Cunard Disabled Cruises medical questions

Do I need a European Health Insurance Card?

With a European Health Insurance Card, you may be entitled to medical care ashore at a reduced cost or sometimes free. When traveling on a voyage, you must have sufficient travel insurance and so a EHIC is not essential.

Do I require any vaccinations?

Cunard recommends that you consult your GP in all instances taking a copy of your itinerary along with you.
Areas of concern for Malaria are detailed in Cunard Line brochure, however Cunard are unable to recommend any specific anti malarial medication.

What is the procedure for bringing electrical medical equipment on board?

You must notify Cunard's Reservations team on 0843 374 0000 who will send a medical and mobility questionnaire to you. We will need you to detail the particulars on the questionnaire.
Alternatively, you can email disability@carnivalukgroup.com to advise you of the equipment you are bringing.
You will need to take the equipment as hand luggage. Please also ask or find out - "What is the voltage on board?" and contact the supplier of the electrical equipment if you have questions as to the compatibility.
Once you are on board, please notify the pursers desk so we can check the equipment before setting sail.

What services are available from the Medical Centre on board?

There are a wide range of facilities on board our ships including ECG, Nebuliser, Oxygen, X-Ray, Pathology, In-patient Ward, 24 hr Emergency Medical Services & a variety of medication. However, these facilities are not intended or designed to provide ongoing treatment of pre-existing medical conditions. All our Doctors and Nurses on board our ships are fully qualified and trained to assist in emergency situations.
If you require a specific procedure on board it may be necessary to speak with our medical department prior to travel.

Can I take medications on board?

Generally, there are no issues with you bringing your medication on board, however Cunard would like to inform you that some prescriptions, over the counter drugs, complementary therapies and other medicines that are purchased in the UK may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates and are therefore banned in Dubai.
Codeine, for example, is banned and no products containing codeine, which may include paracetamol, may be imported or sold in the country. Penalties can be severe if banned substances are found when entering this country.
If you are taking any medication and are in doubt then please contact the United Arab Emirates, London Embassy medical department on 0207 486 6281 prior to your arrival.
Anyone traveling with medications and / or syringes should carry a prescription with them. All medications should be kept in their labeled dispensing bottles or packages. If the medications are "controlled" or injectable drugs it is also advisable to carry a Doctors letter.
Cunard strongly advise you to contact us if any of the above affects you.

Can dialysis be done on board?

Yes, but only peritoneal (fluid) dialysis which must be carried out by yourself or traveling companion rather than the medical staff on board. You must be self sufficient and arrange your own supplies. Cunard cannot accept haemodialysis (blood dialysis) passengers on board.
Cunard deal with a company called Baxters quite often and they know the procedure.
They will deliver the fluids to the correct terminal the day prior to the vessel. Cunard will then make sure they are loaded whilst the vessel is alongside. You can then request the fluids through the housekeeping team as and when you require them.
For Blood Dialysis (haemodialysis), visit www.dialysisatsea.com which gives a list of ships that can provide these services.

Can you carry out INR / Warfarin blood testing on board?

Yes we can. There is a charge for this service. Costs for this service vary so can only be confirmed on board. Passengers who require this service must bring their INR booklet with them.

What should I do with medication that needs to be refrigerated?

Your stateroom has a refrigerator which you can store your medication in. For larger items that need to be refrigerated, Cunard's Medical team should be advised so that they can arrange storage.

Can I travel when I am pregnant?

Yes, depending on how far into your pregnancy you are. Please advise us at time of booking or as soon as you are aware that you are expecting a baby.
Guests who are pregnant may travel as long as they do not enter their 24th week of pregnancy by the final day of their cruise and their doctor has agreed both mother and baby are fit to travel.

Can you provide oxygen cylinders on board?

The only oxygen cylinders we have on board are for emergency use.
Should you require use of an oxygen cylinder for non-emergencies, you should arrange this yourself.
Omega are a private hire company providing oxygen cylinders, who maybe able to assist you depending upon the itinerary for your cruise. Contact Bill Quantrill of Omega on 01273 308 176.

What is the cost of an appointment to see a doctor on board?

Medical treatment on board is classed as private care and as such is chargeable. The cost of these charges can vary depending on treatment, services and items used.
It is advisable that you ensure you have appropriate travel insurance prior to sailing.

Is there a charge to change medical dressings using the medical centre on board?

Visiting the medical centre on board would incur a charge for any reason. The charges vary depending on your requirements and will be notified to you on board. You should insure you have adequate travel insurance before you travel.
If you need to have medical dressings changed then this is something we can accommodate, however you will still incur the charge. Bringing your own sterile bandages will help lower the cost.

How many doctors & nurses are usually on board?

Usually there is a Senior Doctor, a Doctor and 3 nurses although this can vary depending on ship size.

What should I do if I feel sea sick?

There is a medical centre on board where a doctor can help combat the effects of sea sickness, although this can be quite costly.
Anti sea sickness tablets (Travella herbal tablets) and bands are available from the shops on board or you can opt for an acupuncture treatment from the spa.
Should you feel you may suffer from the effects of sea sickness, it may be advisable to contact you doctor or pharmacist prior to embarking.

What medication do you have on board to help deal with sea sickness?

The doctors will prescribe tablets called Avomine in the first instance. If, after taking these, you still feel sea sick, they can administer an injection called Promathezine.
There will be a cost involved for either of these which will be advised on board. You should ensure you have adequate travel insurance prior to traveling.

Can I pre-book a sea sickness injection?

The sea sickness injection cannot be pre-booked. It is given, if deemed necessary, once sea sickness has taken effect and passengers cannot retain sea sickness tablets (i.e. they are being physically sick).
We would suggest that guests seek advice from their local pharmacy for advice on which remedies would be suitable for them prior to travel.
Costs on services from the medical department can vary, as these may include consultation periods, however as a guide, this can be around $96* (this figure may vary depending on exchange rates). Guests should ensure they have adequate medical insurance before travel. *Please note, this amount is approximated and is subject to change.

Can you provide a medical sharps box?

Yes. This can be provided and placed in your Stateroom

Can I take an oxygen concentrator on board?

Yes, Please notify Cunards Reservations Centre on 0843 374 0000 who will contact our Medical team. They in turn will contact you with further details.

Can I bring liquid oxygen on board?

Liquid oxygen can be carried on board Cunard ships, so long as it is provided in a Cryogenic Flask or Pressurised Cylinder. Please contact the Medical Department via the Reservations centre as express permission from the ship will be required first. Liquid oxygen cannot be carried if its container requires an external power source to keep the oxygen in its liquid state. Carnival PLC reserves the right to request full specifications of the equipment prior to confirming that you can bring liquid oxygen on board our ships.
Please note that the ship's Medical Centre cannot refill oxygen or supply cylinders. You are responsible for renting / supplying enough equipment and supplies to last the entire cruise. It is likely only one cylinder can be stored in your cabin and the remainder elsewhere.
Due to changes to the supply of NHS oxygen cylinders and concentrators, it is Cunards understanding that oxygen cylinders may no longer be provided under an NHS prescription for your cruise. These supply changes may affect your ability to take your concentrator abroad.

Can I obtain distilled water for medical reasons?

There is the opportunity to purchase this on board or you may bring your own.

Is there a dentist on board?

No. The only dental services we are able to offer are teeth whitening processes offered by the spas on selected ships.

How can I claim on my insurance for an accident I had on board?

You will need to provide the detailed medical report and bill to your insurance company.
Should you require a replacement copy, please contact Cunard's medical department who can supply you with this.
Medical Department
Cunard Line
Carnival House
100 Harbour Parade
Southampton
Hampshire
SO15 1ST