What Medical Facilities Are Available on CroisiEurope Ships?
Health and medical support is a significant consideration for Australian travellers particularly those over 60 and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Here is the complete, honest guide to medical facilities and emergency procedures on CroisiEurope river cruise ships.
Medical Facilities on Board
CroisiEurope river ships are not hospitals or medical vessels they are passenger cruise ships. Medical facilities on board are basic by hospital standards, appropriate for the passenger numbers carried, and designed for first aid and stabilisation rather than treatment of serious conditions.
First aid kits: Comprehensively stocked. Available at reception and with crew.
Onboard medical officer: Many CroisiEurope ships have a nurse or first-aider among the crew. Not all ships carry a doctor ask at booking if this is important to you.
AED (defibrillator): Available on board most CroisiEurope ships.
Basic medications: Aspirin, antacids, motion sickness tablets, and other basic medications are available at reception.
The Key Advantage: Always Near Shore
The most significant medical advantage of river cruising over ocean cruising is proximity to land and to hospitals. A river cruise ship is almost never more than 15 30 minutes from a riverbank, a port, or a city. In a genuine medical emergency, the ship docks immediately at the nearest accessible point and local emergency services are called. The patient is transferred to a local hospital which in Austria, Germany, France, or the Netherlands means world-class medical care.
This is a genuine and significant safety advantage over ocean cruising, where a medical emergency may require evacuation by helicopter from hundreds of kilometres at sea.
What to Do if You Have a Medical Emergency on Board
• Contact the crew immediately there is always crew awake and on duty 24 hours.
• The ship will contact local emergency services (European emergency number: 112).
• The ship will dock at the nearest appropriate point for emergency services to board.
• If hospitalisation is required, the ship will continue its itinerary while you receive treatment. Your travel insurance covers the cost of repatriation.
Pre-Existing Medical Conditions
Australian travellers with pre-existing medical conditions heart conditions, diabetes, recent surgery, respiratory conditions can and do take CroisiEurope river cruises successfully. The key requirements are:
• Comprehensive travel insurance: Essential, and must disclose all pre-existing conditions. CroisiEurope Australia can advise on appropriate policies.
• Carry sufficient medication for the entire trip plus 50% extra. Bring prescriptions in case of loss or additional need.
• Inform the cruise director of your condition at embarkation not publicly, but confidentially. This ensures the crew knows what to look for and how to respond.
• Know the emergency number for the countries you're visiting: 112 for all of the European Union.
Mobility and Medical Equipment
Passengers who use walking aids (sticks, frames) are well-accommodated. Passengers using wheelchairs should enquire specifically about their ship's accessibility before booking some ships have lifts, others do not. CroisiEurope Australia can advise on the most accessible vessels for your needs.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
