doctor on board cruise ship

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Medical Services

Should a guest require medical attention while aboard one of our vessels, the Medical Center staff is available to assist 24 hours a day. The on board 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 services at a customary fee. While at sea or in port, the availability of medical care may be limited.

Medical Center Hours The Medical Center has daily office hours which are listed in the HUB App. The medical staff is on call 24 hours a day for emergencies. Routine hours are subject to temporary change due to extenuating circumstances: 

• Embarkation day: 8:00am-9:00am and 3:00pm-5:00pm
• Sea days: 9:00am-12:00pm and 3:00pm-6:00pm
• Port days: 8:00am-10:00am and 4:00pm-6:00pm

A charge for medical services will be billed to the guest's Sail & Sign® Account and a receipt will be provided for the guest to submit to their medical insurance provider upon return for possible reimbursement.

The physicians on board are independent contractors and are entitled to render services at a customary fee which may vary from ship to ship based on the time of day. The basic fee does NOT include medication, tests or treatment. 

Note: Guests who purchased  Carnival Vacation Protection™  may be eligible for reimbursement of up to $10,000 for covered medical-related expenses and up to $30,000 for necessary Emergency Medical Evacuation expenses should they become ill or injured or require medical evacuation while on their cruise vacation. The medical benefits are secondary to coverage the guest may have through their regular health insurance provider(s). Refer to  https://www.carnival.com/about-carnival/vacation-protection.aspx for additional details.

Medication Over-the-Counter medications for cold, cough, upset stomach or other minor illnesses can be purchased at the Medical Center during business hours. In addition, the shops on board may carry some of these items. Prescription drugs and vitamins may not be readily available, either on board the ship or in the ports. 

Meclizine, motion sickness pills can be purchased at the Medical Center, Guest Services or through Room Service. The cost is $3.29 USD for four pills. We do not carry motion sickness patches or wristbands. A motion sickness injection is available for a fee at the Medical Center but will only be administered to those who are actively vomiting and not as a preventative measure.

Diabetes/Medicine Storage

Staterooms on a number of  ships are equipped with  non-stocked mini bar units which are designed to maintain the temperature of beverages. Please do not use them to store medications that have specific temperature requirements. Should you need to store medicine that needs proper refrigeration, medi-coolers are available on board in limited quantities, and on a first come, first serve basis - please visit our Guest Services Desk once on board; a $75 refundable deposit is required. If a medi-cooler is not available, our ship’s Medical Center will arrange storage - please contact them once on board. Note: A small, personal-sized cooler no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing medications is permitted as carry-on luggage. 

Medical Staffing and Equipment  In order to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for our guests, our medical centers meet or exceed the standards established by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).

Our medical centers are staffed by qualified physicians and nurses who are committed to providing the highest quality of shipboard medical care. Medical staffing is correlated to the size of the ship and varies from one physician and three nurses to as many as two physicians and five nurses.

Ship’s physicians meet or exceed the credentialing guidelines established by the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). In addition, doctors must demonstrate competent skill levels and hold current certification in basic and advanced cardiac life support and cardiac care, have experience in general medicine or general practice including emergency or critical care, and have one to three years clinical experience and minor surgical skills, and board or similar international certification is preferred. The doctors on board are independent contractors.

Shipboard medical facilities are set up to provide reasonable emergency medical care for guests and crew. In cases of extreme emergency where more comprehensive facilities are required, patients are referred to shoreside facilities.

In addition to standard lifesaving equipment such as defibrillators and external pacemakers, our medical centers carry some of the latest in medical technology including thrombolytic therapy, electrocardiograph machines, lab equipment, pulse oximetry and x-ray machines on many of our ships.

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Do cruise ships have doctors, nurses, medical centers or hospitals?

Do cruise ships have medical facilities with doctors and nurses on board? The short answer is yes.

When you board a cruise ship you become part of a community of people of all ages who will be together for several days, a week or more. On large cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers and crew, your community may be the size of a town or even a small city. To handle any health issues that come up in this floating metropolis, cruise lines employ doctors and nurses who work out of an onboard medical center.

To be clear, the onboard facility is not a hospital – it's more akin to a health center or ambulatory care unit. The professionals who work there have training in emergency medicine and the equipment to stabilize a patient even in dire circumstances. Mostly, though, what they deal with are things like sprained ankles, upset stomachs and people who have forgotten to pack medication.

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That said, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, many cruise lines have expanded their medical care facilities on ships and added new requirements for medical personnel. Royal Caribbean , for example, now requires all its doctors to have training in acute respiratory illness and has added an infection control officer who oversees the line's infection control plan on each ship.

If you have an emergency on any cruise ship, you can push a button on your stateroom phone for help – the equivalent of dialing 911 from your home phone. For minor ailments, you can visit the medical facility during set office hours.

Who are the medical personnel?

The American College of Emergency Physicians, in conjunction with the Cruise Lines International Association, sets strict standards for who treats patients, as well as guidelines for medical facilities, on ships operating from the U.S. Similar authorities are involved for international cruises. All medical staff are both certified and experienced.

Under the ACEP standards, physicians must have three years of post-graduate/post-registration experience in general and emergency medicine or be board-certified in emergency medicine, family medicine or internal medicine. Staff also must be certified in advanced life support or have certification or physician specialist training in areas such as emergency medicine, anesthesiology or critical care.

Ships that carry children under age 12 are required to have at least one physician with training in pediatrics or with an equivalent emergency training that involves kids.

Training requirements for nurses also are quite detailed. Typically, one of the nurses is a trained paramedic and all nurses are experienced registered nurses.

Medical staff varies by ship size, but typically ships have a doctor and at least two nurses. The world's largest cruise ships may have two doctors and five or six nurses. River ships and small ships that hover close to shore have less staff since they can easily access health facilities on land.

Cruise lines find shipboard nurses and doctors via worldwide recruitment companies. Medical personnel typically work on ships on two- to six-month contracts.

Doctors and nurses report to a chief medical officer at the cruise line's headquarters, who is available 24 hours a day to deal with emergencies.

What to expect at a cruise ship medical center

Cruise ship medical centers usually are located on a lower deck, set apart from crowded areas and close to the back-of-the-house crew facilities. The medical personnel treat both passengers and crew.

While medical personnel are on call 24 hours a day, most passengers visit during scheduled hours. Carnival Cruise Line 's facilities, for instance, are open on embarkation day from 8 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 5 p.m; on sea days from 9 a.m. to noon and 3 to 6 p.m.; and on port days from 8 to 10 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m.

Inside the medical center you'll find a waiting room – where you will fill out medical history forms as you would in any doctor's office – and exam rooms. Only if your medical situation requires it will you see a separate area with hospital beds, a small surgical suite where wound suturing and other minor surgeries may be conducted, or the ICU or isolation rooms.

Equipment in shipboard medical centers includes defibrillators, cardiac monitors, external cardiac pacing capability, a ventilator, oxygen tanks, x-ray machines and lab equipment. Some lines add technology; for example, select Carnival ships have thrombolytic therapy (to break down blood clots) and pulse oximetry (to test oxygen levels). There will also be wheelchairs and stretchers.

Pharmacy supplies include seasickness pills, aspirin and other over-the-counter products, antibiotics and limited supplies of prescription medications, as well as emergency medications such as those needed for advanced cardiac life support.

Serious situations

While most medical complaints on ships are routine, the medical team is equipped to perform life support services and stabilize anyone seriously ill. Personnel trained in medivac procedures would then generally medically disembark the patient on a stretcher at the next port of call and have the person transferred to a hospital.

If an extreme case occurs at sea, the U.S. Coast Guard (or equivalent local authority overseas) will be called in to hoist the patient off the ship by boat or helicopter.

No one likes to think about it, but your ship may also have a morgue with refrigerated units.

Who pays for treatment

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. You'll receive a receipt to submit to your health insurance company for possible reimbursement. Be aware: Many personal insurance policies purchased at home do not cover you while traveling outside the U.S.

Related: A guide to travel insurance for cruises

If you purchased separate travel health insurance from your cruise line or a third-party provider you will still be required to pay for the services up front and may have to wait several months to be reimbursed.

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“I knew I wanted to do something different, but I never expected just how much opportunity I could find working with Carnival. It’s more than an adventure – it’s the best career move I’ve ever made.”

"All of my past nursing experiences including working in intensive care and emergency settings were the foundation for success in this job. I love the variety of patient care opportunities that it affords, meanwhile traveling the world and interacting with fellow crew members from many countries"

“I never realized how broad my skillset was until I experienced working onboard cruise ships. Here I can go from a general practice consultation for someone with an UTI to intubating and sedating a patient, or administering thrombolysis to a patient, in just a single workday.”

“When I was working in the back of the ambulance, I gained the confidence and proficiency to care for my patients. Since working onboard, I developed my team dynamics skills, working along with the nurses and the physicians. They appreciate my skillset and I do value the multidisciplinary environment as a new way of improving my knowledge and skills.”

“Working onboard as a nurse is demanding at times. But the rewards of living on a cruise ship like this with a team like mine has been worth every moment.”

NEED A DOSE OF ADVENTURE? CLICK THROUGH THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Review our process and FAQs below to know what to expect at every step.

• Use our online application tool and set the pace of your application
• Review and acknowledge position requirements
• Complete your personal profile, educational background and work experience
• A Cover Letter and Resume
• Certified copies of your professional qualifications and certificates
• Proof of professional registration and license
• Details of specific clinical skills
• Professional and personal disclosures

• Allow us to share more detail through pre-recorded virtual introductions to our shore-side and shipboard teams
• Participate in an online screening interview, in your own time
• Listening, comprehension, English language skills for the position will be assessed
• Applicants that pass the screening interview, are invited to a Clinical assessment
• Successful applicants will receive a provisional offer, subject to review and validation of references, licenses etc.

Your current and recent employers (in supervising capacities) will be contacted for references.

Accepting an offer of employment, and all terms of and conditions, will allow us to start the onboarding process. As these next steps typically take place locally in your country of residence, your application may be handled by one of our local offices.

Our local administration offices will contact you with guidance on the next steps. These include, but are not limited to:

• Credentialing (review of your professional license to practice, educational background, certifications, employment history etc.)
• Pass a Regulatory Seafarer Medical Fitness examination
• Verifying specific Health Screening requirements for medical staff
• Obtain the necessary travel documents and visas (including C1D Visas for non-USA or Canadian applicants)
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• Additional requirements may be imposed by certain countries, Flag states or regulatory bodies, dependent on your nationality and country of residence

• The onboarding process may take several months and once completed and you sign a legal contract, you will be ready to join your first ship
• Provisional assignment details may be shared during times of critical need to help you plan and prepare
• Always wait for instructions before engaging in any professional or personal arrangements in anticipation of joining a ship
• Depending on our operational staffing needs, you may need to wait several weeks or months for an assignment to be available

Do cruise ships have doctors onboard?

Home » Do cruise ships have doctors onboard?

Last updated on September 17th, 2023 at 04:00 pm

Yes, most large cruise ships have doctors on board at all times, working 4 or 6 month contracts with the cruise line. In addition to doctors, the ship is also staffed with other medical personnel who can assist during an emergency.

Major cruise lines staff their ships with doctors trained in emergency room medicine, making them ideal candidates to work on cruise ships where emergency situations occur frequently.

The medical clinic on a cruise ship is open during specific daytime hours for visits from passengers. In addition to the regular office hours, staff are available 24 hours per day for emergencies.

The medical clinic looks quite similar to a walk-in clinic or urgent care clinic on land and is surprisingly well-equipped with modern medical equipment.

The ship also has a pharmacy that can provide access to common over-the-counter medications that may be needed during a cruise.

Pain killers, anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs for seasickness and many others are available, for a cost.

If you forget your regular prescription medications at home, don’t assume the ship will have what you need.

The ship is equipped for emergency situations and while they may have your forgotten medications in their inventory, don’t count on it.

Use of the medical clinic is NOT free.

There are fees to see the doctor and fees for any medications that may be prescribed. These fees are charged to your room/ship account and must be paid before you can leave the ship.

Cruise ship medical services can be reimbursed by most travel insurance providers. Check with your insurance provider before you leave.

In the event that you suffer a major medical issue during your cruise, like a heart attack for example, the medical staff will coordinate your evacuation from the ship.

Depending on the ship’s location, you may be evacuated by a helicopter by the Coast Guard, or transportation to a local hospital will be arranged if the ship is docked or close to land.

*NOTE – If you experience an unusual case of fever, symptoms of a cold, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain or nausea, it’s important that you visit the ship’s doctor immediately to determine if this could be a widespread issue like COVID-19 or Norovirus that could affect many others.

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Health and Safety – Frequently Asked Questions

If someone in my party gets sick, is there an onboard doctor or nurse?

The Health Center, located on Deck 1, Forward, is open during daily clinic hours to provide non-emergency medical care throughout your cruise. In the event of a medical emergency, a doctor and nurse are on call 24/7. Please note that medical personnel are employed by a company independent of Disney Cruise Line and standard prevailing fees are charged for all services.

Fees incurred at the Health Center will be charged to your stateroom account. Because onboard medical services are considered "care outside the United States," you will be responsible for paying any such charges prior to debarkation. The Health Center will provide you with the paperwork you’ll need to process any claim through your health insurance provider.

Learn more about services for Guests with medical conditions .

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What licensed medical staff/doctor and services are available onboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

We have a minimum of one fully licensed doctor, and a minimum of two licensed nurses onboard every ship.

Every Royal Caribbean ship offers limited professional medical services through licensed (international or domestic) physicians and nurses. All Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ships have shipboard medical facilities that are built, staffed, stocked and equipped to meet or exceed guidelines established by the American College of Emergency Physicians Cruise Ship & Maritime Medicine Section.

Depending on the size of the ship and number of passengers and Crew members, each RCL ship has one to three doctors and three-to-five Nurses, available to passengers and Crew members 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Our medical facilities are stocked with a variety of equipment, including cardiac monitors, automated external defibrillators, ventilators, x-ray machines and processors, laboratory equipment, a formulary of acute care medications and a variety of minor surgical and orthopedic supplies. Our doctors also have access to online informational sources and 24-hour support from shore side medical professionals for additional assistance. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. also requires all doctors and nurses to maintain Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) training. In responding to medical emergencies, our goal is to first stabilize emergency patients and, where indicated, evacuate the patient to an appropriately equipped and staffed shore side medical facility as soon as practical.

Guests treated on board may request copies of their medical records by faxing a completed request form to 786-264-9682.

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Do Cruise Ships have Doctors on Board? Let's find out...

You’re waiting for the right opportunity to get away on a cruise, but you have concerns about the potential for health risks, especially given the COVID risk.

If you do need medical care, are there medical professionals on board who can address your needs? This article covers the main points of what you need to know about medical care on a cruise. 

All major cruise lines have at least one doctor and two or more nurses onboard. These health care professionals must meet specific criteria to practice medicine on a cruise ship. Medical staff is available 24/7 to address passenger medical needs. 

As a cruise line guest, you can do things before and during your cruise to ensure you receive the best medical care. Read on to learn more about cruise ship requirements for medical facilities, the background required for shipboard medical professionals, the medical staff on some popular cruise lines, and what to expect should you need care from medical staff onboard.

Do cruise ships have doctors?

Fortunately for all travellers, cruise ships do have at least one doctor on board with other medical staff to help with various medical needs.  

Doctors must have specific qualifications to provide care on cruise ships. The American College of Emergency Physicians (in the US) offers the following guidelines :

• All clinical staff are licensed and have three years of post-licensing experience.
• Doctors have experience or are board-certified in emergency, family, or internal medicine. If the ship allows children, then appropriate certification in pediatric care is required. 
• At least one doctor must be certified in advanced trauma life support care.
• Cardiovascular, sedation, and minor surgical skills are also required.

Cruise ship guidelines for medical care

Cruise lines and their medical staff follow strict guidelines for their medical facilities and care. Major cruise lines abide by recommendations noted by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA - which Hupla is a member of).

If your cruise line is a member of CLIA, you know that onboard medical staff and facilities meet guidelines from The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP). These guidelines recommend that cruise ships carrying over 100 passengers provide quality medical care for passengers and crew members. 

This care includes appropriate diagnostic, stabilisation, and therapeutic care, including medical evacuation if needed. Medical care must be available 24/7, and the medical staff must be proficient in the cruise ship’s predominant language.

There are also guidelines for onboard medical equipment, lab testing, imagery, and pharmacy.

What medical conditions can cruise ship doctors treat?

Cruise guests may be surprised at the extent of medical expertise and facilities on-board. Treatment of common conditions such as seasickness, sunburn, and injuries like breaks and sprains, is assumed.

However, major cruise lines can also handle emergencies like heart attacks, strokes, and infectious disease outbreaks.

Cruise Ships with a Medical Staff

Check your specific cruise line to determine what medical facilities and health care professionals are available onboard. The following sections provide links to medical facilities and staffing for some popular cruise lines, including protocols for COVID mitigation and care. 

Note: Many cruise lines have suspended sailing until spring of 2021 (June ) due to COVID concerns. However, all cruise lines noted are implementing enhanced COVID safety precautions. Several cruise lines have also announced COVID vaccination requirements for crew members, and the cruise industry is studying how best to handle any vaccination requirements for guests.  

• MSC Cruises - Based in Geneva and registered in Switzerland, MSC Cruises has increased the number of medical staff and implemented COVID precautions such as contactless temperature checks. MSC also notes state-of-the-art medical facilities and contact with a 24/7 medical support team on-shore.
• Norwegian Cruise Line - Headquartered in Miami, additional physicians and nurses are now available on each Norwegian Cruise Line's ship. Other COVID safety protocols include enhanced air filtration, screening, and sanitation.
• Silversea - A luxury cruise line headquartered in Monaco, all Silversea ships have a fully equipped medical centre staffed by a doctor and nurse. Care can also be coordinated with local medical resources when in port.
• Aurora Expeditions - Travel agency headquartered in Port St. Lucie, Florida, Aurora can provide information across several cruise lines (Viking, Holland American, Cunard, Disney, and more). 
• Oceania Cruises - Oceania is also expanding medical teams to provide an excellent medical staff-to-guest ratio for each ship. Additional COVID precautions are being put in place, including a no-touch food and beverage service.
• Azamara - A subsidiary of Royal Caribbean cruises out of Miami, Florida, all Azamara ships offer medical facilities and have at least one doctor and nurse available at all times.
• Regent Seven Seas - Along with Norwegian Cruises, Regent Seven Seas has announced COVID vaccine requirements for crew members. Regent provides Centers for Disease Control guidelines and additional information around enhanced medical safety and resources (including an on-ship Public Health Officer.)

What you can do to ensure a safe cruise

There are several things you can do to help ensure a safe cruise free from medical worries. Good communication with your travel consultant about doctors and medical resources is essential.

Ask about the medical facilities aboard your ship—remember, river cruises may rely solely on on-shore medical resources.

This is because of the proximity to doctors and pharmacies in towns along the cruise route. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be for a safe cruise.

And make sure that if you have any medical concerns let your agent or the ship know - it is for your own safety.

It is also imperative that if you are on medication, to ensure that you have enough for your entire trip. The ship does not have stock of all medication on the market.

Provide accurate health information

Be prepared to provide information to the cruise line about medical needs and conditions.

For example, if you have conditions requiring oxygen or the need for a wheelchair. In case you need assistance, this information helps the cruise line prepare.

Here are some examples of information you’ll want to provide:

• Do you have a condition requiring oxygen?
• Will you need a wheelchair on-board?
• Are you in your 24 th week of pregnancy? (If so, you will not be allowed to sail. This restriction is per guidance from the American College of Emergency Physicians.)
• Have you taken care of any dental needs? (Besides addressing pain, a trip to the dentist will likely have to wait until the next port.)
• Are you over 70 years of age? If so, you may be required to provide a “medically fit for travel” form.

Again, it’s essential to be open about any pre-existing conditions—and as with other adventures, consider purchasing travel insurance. (Be sure that a travel insurance policy covers every contingency, such as medical evacuation costs.)

Follow cruise health and safety protocols

It’s essential to follow all shipboard protocols for your health and safety. When you embark on your cruise, pay attention to the shipboard safety talk—especially the location of medical facilities and how to notify crew if you need medical assistance.

You can safely enjoy a cruise!

In addition to cruise companies doing their part in providing on-board medical resources, any cruise working from a US port, might be subject to the “ Cruise Passenger Protection Act ”, currently being considered by Congress that mandates doctors and medical staff on cruise ships.

The CDC also provides a way for you to look up your cruise ship to find more information about your cruise ship inspections and safety. 

It’s not that you want to think about this, but one of the best places to have a medical event is on a cruise ship. For one thing, there’s no waiting or travelling from home to hospital for care you need for most medical emergencies. 

Remember that major cruise lines abide by the Cruise Lines International Association and the American College of Emergency Physicians guidelines. This means there will always be a minimum of one doctor and two or more nurses available on-board 24/7. 

Enjoy cruising! If you prepare beforehand and follow guidelines and safety protocols, you really can leave your worries behind and relax.

Know you’ll be in good hands if you need medical assistance. So, go ahead and take in all those wonderful things (sunsets, fun activities, great dining) that make a cruise a delightful escape!

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Do Cruise Ships Have Doctors? Answers to Your Medical Care Questions

Traveling on a cruise is one of the most relaxing kinds of vacation. This experience allows you to see a variety of cities and spectacular beaches , marvel at the ocean views, and enjoy maximum comfort . However, some people are hesitant about taking this kind of trip due to medical care and safety concerns. Especially if they have chronic health conditions .

And it’s not hard to see why. At the end of the day, cruise ships bring together people of all ages for several days, a week, or even longer. In fact, a large cruise ship can carry thousands of people, almost as many as a town or a small city.

If you’re hesitant to take a cruise, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’ll answer some of the most common questions regarding medical assistance on cruises, including:

• Do cruise ships have doctors on board?
• Will cruise doctors provide care to patients with COVID-19?
• What medical staff are on cruise ships?
• What should you expect at a cruise ship medical center?
• Are there pharmacies on board?
• What is the cost of assistance?

Without further ado, let’s dive in.

Do Cruise Ships Have Doctors on Board?

Health issues may arise in these floating metropolises. Therefore, cruise lines employ doctors and nurses onboard to handle any emergencies. Generally, at least two nurses and one doctor will be on board. In many large ships, there are two doctors and three or four nurses. Moreover, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians’ guidelines, ships must have on-call medical staff available 24 hours.

Having said this, onboard facilities are not hospitals – they’re more like health centers or ambulatory care units. Healthcare professionals are trained in emergency medicine and have the necessary equipment to stabilize a patient even in dire circumstances.

Given the case that you have an emergency on a cruise ship, you can call for assistance from your stateroom phone by pushing a button. For minor incidents, you can visit the medical facility during operating hours. However, if the medical staff considers that your case cannot be treated aboard, the captain can call a medical emergency and either:

• Divert to the nearest suitable port.
• Prepare for an emergency disembarkation at sea.

Generally, the cruise’s medical team will arrange your transfer to a suitable hospital on land.

Are Cruise Ship Medical Teams Prepared to Handle a COVID-19 Infection?

Ever since the pandemic, medical staff are also responsible for testing and treating COVID-19, including handling isolation and quarantine for those who test positive.

In fact, some cruise lines have hired additional staff and established separate facilities to handle these tasks, as well as creating new medical requirements for the medical personnel.

For instance, Royal Caribbean requires its doctors to have training in acute respiratory illness. Additionally, the company has an infection control officer on every ship, overseeing the line’s infection control plan.

What Medical Staff Are on Cruise Ships?

All the medical staff (both physicians and nurses) are required to have a minimum of 3 years of postgraduate experience in general and emergency medicine. Alternatively, they may hold a board certification in emergency medicine, family medicine, or internal medicine.

Additionally, a physician with pediatric training or equivalent emergency training involving kids is required on ships carrying children under the age of 12.

For a better understanding of the medical staff’s credentials, we can take Carnival Cruise Lines as an example.

They require their onboard physicians to be registered in either:

• A European Union country
• South Africa
• New Zealand

Another country approved by the fleet’s medical director

Additionally, the personnel must be able to perform:

• Advanced life support practices
• Cardiovascular emergency care
• Minor surgical procedures
• Diagnostic and therapeutic interventions

What’s more, they are expected to:

• Stabilize severely ill or injured patients
• Assist them to be evacuated if necessary

Nurses and doctors must also speak the ship’s dominant language fluently.

What Should You Expect at a Cruise Ship Medical Center?

The ship’s medical centers are designed to both treat minor, non-emergency conditions and stabilize passengers facing life-threatening conditions. These facilities are often equipped with:

• Several beds
• Lab capabilities for tests
• EKG capability
• Wheelchairs
• Backboard or spine immobilization
• A stretcher
• Defibrillators
• Cardiac monitors
• And other equipment to gauge vital signs.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ship infirmaries vary based on:

• Size and length of sailing
• Passenger demographics

Are there Pharmacies on Board?

Yes, you can find pharmacy stocks onboard. There, you can get the most common medical supplies and medications. The inventory’s size will vary by ship. In most cases, you can reach out to the medical staff if you need antibiotics, seasickness pills, aspirin, or any other medication.

Generally, pharmacy stocks on board include medications for:

• Gastrointestinal issues
• Cardiovascular issues
• Respiratory problems
• Infectious diseases affecting the eyes, ears, nose, throat, and urinary tract

Most pharmacy stocks also include vaccines.

However, prices onboard will be higher than those at your local pharmacy. But they’re pretty similar to what you would pay if you got off the ship and bought your medications at the port.

What Is the Cost of Assistance?

The physicians on cruise ships are independent contractors who usually charge a basic hourly rate. Moreover, medication and tests will be charged separately.

You can pay when receiving the service or charge it to your shipboard spending account. Either way, you’ll receive a receipt that you can submit to your health insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

Key Takeaways

It’s encouraging to know that cruise ships do have doctors on staff, and they are available to help passengers with any medical needs that may arise.

Cruise ships are a great way to see the world, and with the right precautions, you can stay healthy while enjoying your trip.

Want to get tested before your next adventure? No matter where you are, or what type of test you need, find COVID-19 testing locations near you with our international directory.

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Is there a doctor on board?

A physician and nurse are on each ship to provide medical care and services at customary charges. Commonly used medications are kept on board and may be prescribed by the ship's doctor.

Related FAQs

Are there special rates for children or infants, are there children's programmes, are babysitters available, what about accessible cruising, what if i'm pregnant, are there size and weight requirements for water/dry slides, rope courses, rock climbing walls, go-karts, and laser tag, what do i need to know, if i'm pregnant.

Working on board as a cruise ship Doctor

Dr Luke Mclennan joined Carnival UK from an Emergency Medicine training post within the NHS. He’s worked on board as a Doctor, Senior Doctor and now as Senior Manager, Fleet Medical Operations.

We asked luke some questions about his experience as a cruise ship doctor..

Why did you decide to work as a cruise ship doctor?

I had a number of colleagues that had previously worked at Carnival UK, and had always spoken fondly of their experiences. I had enjoyed working independently in Emergency Departments, and preferred the smaller teams in District General Hospitals, so felt that the shift across to working at sea would suit me.

What is a typical day like for a Doctor on board a cruise ship?

I enjoyed forming a routine on board, after years of shift work. Clinic happens every day on board, and – short of any emergencies – you can get a good pattern together.

• 07:30 – wake up, look out of the window and remind yourself where you are!
• 08:00 – breakfast; there’s a great selection of meals prepared freshly each day on board
• 08:30 – get to the office, check emails
• 09:00 to 11:00 – Crew clinic, six crew attend – they are seen quickly, and given appropriate care and council – you form genuine friendships on board so clinic is an opportunity to check-in with your colleagues. 
• 11:00 – Drills! Ships’ alarm sounds, you remain in the medical centre and ensure the stretcher party are ready to react. Some informal training takes place with the extrication devices.
• 11:30 – morning shift ends so it’s a chance to freshen up before lunch
• 12:00 – lunch
• 12:30 – 16:00 – you’re on call today, you get a call at 14:00 when a guest returns from ashore with an injured wrist. x-ray confirms a fracture so you and the duty nurse plaster the joint. She’s discharged by around 14:30. You then spend an hour making sure your referral letters and admin is up to date while you’re in the office.
• 16:00 – Clinic where you see a wide variety of clinical presentations.
• 18:00 – It’s Gala Night, you leave clinic and change into formal attire. As Officers it’s important that we spend time meeting and greeting guests.
• 19:00 – dinner – Doctor’s have deck privileges so it’s a table in a guest specialty restaurant tonight
• 20:30 – you’re on call overnight tonight, so it’s an early night

What are the medical facilities like on board?

Having come from a busy Emergency Department, I was already surprised to find the cupboards stocked, the trolleys organised and the prospect of my own desk and chair was quite something!

The ship has everything you can want and need from x-rays, blood tests, cross matching, wound management. The biggest resource that I had not been able to use in the past though, was time! I had as long as I needed (within reason) to see my patients.

What is the most interesting case you have had to deal with on board?

I have too many stories to mention! In my first week, I was asked to transfer a patient into Mykonos via tender. It was really exciting at the time, and I could compare it really well with my previous week on call in MAU. I knew I’d made a sound choice at that point. There were many more exciting and interesting cases after that too! 

What do you get up to when you are not on call?

My guilty pleasure was to take the opportunity on a day in port, while not on call – to utilise the facilities on board. Finishing clinic, heading for a swim or a coffee on the deck in the sun, and catch up with friends or family back home. There are often social activities on board for the crew in the evening, with something for everyone.   

Are you able to get off the ship in each port?

Naturally patient care takes priority, and having had my plans for a hour on the beach swapped for a patient call, we take opportunities where we can. The medical team is a close-knit family and would almost always pull together if there was a particular place we wanted to visit.

What is your fondest memory of working on board?

I always enjoyed the sail ins, after spending five days at sea, arriving in Antigua on Boxing Day was a real treat. Again though, I have too many fond memories to reliably pick one!

I think the camaraderie is probably the most broadly positive aspect of working on board, and now have some friends for life that I really value as a result. 

What was the recruitment process like for you?

I had inquired a couple of years before I applied, and made sure I had appropriate experience to be eligible. I contacted the recruitment team to book onto an open day, and was lucky enough to be through the interview process in no time at all. I was given lots of exciting information, and a contract in the weeks that followed, along with a huge box of uniform! Later that year I was cruising the Mediterranean on Queen Victoria, having left the Medical Assessment Unit just a few hours before! The team helped to work my start date around the end date of my hospital rotations, and the training team sorted out any courses that were required.

Do you have any recommendations for locums who are interested in becoming cruise ship Doctors?

I was a locum in the Emergency Department for a year, it was almost certainly the best piece of experience. On paper, applicants would need to evidence recent experience in the Emergency Department or Intensive Care Unit – and in reality the focus should be on obtaining confidence and competence in a broad cross section of clinical scenarios, through that process.

Are there progression opportunities once on board?

When I told my colleagues in the NHS I was leaving to work at sea, I was told that it was fine for a year, but to expect a dead-end thereafter. I can’t say how wrong those people were, I have had countless opportunities that have arisen from my job within the company, both internally and externally. I have been so well supported by Carnival UK, and know there are similar pathways available for nurses within the fleet.

If you would like to become part of the Medical Team, contact us to attend our Introduction to Cruise Ship Medicine event, or register your interest to become a Ship Doctor or Nursing Officer today.

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17 Royal Caribbean Cruise Tips for First-time Passengers, According to Experts

Here's how to maximize your Royal Caribbean cruise, whether it's your first or fifth time on board.

Elizabeth Heath is a writer and editor living on a hill in Umbria, from where she writes about travel in Italy, the rest of Europe, and farther afield.

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean Cruise

If you’re shopping for a traditional cruise, chances are you’ll consider Royal Caribbean. The household name among big-ship cruise lines is the second-largest carrier on the seas (after Carnival). It has 27 ships in its fleet, including the new Icon of the Seas , the world’s largest cruise ship, with room for 7,600 passengers. Another four mega-ships are under construction. Even Royal Caribbean’s smallest vessels hold more than 2,400 passengers, so by any definition, they’re big.

If you’ve never sailed with Royal Caribbean, it can take a while to learn the ropes — nautical reference intended. And since your vacation time is precious, we asked some cruise line experts how to make the most of your first voyage. Here are their tips and tricks for first-time Royal Caribbean guests.

Don't wait to book.

It’s a piece of advice that goes for most cruise lines. Matt Hochberg of Royal Caribbean Blog , a fan and information site that's not affiliated with the company, says to book your Royal Caribbean cruise “as early as possible — as in now. It’s not like airfare where you can wait on the chance that prices will go down. Cruise prices stay where they are and only go up, and right now, demand is as high as it’s ever been. Your best bet is to book as early as you can, like 12 to 24 months out, to lock in the lowest price.”

Make show reservations in advance, too.

“Would you show up in New York for a theater weekend and simply cross your fingers and hope you get tickets to the shows you want?” asks Rob Clabbers, a Travel + Leisure A-List advisor and founder of Q Cruise + Travel . The answer is probably not, so use the "Manage My Cruise" feature on the Royal Caribbean website and book the shows you don’t want to miss. “You’re more likely to get the reservations you want and you’ll avoid having to scramble for seats or stand in line on your first day on board,” he adds.

Study the ship layout before your cruise.

If you’re like me, the anticipation of a cruise is half the fun. Use the weeks and months before your sailing to study deck plans and hone in on your favorite amenities. The largest Royal Caribbean ships are like small cities — the Icon and Oasis class ships even have their own neighborhoods. If you already have your bearings before embarking, you’ll waste less time riding the wrong elevator or wandering the wrong deck when trying to get to your destination — or back to your stateroom.

Get a jump on online check-in.

As soon as you book, access the "Manage My Cruise" portal on the Royal Caribbean website (the Royal Caribbean app has some of the same features). Then, as soon as online check-in opens, get right on it so you can secure the earliest possible window. “It makes the cruise terminal experience way faster,” says Hochberg. “About 30 days in advance, they’ll give you a check-in window. Arrive right around that time and you’ll breeze through — you don’t even stop moving.”

Opt for a drinks package.

You won’t go thirsty on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but free drinks are limited to standard coffee and tea, tap water, hot chocolate, milk, and a few other basics. Everything else costs extra — often a lot extra. “Even if you don’t drink alcohol, it may be worth checking out the options in advance, if you’re into premium coffees, sodas, juices, or bottled waters," says Clabbers. “Royal Caribbean occasionally offers promotions on the ‘Manage My Cruise’ [portal] that may save you money on certain beverage packages.”

Pack a swimsuit in your carry-on.

“Royal Caribbean ships have so many great pools and water features,” says Hochberg. And they get really crowded. Get ahead of the other passengers by packing a swimsuit in your daypack or carry-on. You can enjoy the pools, water parks, or the popular FlowRider surf simulator while you wait — often several hours — to access your cabin. “Embarkation day is one of the best times to go to the pools,” Hochberg adds. If you’re traveling with kids, you'll be glad you stashed those suits in your bag.

Splurge on a suite.

“Royal Caribbean ships can feel large and busy, so maybe you want to upgrade to a suite,” says Clabbers. Most suites start at around 300 square feet and go up from there — both in dimensions and price. You can expect to pay about twice as much for a suite, but the additional space may offer a welcome break from all the hubbub on board. Clabbers adds, “Depending on the category and ship you choose, you may enjoy suite-only restaurants and lounges, VIP treatment and embarkation, and even Royal Genie butler service.”

Asses how much drinking you’ll really do.

Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — the only one that includes alcohol — follows a dynamic pricing model between $56 and $105 per day, per person, with prices varying depending on the ship, itinerary, and other factors. Alcoholic and soft drinks are expensive on board, but you still have to indulge a lot to make the package worth the investment. If you’re not sure how much you'll drink (and don’t want to feel obligated to do so simply because you’ve paid for a package), consider going a la carte for the first few days of your cruise. You can always add a drinks package later, as long as you still have at least four days left on your sailing.

Find your place in the sun.

If you want a poolside lounge chair, you'll have to arrive by 10 a.m. at the latest on most Royal Caribbean ships, according to Hochberg. “People who sleep in and roll up at noon are not getting a chair by the pool,” he says. That said, the ships do have plenty of outdoor space, even if it’s not right by a pool. “If you just want to be outside, there are other chairs. Walk to the front or back of the ship. The further away you are from the pool, the more chairs you’ll find,” he adds, noting the promenade deck on any Royal Caribbean ship is always a great spot to read.

Consider a balcony cabin.

Like most cruise lines, Royal Caribbean is adding more balcony cabins and suites on its ships, and that’s, of course, due to customer demand. “Balconies are the most popular option,” says Hochberg. Though they cost more than an interior or non-balcony room, they’re still reasonably priced compared to suites. Hochberg adds, “They offer more space and fresh air, and if you do get seasick, the view and fresh air help.”

Choose an older ship.

If your vacation is more about the destination than the journey, you should consider an older, smaller Royal Caribbean ship, especially given the demand for their newer Oasis and Icon vessels. Radiance and Vision classes are among the oldest and smallest in the fleet, but still offer plenty of big-ship amenities without the “city at sea” feel. Hochberg calls these ships “much more manageable,” to the point that you probably don’t even need to make show or specialty dining reservations in advance — though you might still want to book once you’re on board.

Look for no-kid zones.

Royal Caribbean is a family-friendly cruise line — there are a slew of facilities and programs made just for kids. But if you prefer a more adult experience, Royal Caribbean offers options. “Certain areas are adults-only, such as the casino and nightclubs,” says Hochberg. While bars and lounges technically allow children to enter, he says it’s rare to see kids in these areas in the evening. Later dinner seatings also mean fewer young kids. Almost every ship in the fleet offers the Solarium, an adults-only section with a pool and whirlpool, a sundeck, and a bar. On the brand’s private Caribbean island playground, Perfect Day at CocoCay , Hideaway Beach is the adults-only pool and beach, though entrance is for a fee. Hochberg also says that “on longer sailings — those past seven nights — the amount of kids drops precipitously.”

If you can’t snag a show reservation, try walking in.

Because booked passengers scoop up show reservations as soon as they’re offered online, you may not get your first choice when it comes to the many show offerings, which include ice-skating performances, aqua theater, and Broadway-quality productions. But don’t give up, says Hochberg. “Show up at least 30 minutes before the show, even if it's sold out,” he says. “You’ll almost certainly be able to get in, as people blow off their [advance] reservations.”

Cost out The Key program.

Clabbers says Royal Caribbean cruisers should look into The Key program , the paid upgrade that’s akin to the Genie+ service at Disney theme parks. “It provides priority boarding access, a welcome lunch, high-speed internet access, fast lane access to onboard activities, private time at the FlowRider surf simulator, dedicated theater seats at shows, and other niceties.” Prices fluctuate, though, so before you purchase, compare the cost of The Key versus that of Royal Caribbean’s Voom Surf & Stream internet package. If there’s not much difference in cost (remember, it’s per user, per day), The Key benefits are worth springing on. However, if there’s a big price difference — or you want to disconnect during your cruise — you can skip The Key.

Look into third-party excursions.

Shore excursions must also be reserved in advance, and depending on when you book, you might not get your first choice of activity or time slot. But that doesn’t mean you have to stay on board or near the port all day. “Of course, Royal Caribbean offers shore excursions wherever they go,” says Clabbers. “But if you like more options and potentially smaller groups or lower fares, take a look at excursions offered by third-party providers.” Clabbers likes Shore Excursions Group and Project Expedition . “If you prefer private [excursions], Context Travel offers cultural and historical tours and activities in cities around the world.”

BYOB — to a point.

Perhaps you don’t want to buy a beverage package, but you’d like to have a glass of wine or two during your cruise. Royal Caribbean lets you bring one 750-milliliter bottle of wine per cabin guest, per cruise, and for many light drinkers, that’s plenty. Don’t try and bring more than this, and don’t put it in your checked luggage — it will be confiscated and returned at the end of your journey, as will any alcohol you buy in ports of call. You can also bring up to 12 containers (bottles, cans, or cartons) with up to 17 ounces each of soft drinks per stateroom. If you bring your bottle of wine to a restaurant or other public area, you’ll be charged a corkage fee.

Skip the transatlantic cruise if you're a first-timer.

Transatlantic repositioning cruises are not ideal for first-time Royal Caribbean passengers, according to Hochberg. “Transatlantic cruises are like a fine wine. Once you’re more acclimated and know you like the shipboard experience, they offer great value priced per night,” he says. But you don’t want to get on board and find that you don’t like the brand, or worse, don’t like cruising. “They are long cruises with lots of sea days, and are very susceptible to the weather.”

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Joshua Jackson: ABC’s Doctor Odyssey Cruise Ship Sudser Is ‘Ryan Murphy at His Outrageous Best’

Matt webb mitovich, chief content officer.

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Doctor Odyssey , ABC ‘s new cruise ship procedural premiering this fall, is “ Ryan Murphy at his outrageous, over-the-top best,” reports Joshua Jackson .

From 9-1-1 creator Murphy, Doctor Odyssey stars Fringe alum Jackson as Max, the new on-board doctor for a luxury cruise ship “where the staff works hard and plays harder,” says the ABC synopsis. “It’s all hands on deck as Max and his small but mighty medical team navigate unique medical crises and each other, miles from shore.”

Don Johnson also stars.

With not a single frame of footage filmed yet, we then asked Jackson what tone he expects this Ryan Murphy joint to deliver.

“The word that [Ryan] first used with me is ‘sparkle,’ that everything should have a sparkle in your eye,” he shares. “The scripts are written with a lot of joy, and they’re very funny and they move very fast,” he notes, “and it’s our job as the cast to remember that this is supposed to be an entertaining and enjoyable ride every week.”

So, is Jackson playing “Doctor Odyssey”? Like, is his character’s full name Dr. Maximus Odysseus? He sets the record straight on the show’s title at the 00:55 mark above.

TVLine also spoke this week with Disney Television Group president Craig Erwich, who said he is “very excited about having Ryan [Murphy]’s next show for broadcast TV.”

As seen with 9-1-1 ‘s season-opening homage to The Poseidon Adventure , “What he and [showrunner] Tim [Minear] have done on 9-1-1 this year in terms of creating an event that demanded to be seen was incredible to watch, and a reminder of how powerful broadcast is for creating cultural events.”

Fronting Doctor Odyssey , “We have two massive television stars in Joshua Jackson and Don Johnson,” Erwich raved, “and I think it’s going to be the perfect blend of high-octane procedural, wish fulfillment and captivating soap.”

Does Jackson, for one, reckon that Murphy will endeavor to create a full-size cruise ship set?

“I don’t reckon ,” he answers. “I’ve seen it with my own two eyes!”

Want scoop on Doctor Odyssey , or for any other TV show ? Email [email protected] , and your question may be answered via Matt’s Inside Line!

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I like Joshua Jackson ever since he played Pacey on Dawson’s Creek. I believe this will be a very good show. It’s sad that network television is pretty non existent now.

Wouldn’t “The Poop Deck” be the better title for a medical drama set on a cruise ship?

So it’s going the be The Love Boat if the main character was Doc

Is this show in the same universe of 911?

Yeah, but EVERY Murphy show is “Ryan Murphy at his outrageous best”…until it’s not. He’s the KING of “went out with a whimper”.

I certainly intend to sample it. With SO HELP ME TODD gone at 9, this may be the show to fill the hole in my schedule. Of course, I’ll be sampling MATLOCK, too.

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• Vessel Sanitation Program
• Stay Healthy on Your Cruise
• Meetings & Announcements
• Vessel Sanitation Training
• Data Summary
• Public Health Resources
• Addressing AGE on Cruise Ships

Cruise Ship Illness Frequently Asked Questions

• Find answers to common questions about gastrointestinal illness outbreaks, our inspections, and more.
• Note that ships under our jurisdiction are those that have a foreign itinerary, a U.S. port, and more than 13 passengers. Other organizations handle cruise ships outside our jurisdiction.

Norovirus and acute gastroenteritis (AGE)

Why do people associate age (including norovirus) with cruise ships.

Norovirus is a very contagious virus. Close living quarters may increase the amount of group contact. People joining the ship may bring the virus to other passengers and crew. Additionally, health officials track illness on cruise ships. So outbreaks are found and reported more quickly on a cruise ship than on land.

Does CDC address other illnesses on cruise ships?

Yes. Learn more about other common health concerns during cruise travel and what you can do to prevent illness.

The ship I sailed on had a lot of sick passengers or crew. Where can I find more information?

We consider it an outbreak when 3% or more of a ship's passengers or crew report being sick with AGE symptoms. We investigate outbreaks on ships within our jurisdiction. Explore our outbreak information on specific ships .

I think the ship I was on had an outbreak, but I don't see an outbreak posting. Why not?

There could be several reasons why an outbreak isn't posted on our site:

• The number of cases might not have met our threshold for what we can consider an outbreak (3% or more of a ship's passengers or crew report being sick with AGE symptoms).
• The ship might be outside our jurisdiction. Other organizations handle outbreaks outside our jurisdiction.
• People who were sick might not have reported it, so an outbreak could have gone undetected. This is why reporting illness is important.

Public health inspections

How often are ships inspected.

Cruise ships under our jurisdiction are subject to two unannounced inspections each year. We inspect cruise ships to determine how well they are operating and maintaining public health standards (learn more about the eight areas we inspect ). If a ship sails outside of the United States for an extended period, it may not be inspected twice a year, but it will be inspected again when it returns to the United States.

Why isn't the ship I'm looking for in the inspection database?

The ship might not be in the inspection database because it does not meet our criteria for inspection.

The ship could be sailing outside the United States for an extended period (in which case it will be inspected and added in the database when it returns).

How are cruise ships inspections scored?

Cruise ships are scored on a 100-point scale as outlined in our current Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) Operations Manual .

• Points are deducted when there is a pattern of similar violations or when there is a single, significant violation.
• An 85 or below is a failing score.

We post all inspection scores .

Are ships required to correct violations found during inspections?

Yes. Ships are responsible for correcting all violations. They must correct certain critical violations immediately.

In addition, some violations can be corrected during the inspection, while others may take longer to correct. Each ship submits a corrective action statement describing how violations were corrected.

What happens if a ship fails an inspection?

A failing score indicates violations that the ship is responsible for correcting. Ships that fail inspections are reinspected within a reasonable period.

No-sail recommendation

When would vsp recommend a ship not sail.

People sometimes assume that we will recommend a ship not sail if it fails an inspection. However, we have rarely issued such recommendations.

We may recommend a ship not sail if there are imminent public health risks . Examples of such risks are

• Inability to properly chlorinate potable (drinking) water.
• Inability to keep food within safe temperatures.
• Inadequate facilities for cleaning and sanitizing food equipment.
• Inability to properly dispose of solid or liquid waste.

We may also recommend a ship not sail during an infectious disease outbreak where continuing normal operations could subject newly arriving passengers to disease.

If a cruise line refuses to follow a VSP no-sail recommendation, it can become a no-sail order.

Children and pools

Why can't children who are not toilet trained use pools on cruise ships.

Children who wear any type of diaper, including swim diapers, are not allowed in pools. Swim diapers and swim pants might hold in some solid feces, but they are not leak proof.

The Vessel Sanitation Program helps the cruise ship industry prevent and control the introduction and spread of gastrointestinal illnesses on cruise ships.

For Everyone

Public health.

A Norwegian Cruise Line worker is accused of stabbing people on board with scissors

• A cruise ship worker was accused of stabbing a passenger and attacking crew members.
• The incident occurred on the Norwegian Encore on its voyage to Alaska from Seattle, AP reported.
• The worker was arrested and faces assault charges, the district attorney's office said.

A cruise ship employee was arrested after he allegedly used scissors to stab three people aboard a ship that was traveling to Alaska.

The employee, identified as Ntando Sogoni from South Africa, had recently started working on Norwegian Encore, a ship operated by Norwegian Cruise Line,.

According to AP News , which cited an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the ship disembarked from Seattle on Sunday and was scheduled to stop in Alaskan ports, including Junea, during the weeklong voyage.

Sogoni, 35, was on duty on Monday when he began to exhibit "unusual and irrational behaviour," a spokesperson for the Norwegian Cruise Line told Business Insider. He allegedly tried to deploy a lifeboat from the ship, according to a press release issued by the district attorney's office .

According to the FBI, Sogoni was taken to the ship's medical center for examination, where he then "physically attacked" a security guard and a nurse before using a pair of scissors to stab a passenger who was being examined.

Sogoni allegedly stabbed the passenger several times in her arm, hand, and face. A security guard who intervened was stabbed in the head, while a second security guard was stabbed in the back and shoulders, authorities said.

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The conditions of the passenger and staff are unknown, though AP News reported that none of the injuries were life-threatening.

The ship was traveling west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, when the alleged incident took place, the publication added.

Sogoni was held in the ship's jail before being arrested in Juneau on Tuesday.

Sogoni is facing charges of assault with a dangerous weapon. He could face up to 10 years in prison in addition to a $250,000 fine for each count if convicted, they added.

The cruise industry made $19 billion in revenue in 2022, according to the online data platform Statista .

The US Department of Transportation keeps a record of reported crimes on cruise ships through quarterly reports. According to a recent cruise line incident report , 47 alleged incidents were reported to the FBI between January and March of this year.

Of the incidents reported, eight were recorded as assault with serious bodily injury, one was recorded as a missing US national, and six alleged thefts of under $10,000 were reported. There were also 16 cases categorized as "sexual assault," and a further 16 were categorized as "sexual assault — rape."

The district attorney's office, Juneau's police department, and Sogoni's lawyer did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Here’s Why People Are Living on Cruise Ships | ‘The Opportunity to Travel and Get Paid for It’

People are looking at all sorts of solutions to evade the rising housing costs everywhere in the US. From considering moving to resorts  to people moving into tiny homes , it seems like everybody is trying their hands on unconventional ways of living. Now, people are turning to an option that was so far reserved for people with disposable income. Yes, many are now taking to the high seas, and abandoning the decision to live on land. While going on a cruise may seem like it will burn a hole in your pocket, the reality is that when it's planned properly it can cost you less than what you would pay on dry land. Among these people is Ryan Gutridge who spent almost the entire year on a cruise ship after he realized that he was able to work from the cruise. 

He began his new life on the Royal Caribbean cruise ships in 2021. In a chat with Insider, he said, "I work in IT as a cloud-solution engineer for a cloud-solution provider and started working from home in 2012."

"But because of the pandemic, my team was able to work from home and access the data they needed from anywhere," he added.

During this time, Gutridge decided that when cruise lines would resume their operation he would be taking his job with him on a short cruise. "I wanted to see how the WiFi would work and if I could access some elements of my job with heavy security," he said.

He initially booked two four-night cruises on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas in September 2021, to test out if he could work seamlessly from the ship. "Everything worked great, and since then, I've been on a cruise pretty much every week, except for a few weeks due to the holidays," he said.

"I've been told I'm crazy for trying to live full time on a cruise ship, but it's not just for retired people," Gutridge told Insider. 

Gutridge, who was from Fort Lauderdale Florida, found himself paying $300 per night which was almost the same as what he was paying for his apartment and trash service back home, and while his base fare budget is $30,000 for the year, the cruise comes with extra perks including free WiFi and free drinks, which means that he is also saving money on those expenses. 

He also said that his good relationship with the crew members on board is also one of the reasons why he is considering letting go of his apartment in Florida permanently by 2025 as he only spends a short time on land to see friends and have doctor and dentist appointments.

Gutridge is not the only one who is living their sea life. Musician Jack Nolan is another great example of people traveling around the world full-time on cruise ships. Nolan has lived for more than seven years as a guitarist on cruise lines. "It's amazing to have the opportunity to travel and get paid for it as well," Nolan said. "Our drummer already knew the process of how to get a cruise ship gig, so he led the way," he told Business Insider .

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'It was scary': Air Force evacuates 12-year-old boy in critical condition from cruise

A 12-year-old boy in critical condition was medically evacuated from a Carnival cruise ship. Due to the ship being more than 350 miles offshore, the Air Force Reserve Command’s 920th Rescue Wing had to perform the air evacuation on Saturday, according to a press release by the combat search and rescue wing.

Aiden Bridges and his family were onboard the Carnival Venezia cruise ship , which was sailing along the East Coast to return to New York from the Caribbean, when he “fell ill,” according to a GoFundMe created by Aiden’s mom, Angela Bridges. 

The pre-teen visited the ship's medical team, where he got an X-ray and learned he had a rupture in his bowel. The onboard doctors told the family Aiden needed to be medically evacuated immediately to a hospital in North Carolina for urgent surgery. 

Angela Bridges did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment. 

At the time, the ship was on a sea day and scheduled to arrive back in New York on Monday. 

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“Carnival Venezia's team worked with United States Coast Guard and Air Force officials to adjust its course Saturday so a medical helicopter could rendezvous with the ship when a guest on board needed treatment ashore,” Janna Rowell, a spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line, told USA TODAY in an email statement.

Within hours of the call, the 920th Rescue Wing prepared and launched a rescue force from Florida comprising two HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopters, two HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and two teams of combat rescue officers and pararescuemen to fly to the ship’s position, the press release said. Flight doctors were used to identify the treatment station to which Aiden was transported. 

“Everyone in the wing mobilized with exceptional speed. By uniting our efforts, we saved crucial time, delivering life-saving assistance six hours ahead of other response teams,” said Capt. Dylan Gann, 301st Rescue Squadron pilot, in the release.

Due to the ship’s remote location, the helicopters had to do air-to-air refueling. Pararescuements were hoisted down to the ship’s deck, and Aiden and his mother were brought up to the helicopter. 

Mira Simanovsky, who was also onboard the cruise, told USA TODAY the passengers were alerted of a medical evacuation via an intercom announcement. Simanovsky was on her balcony when she saw the two helicopters and army planes circling the ship. She later moved to the deck to watch the rescue mission with other passengers. 

“It was scary. Everybody was crying,” she said. An avid cruiser with 35 sailings under her belt said it was the first time she’d ever “seen anything like that.”

The crowd gathered on the deck were cheering and clapping when the mother and her son were airlifted. 

By the time the aircraft returned to the station, the rescue mission had taken more than eight hours with over 1,000 miles flown. 

Carnival said the ship then resumed its route to New York and arrived in New York Monday morning as normad. 

“Thank you so much to everyone who has expressed well wishes and prayers and good thoughts for our sweet baby and the rest of our family,” Bridges wrote on the GoFundMe fundraiser to help the family with Aiden’s insurance deductible and out-of-pocket medical costs. “I can’t express to everyone how in awe I am at the outpouring of kindness and support.”

On Tuesday, Bridges posted an update on Aiden, saying he “has a long road of recovery ahead of him.” 

Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at [email protected] .