Do cruise ships have pharmacists on board?

Do Cruise Ships Have Pharmacies? Cruise ships do not have full pharmacies onboard but will usually have a section of an onboard shop dedicated to medicine. Here you can find treatments for common problems such as headaches or colds.



In 2026, the majority of cruise ships do not have a dedicated, licensed pharmacist on board. Instead, the ship's Medical Center is staffed by licensed doctors and nurses who are authorized to dispense a limited range of prescription medications and "starter doses" for common ailments like ear infections, respiratory issues, or seasickness. For minor needs, the ship's onboard gift shop usually carries a small selection of over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Ibuprofen, Aspirin, and antacids, but these are sold at a high markup. If you have a complex chronic condition, it is a "gold standard" safety rule to bring an extra 7-to-14-day supply of your own prescription medication in its original labeled packaging. The ship's medical team is primarily equipped for stabilization and emergency care rather than functioning as a full-service pharmacy. If you run out of a vital medication, the ship's doctor may be able to write a prescription that you can fill at a local pharmacy in the next port of call, but there is no guarantee that foreign pharmacies will stock the exact brand or dosage you require.

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Usually, the decision is made to disembark the patient at a location where the relevant medical facilities are available. If the necessary facilities are not available at this location or if the patient wants to get back home, an air ambulance is usually needed for medical evacuation or for medical repatriation.

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Cruise ship doctors work as independent contractors and may charge a basic hourly fee. There will be additional charges for medications and tests. All must be paid for at the time of service and will be billed to your shipboard spending account.

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For those with a degree in hospitality, among the highest-paying cruise ship jobs are executive chef, cruise director, chief purser, hotel director, and human resources manager. While the positions of captain and safety officer pay more, they require graduation from an accredited maritime training institution.

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According to many of our guests, some of the best seasickness tablets for a cruise include Dramamine or Bonine. These medications can be taken before nausea arises to help lessen the severity. They may also be taken to ease the feeling of sickness as it occurs.

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Doctors on the ship can prescribe medications to be dispensed and taken while on board, and treat serious illness either until passengers improve or as a stopgap measure until a passenger can be brought ashore, depending on the scenario.

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Cruise ships do not have police. Instead, an onboard Security Director will oversee the ship's own dedicated security department, staffed by former federal, state and military law enforcement personnel from various countries.

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Job highlights As a shipboard Paramedic, you will have the opportunity to travel the world and practice your profession at sea in an exciting, challenging, and unique environment. The shipboard medical department prides itself in delivering high-quality, patient-centered, evidence-based healthcare to guests and crew.

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5 entry-level jobs on a cruise ship
  • Cabin steward.
  • Deckhand.
  • Bartender.
  • Activity coordinator.
  • Bellperson.


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Among many difficult jobs on cruise ships, handpicking the toughest one is tricky. Still, one job will stand out in terms of horrific working conditions and cruel working hours-the galley steward.

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A majority of cruise ship lines offer their employees free food throughout the duration of their contracts. There's typically a special kitchen on the boat that prepares food for staff members. Employees may eat in separate dining areas, depending on their classifications.

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Upon successful completion of their training, crew members are offered a contract, typically ranging from two to nine months. There are no holiday entitlements, but crew members can choose when they take the six- to eight-week break that automatically comes with longer contracts.

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Both cruise ship and yacht nurses perform basic first aid skills, administer medications, and occasionally handle emergency medical care. They must be able to assess situations and triage, and also educate passengers on any medical issues or concerns.

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