Print Logotype

What facilities are available from the Medical Centre on board?

We are unable to accept guests who require supplementary oxygen (via tank or cylinder) or haemodialysis. Guests requiring oxygen via concentrator, those who utilise mechanical ventilatory support and those requiring peritoneal dialysis may be accepted to travel subject to prior confirmation from our medical team. Guests who use overnight CPAP for sleep apnoea are able to travel.

Medical Centre Facilities

The ship provides a private medical service and staff include doctors and nurses. Our medical facility has basic medications and equipment. Whilst we are able to offer an immediate medical response, it is important to understand that this is not the same as would be available in a land based facility and there is no access to surgical or complex intensive care facilities, advanced imaging or medical specialists. The Health Service onboard is a private medical service, so charges will be applied to your onboard account - you will be provided with a receipt for insurance purposes.
 
If an acute medical or surgical condition occurs, it could be life-threatening. Medical evacuations are not always possible and where arrangements can be made, they can be extremely expensive and may take hours or days to achieve.
 

COVID-19 tests are not available to purchase via the Medical Centre, however, testing can be completed by medical staff for guests who are symptomatic.

 

The following facilities are available within the Medical Centre for use by the ship's medical staff when caring for patients:
  • ECG
  • Nebuliser
  • Oxygen
  • X-Ray
  • Pathology including blood tests such as INR (International Normalised Ratio), FBC (full blood count), U&E (urea & electrolytes) and LFT (liver function test)
  • In-patient Ward
  • 24 hr Emergency Medical Services
  • Variety of medications
  • Intensive Care

These facilities are not intended or designed to provide ongoing treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and are only accessible following a consultation with the onboard Doctor. If you require a specific procedure on board, it may be necessary to speak with our Health Services Department prior to travel.

Staff

All our Doctors and Nurses on board our ships are fully qualified and trained to assist in emergency situations.

There is typically one Senior Doctor, one Doctor and approximately four nurses on board. The number of medical staff is dependent on the size of the ship.

Dental & Other Services

We do not offer dental services on board any of our ships.

We can supply the morning after pill.

Sharps Box / Medical Waste Disposal

A sharps container along with red (clinical waste) bags can be placed in your cabin upon request prior to embarkation and is also available from your cabin steward.

Medical dressings

Our medical team on board are able to assist should you require your medical dressings to be changed whilst on board your cruise, however, they are unable to do compression or pressure bandaging as this is a specialist procedure. For all regular / planned dressings, the guest is required to bring their own medical supplies with them along with a letter from their District Nurse outlining the treatment required on board. 
Cost
A simple dressing will cost you approximately £15.75*. An advanced dressing will cost you approximately £31.50*. *These prices may be subject to a consultation fee depending on your requirements. 

Charges

Whilst on board, should you require any medical assistance during your stay, you will be charged for the services provided which will be added to your on board account. A charge of £55.13** is applicable for a consultation prior to any treatment or medication (You will be advised on board if a consultation is required) and approximate cost for an INR is £72.19**. Please bring with you your INR result booklet and make yourself known to the medical team onboard during clinic hours. **Costs are subject to change. 

Additional Information

If a guest requires any of the above services, please request a "Your on-board needs" questionnaire via Polar Online. The guest will need to complete and return this prior to boarding, the questionnaire ensures we are aware of their needs prior to their cruise. Please click here for a guide.

Was this helpful to you?

Please rate this answer by selecting one of the stars below (1 star low, 5 stars high).

Poor Excellent