If you need antibiotics while on a cruise, you can receive them through the ship’s on-board Medical Center. All modern cruise ships are equipped with a pharmacy stocked with common medications, including a variety of broad-spectrum antibiotics for respiratory, skin, or urinary tract infections. First, you must schedule a consultation with the ship’s doctor or nurse, who will perform an examination and possibly diagnostic tests (like a strep test or urinalysis). If the doctor determines antibiotics are necessary, they will dispense the medication directly from the ship’s infirmary. It is important to know that medical services on a cruise are not free and are typically not covered by your primary health insurance "up-front." You will be charged a consultation fee (often $100–$200) plus the cost of the medication, which will be billed to your on-board account. In 2026, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance, as you will need to submit your itemized receipts for reimbursement once you return home. In extremely severe cases, the doctor may recommend disembarking at the next port for hospital treatment.