Logan Reid
Cruise ships are popular vacation choices for millions of people each year. However, cruise ships have been associated with disease outbreaks, such as norovirus, and other issues like plumbing problems. In the case of medical emergencies, cruise ships are equipped to handle them. For example, in one instance, a passenger was transferred from a cruise ship to a hospital via a helicopter from a rescue vessel. While some cruise ships may have basic medical facilities, there are also dedicated hospital ships, such as the Global Mercy, which is a purpose-built hospital ship with operating rooms, wards, X-ray facilities, a pharmacy, and rehab services. These hospital ships, crewed by volunteer medical professionals, provide life-changing surgeries and medical care to those in need, particularly in regions where access to healthcare is limited.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cruise ships with hospitals | Purpose-built hospital ships like the Global Mercy, crewed by volunteer medical professionals, exist to provide medical care to those in need. |
| Cruise ships typically do not have hospitals on board. | |
| Medical emergencies on cruise ships | In the event of a medical emergency, cruise ships are equipped to transfer passengers to another vessel with an onboard helicopter for urgent care. |
| Sanitation and disease outbreaks | Recent outbreaks of Norovirus, E. coli, and other illnesses on cruise ships have raised concerns about sanitation and food safety. The CDC defines a cruise ship outbreak as when at least 3% of passengers or crew report gastrointestinal illnesses. |
| "Poop cruise" incident | In 2013, an engine fire on the Carnival Triumph cruise ship caused a power outage, resulting in overflowing sewage, non-functional toilets, and passengers using biohazard bags for defecation. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cruise ships are susceptible to disease outbreaks, with Norovirus being the most common
- Cruise ships are required to meet sanitation standards set by the CDC
- Cruise ships do not have hospitals, but they can transfer passengers to hospital ships
- Hospital ships are similar to cruise ships but with hospital facilities
- Hospital ships have amenities like cafes, dining rooms, shops, and libraries
Cruise ships are susceptible to disease outbreaks, with Norovirus being the most common
Cruise ships are typically equipped with medical centres or infirmaries to address passengers' and crews' basic healthcare needs. While these facilities may not resemble traditional onshore hospitals, they provide essential medical services. However, the confined nature of cruise ships, with hundreds or thousands of passengers and crew members in close quarters, makes them susceptible to disease outbreaks.
Norovirus, often referred to as the "cruise ship virus," is the most common cause of gastrointestinal (GI) illness outbreaks on cruise ships. It is highly contagious and can spread rapidly through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, or food prepared by infected crew members. The virus can survive on surfaces for days, making it challenging to contain once it is onboard. Norovirus causes vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea, and stomach pain. It can be serious, especially for young children and older adults.
Between January and May 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) listed at least 17 cruise ships that reported disease outbreaks. Norovirus was the culprit in 13 of these incidents, affecting a total of 1,568 guests and crew members. Cruise lines such as Holland America, Princess Cruises, Viking, and Cunard have experienced multiple outbreaks, prompting increased scrutiny of sanitation and food safety protocols.
In addition to Norovirus, other gastrointestinal illnesses have affected cruise ships. For example, Silversea Cruises' Silver Ray experienced an E. coli outbreak, and National Geographic Sea Lion had an outbreak of unknown origin with symptoms including vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea. The close quarters and shared spaces on cruise ships can facilitate the spread of diseases, making them susceptible to outbreaks that affect a significant number of passengers and crew.
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Cruise ships are required to meet sanitation standards set by the CDC
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) helps the cruise industry prevent and control public health issues through its Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP). The VSP operates under the authority of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. Section 264 Quarantine and Inspection Regulations to Control Communicable Diseases). It addresses issues such as gastrointestinal illnesses, which can spread through contaminated food or water, or person-to-person contact.
The CDC defines a cruise ship outbreak as when at least 3% of passengers or crew members report symptoms of gastrointestinal illness during a voyage. The VSP tracks and investigates health issues on ships sailing into US ports, inspecting ships for water and food safety, hygiene practices, waste management, and pest control. Cruise ships under VSP jurisdiction carry 13 or more passengers and have a foreign itinerary with US ports. The CDC conducts two surprise inspections a year for ships meeting these criteria.
Inspectors focus on the sanitation of eight areas of the cruise ship, and scores are given on a 100-point scale. A score of 85 or below is considered failing, and ships with such scores are advised to make the necessary corrections. In cases of imminent public health risks, the CDC may even advise ships not to sail.
The CDC also provides recommendations for passengers to prevent the spread of illness, such as consulting a healthcare provider before the voyage if they are feeling unwell, washing hands often, drinking lots of water, and getting plenty of rest.
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Cruise ships do not have hospitals, but they can transfer passengers to hospital ships
While cruise ships do not have hospitals on board, they are equipped to handle medical emergencies. In the event of a serious incident, cruise ships can transfer passengers to hospital ships or onshore medical facilities.
For example, the MSC Divina, a European cruise ship, had to alter its course during a transatlantic voyage due to a medical emergency. The captain calmly announced the situation to the passengers and coordinated with a nearby vessel equipped with a helicopter to evacuate the patient. The crew's professionalism and expertise ensured the passenger received the urgent care they needed.
Hospital ships, such as those operated by Mercy Ships, are floating hospitals crewed by volunteer medical professionals. These ships provide life-changing surgeries and medical care to people in regions with limited access to healthcare. They are equipped with operating rooms, wards, X-ray machines, pharmacies, and rehabilitation facilities, offering comprehensive medical services comparable to land-based hospitals.
It is worth noting that cruise ships prioritize passenger safety and well-being. While they may not have hospitals, they take necessary precautions and are prepared to respond to unforeseen medical situations by coordinating with external medical resources. This ensures that passengers receive timely and appropriate care when needed.
In conclusion, while cruise ships lack onboard hospitals, they are capable of transferring passengers to hospital ships or onshore medical facilities in the event of a medical emergency. The MSC Divina's swift response and the existence of dedicated hospital ships like those from Mercy Ships demonstrate the maritime industry's commitment to passenger health and safety, even in unforeseen circumstances.
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Hospital ships are similar to cruise ships but with hospital facilities
Hospital ships are similar to cruise ships in many ways, but with the added benefit of providing hospital facilities to those in need. They are both large ships with multiple decks and cabins, and they both offer similar amenities such as cafes, dining rooms, shops, and libraries. However, hospital ships have a greater purpose beyond just leisure and entertainment.
The Global Mercy, for example, is a purpose-built hospital ship operated by Mercy Ships, an organisation dedicated to providing hope and healing to those in need. The ship is similar to a large ferry, but instead of car decks, it boasts a fully equipped hospital with operating rooms, wards, X-ray facilities, a pharmacy, and rehabilitation services. This floating hospital brings state-of-the-art medical care to people in regions where access to healthcare is limited.
The cabins on hospital ships can be quite comfortable and spacious, even offering family cabins for those who plan to stay for extended periods. While the overall experience may vary, some have noted that the cabins on hospital ships have certain advantages over cruise ship cabins, such as locking wardrobes to prevent rattling during rough weather.
Hospital ships are typically crewed by volunteer medical professionals, including surgeons, nurses, and therapists, who provide life-changing surgeries and medical care to those who may not otherwise have access to such treatment. These ships play a crucial role in delivering free, safe, and transformative healthcare to underserved communities around the world.
In addition to their medical capabilities, hospital ships also focus on the well-being of their passengers and crew. Meals are served three times a day, and there are common areas for dining and socialising, creating a welcoming and fun atmosphere. Overall, hospital ships combine the functionality of a hospital with the accommodations and amenities often found on cruise ships, allowing them to provide essential medical services while also offering a pleasant experience for those on board.
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Hospital ships have amenities like cafes, dining rooms, shops, and libraries
While hospital ships are designed to provide medical care to those in need, they also offer various amenities to make the experience of being onboard more comfortable and enjoyable for both patients and medical staff. One such ship is the Global Mercy, which has been described as similar to a large ferry but with a full-on hospital in place of car decks.
The Global Mercy, like regular cruise ships, features a cafe, a dining room, a shop, and a library. The dining room, in particular, resembles a cruise ship buffet, with meals served three times a day and the option to make yourself a sandwich if desired. These spaces are well-appointed and welcoming, reflecting the importance of creating a pleasant environment for those onboard, especially given that some people may live on the ship for extended periods.
The ship also has family cabins, accommodating families who may be onboard for at least two years. These cabins offer ample storage space, comfortable sleeping arrangements, and secure wardrobes that prevent rattling during rough weather. The bathrooms are also well-designed, and the overall experience of staying in these cabins is reportedly positive.
In addition to the physical amenities, the Global Mercy also fosters a sense of community and cultural diversity. The lounge, for example, displays the flags of the nationalities of the volunteers onboard, creating a sense of inclusion and global collaboration. This ship truly combines the functionality of a hospital with the comforts and conveniences typically found on cruise ships, ensuring that those onboard can not only receive or provide medical care but also enjoy their time during their stay.
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Frequently asked questions
No, there are no hospitals on cruise ships. However, there are infirmaries or medical centres on cruise ships to deal with medical emergencies.
If you need to go to hospital while on a cruise ship, the ship will alter its course and meet with a rescue vessel that is equipped with a helicopter. The helicopter will then take you to the nearest hospital on land.
There have been several reports of disease outbreaks on cruise ships, including Norovirus, E. coli, and unknown illnesses causing vomiting, fever, and diarrhoea. There have also been cases of passengers requiring urgent air evacuation due to unspecified medical emergencies.
Yes, the Global Mercy is a purpose-built hospital ship with 6 operating rooms, wards, X-ray facilities, a pharmacy, and rehab services. It is similar to a large ferry in size and is currently stationed in Sierra Leone.
If you get sick while on a cruise ship, you should immediately report your symptoms to the cruise staff. They will have medical staff on board who can provide initial treatment and advise on further care. It is important to follow their instructions and any sanitation protocols in place to prevent the spread of illness.
