Do Cruise Ships Have Hospitals On Board?

Cruise ships are equipped with medical facilities designed to address medical emergencies that may arise during a voyage. These facilities, typically referred to as medical centers, are staffed by licensed physicians and nurses. They provide basic medical services, treat minor illnesses, and initiate stabilization of more serious conditions. Royal Caribbean Cruises states that every Royal Caribbean ship offers limited professional medical services through licensed doctors and nurses.

Ships from the main cruise lines all will have at least one doctor and two nurses onboard, with many larger ships having two doctors and three or four nurses. The onboard medical centers are staffed and equipped to treat routine medical conditions as well as to initiate stabilization of more serious conditions. Physicians are available to render medical assistance during your stay on board, and the medical staff is available 24 hours a day.

The size of the medical center varies, but each Holland America Line ship has an onboard Medical Center staffed by licensed physicians and critical care nurses. While not a full-service hospital, the onboard medical centers are staffed and equipped to treat routine medical conditions as well as to initiate stabilization of more serious conditions.

In summary, cruise ships have medical facilities onboard to cater to various health concerns, including the care of passengers and crew members. The medical staff is available 24/7 to provide medical assistance during your stay on board, meeting or exceeding the Medical Facilities Guidelines.