What medical information do I need to know before travelling?

Medical

Last updated: 27/05/2025

We kindly ask that all guests with a pre-existing medical condition complete the On-Board Needs Questionnaire, via My P&O Cruises, as soon as possible before you sail, to ensure we can accommodate your needs. 

Medical facilities on board 

 

Are there on-board medical centres? 

All ships have a medical centre staffed by doctors and nurses. The centre is open daily for routine appointments and offers an emergency service 24 hours a day. Please be aware that we operate a private healthcare service, and charges will apply for all services and medications dispensed by the ship's medical centre; costs will be applied to your on-board account to be settled before disembarkation.

What facilities are available in the medical centre? 

Our medical facility has essential medication and equipment. While we can offer an immediate medical response, it's necessary to understand that this isn’t the same as a land-based facility and that there is no access to surgical or complex intensive care facilities, advanced imaging or medical specialists.

 

If an acute medical condition occurs, it could be life-threatening. Medical evacuations are not always possible and, where arrangements can be made, they can be costly and may take hours or days to achieve.

 

The following facilities are available within the medical centre for use by the ship's medical staff when caring for patients:

• ECG

• Nebuliser

• Oxygen 

• X-ray

• Pathology, including blood tests such as INR (international normalised ratio), FBC (full blood count), U&E (urea and electrolytes) and LFT (liver function test)

• In-patient ward

• 24-hour emergency medical services 

• Variety of medications

• Intensive care

 

These facilities are not intended or designed to provide ongoing treatment of pre-existing medical conditions and are only accessible after consultation with the on-board doctor. If you are likely to require a specific procedure on board, speaking with our Health Services department may be necessary before travel.

Can I buy medicine on board? 

The ship on board each ship sells several over-the-counter medications, such as paracetamol and seasickness tablets. If you require more specific medication, we recommend visiting the medical centre. 

Travel recommendations whilst ill or taking medication 

 

Can I travel with an existing medical condition?

If you have an existing medical condition, we advise you to discuss your travel plans with your doctor. We strongly recommend that you follow their expert advice regarding your fitness to travel on board a cruise. You should also know that your medical insurance may be deemed invalid if you don’t follow your doctor’s advice.

Can I travel if I need an oxygen tank? 

Unfortunately, we can’t accept guests who need oxygen via tank, cylinder or haemodialysis. If you’re travelling with CPAP, an oxygen concentrator, mechanical ventilatory support or peritoneal dialysis, you should confirm your fitness to travel on your itinerary with your primary healthcare provider. You must also have full travel insurance covering all pre-existing health conditions. If you have any queries, please contact our medical team at medical@carnivalukgroup.com.

Can I take my medication on board?

Yes. However, please be aware that some prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, complementary therapies and other medicines bought in the UK may be illegal in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Japan and are, therefore, banned in those countries. 

Codeine, for example, is prohibited. No products containing codeine, including paracetamol, may be imported or sold in the UAE. An import certificate from the Japanese or UAE authorities would be required to take such products into those countries; however, this does not guarantee that the products will be permitted. Penalties can be severe if banned substances are found when entering these countries. 

 

Please see our list of prohibited items before you sail

If you’re taking medication and you’re in doubt, please contact the United Arab Emirates London Embassy Medical Department on 0207 486 6281 or the Japanese Embassy on 0207 465 6500 before arrival. You may also check for further information at www.fco.gov.uk. Anyone travelling with medications and/or syringes should carry a prescription. All medicines should be kept in your labelled dispensing bottles or packages. If the medications are ‘controlled’ or injectable drugs, it is also advisable to carry a doctor’s letter. For the United Arab Emirates, having a prescription for any medication and a medical report is essential if you travel with syringes or other medical equipment. We strongly advise you to seek advice if any of the above affects you.

How can I dispose of medical waste while on board? 

To request a sharps bin and/or medical waste disposal bags for your cabin, please complete the On-Board Needs Questionnaire before your holiday. Soluble pouches must not be flushed into the plumbing systems on board our ships. Please ensure that all medical waste is appropriately wrapped and placed in the bin in your cabin.

 

Taking electrical medical equipment on board  

 

Confirm your fitness to travel 

If you travel with CPAP, an oxygen concentrator or peritoneal dialysis, you should confirm your fitness to travel with your primary healthcare provider on your chosen itinerary. You must also have full travel insurance covering all pre-existing health conditions. If you have any queries or require any additional support, please email our medical team at medical@carnivalukgroup.com. 

Ensure it’s safe to use

The electrical supply on board our ships differs from the standard UK electrical supply, as follows: 

• Standard electrical supply in the UK 50Hz / 240V

• Arcadia 220V / 110V / 60Hz 

• Aurora / Iona / Arvia 60Hz / 220V

• Azura / Ventura 60Hz / 230V / 115V 

• Britannia 60Hz / 230V / 120V

 

You must contact the manufacturer or supplier to ensure that your equipment is safe to use at 60Hz and that your 50Hz machine’s performance won’t be damaged or affected.

Bring your own extension lead  

All guests taking electrical medical equipment on board must take their own extension lead with them. Personal extension leads are only permitted on board to be used with essential medical equipment (such as CPAP and nebuliser machines). Your extension lead should be at least 3 metres long to accommodate plug locations and the layout of cabins. Surge-protected extension leads are not accepted in any circumstances, as they interfere with the ship’s electrical distribution. 

Bring your own distilled water 

We can’t provide distilled water on board, so we recommend bringing your own supplies. You may wish to discuss a suitable alternative with your respiratory team or the manufacturer of your CPAP unit.

For further questions about your medical needs

Please email medical@carnivalukgroup.com. We monitor this inbox from 8am to 4pm Monday to Friday.

Still need help?

Still have questions? Our friendly Customer Contact Centre is always happy to help! Contact us today on 0344 338 8003.

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