessel, including a cruise ship. The term comes from the word brigantine, which is a type of two-masted sailing ship formerly used to house criminals.

Is it better to take cash or card on a cruise?

We recommend paying for on shore purchases that are over $10 with a credit card to reduce the amount of cash you need to carry when off-ship and for a good record of your purchase, and use pocket change or local currency for the rest.