Hi Lauren,
Welcome to planDisney! Thanks for bringing your important question to us. No one likes to think about medical issues when planning a vacation, but it is smart to consider them as part of your preparation. Like you, I have wondered this same question about
transatlantic cruises, so I'm glad you asked!
Whenever I'm at sea, whether on a quick getaway or a longer voyage, I share some contact information with my family or friends back home in case an emergency should arise. I provide my ship name and stateroom number and the Disney Cruise Line phone number they can use to contact me. From the U.S., the number is 1-888-322-8732. For international calls from shore to ship, the number is +1 732-335-3281. There is a charge per minute for these calls, which are limited to ten minutes.
The
Health Center is located on Deck 1, Forward on every Disney Crusie Line ship, and is staffed by a medical doctor and nurse from 9:20 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. If you have an emergency outside these hours you can call 7-3000 from any ship phone. The
medical team can perform limited laboratory tests, take X-rays, prescribe medications and a variety of services.
Now, if there is a medical emergency beyond the scope of the Health Center, the doctor will make the best decision as to how to seek medical attention, along with the ship's Captain. I have been on cruises when helicopter evacuations were necessary and other times when the ship was diverted to an unscheduled port or delayed leaving a port. While on a transatlantic cruise, depending on location and particular situation, the port options could be Bermuda or the Canary Islands, and a helicopter evacuation may or may not be available.
Guests with medical conditions should consult their doctor before embarking on a voyage, and complete a
Special Services Information Form when you book your cruise.
Lauren, onboard medical service and potential evacuation services will be charged to your onboard account. You will receive paperwork detailing your charges from the Health Center so you can file claims through your health insurance provider. To help cover medical services or travel delays, you can consider purchasing the
Disney Cruise Line Vacation Protection Plan.
This is a lot of information that I hope you will never need, Lauren, but I'm glad that you are thinking about it nonetheless. I hope you are also thinking about all the fabulous ways you will spend your days at sea exploring the ship, enjoying onboard entertainment and activities, and relaxing in the ocean air! Please let us know if you have other questions about your Disney Cruise Line vacation; we are here to help!
Wishing you many magical (and healthy!) moments,
Shannon