International Centre
for Cruise Research
A virtual
centre for research and for
researchers
Abstract
Brewer,
P. A. and Barry, M. "Survey of Web-based health care information
for prospective cruise line
passengers," Journal
of Travel Medicine, 2002, 9:4, 194-197
Background:
To determine the availability of information concerning medical care
available
onboard the ships of the major cruise lines operating in the North
American
market. Methods: The Web pages of the 16 members of the International
Council
of Cruise Lines were explored for the following types of information:
ease of
access of medical information, qualifications of medical personnel,
description
of medical facilities on board, maximum distance from nearest port,
telemedicine capabilities, maximum gestational age and minimum infant
age
allowed, medical insurance information, and links to recognized
guidelines for
medical care on cruise ships. Results: Seven
cruise lines had minimal or no medical
information at all. No cruise line presented information about medical evacuation
or telemedicine services. 10 cruise
lines had no information on maximal gestational age and 11 did not
specify
minimum infant age. No site offered a link to guidelines concerning
medical
facilities on board. Conclusion: The advanced age of the average cruise
ship
passenger and the isolation of the cruise environment create a need for
high
quality medical facilities and staff onboard cruise ships. The lack of
detailed
information concerning medical care available onboard makes it
difficult for
the average prospective passenger, who has health concerns, to make an
informed
decision as to choice of cruise line and itinerary. Cruise lines should
correct
this by including more information regarding medical services as well
as links
to other cruise health Web sites.
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