Jun 3, 2015
Gary Bembridge author of "The Cruise Traveler's Handbook"
provides another 60-Second Cruise Tip. For more visit 60SecondCruiseTips.com and
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Cruise Contract Watch-outs: Non‐Liability For Medical
Treatment
Although there will be a medical centre on board on ocean cruise
ships, it is usually provided by a third party or specific
organisation within the overall cruise corporation. The medical
team are unlikely to be direct employees of the cruise line itself.
In the contract you agree to when buying your ticket it is likely
to state that if you access the service on board the line itself
will not be liable for any aspect of medical treatment provided -
including the advice, diagnosis, medication or treatment.
If the cruise line has to refer you or transfer you to a medical
facility in a port they will not provide any warranty, guarantees
or be held liable for any treatment you receive.
You need to understand that while there is medical facilities on
board that are ready to deal with most incidents and accidents, you
are accessing them at your own risk. If you are unhappy with the
treatment you receive you will find you are unlikely to have direct
recourse to the cruise line itself. You can, of course, make
complaints and there is likely to be a process but your rights may
be limited based on the terms of the contract.