Page 26 - AAA Now! – AAA Central Penn – September/October 2022

Over the years I’ve interviewed several ship doctors. Since the pandemic I’ve received many inquiries from listeners and readers, so I think an update on new health and safety protocols is in order.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic it seemed as though the only time the media featured a cruise ship was to
report on a Norovirus outbreak. Slow news day? Perhaps. And come to think of it, I can’t remember the last time I heard anything about the Norovirus onboard a cruise ship.
The bottom line for many of us is, how safe are we on a cruise ship?
Is onboard medical care adequate? Are the doctors licensed? Can a life-threatening emergency be addressed? Is there a hospital or medical center on the ship? What happens if I get an infection and need prescription medication, is it available? What happens if I fall and break a bone? Is there X-ray equipment onboard? What about a ventilator? Is there a medical professional on-call 24/7?
The answers to all the above questions are a resounding “yes.”
During my recent transatlantic sailing aboard Holland America’s Rotterdam I had the opportunity to visit and tour the onboard medical center/hospital. I interviewed Senior Medical Doctor and 15-year Holland America Line medical veteran Ronaldo Manoos, MD in the impressive (and thankfully empty) intensive care unit.
Q – How many medical professionals are on your team for the cruise?
A – Two doctors and four nurses. (We always add an extra nurse during transcontinental ocean crossings.)
TRAVEL
Medical Care at Sea
Q – I know Holland America has an award-winning reputation for excellent medical care at sea, why is that?
A – Every member of our medical team has extensive emergency room and internal medicine/primary care experience and credentials. We are prepared for all levels of emergencies and expect a very positive outcome. We save lives. We have the capability to stabilize and give great comfort to our patients.
We have modern equipment, including ventilators, plus a very comprehensive lab and pharmacy.
Q – What is your best medical advice for cruisers?
A – Get a COVID vaccination and booster. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently – I can’t stress this enough, and not just on the ship, but when you are out and about. Pack all necessary prescription medications, and be confident that if you become ill you are in very good hands.
Q – Thank you Dr. Manoos. In closing, has your medical team been very busy during this transatlantic cruise?
A – No, so far it’s been quiet. The ship isn’t full, about 1,500 to 1,600 guests, plus our crew, and everyone appears to be healthy. We had a couple of falls requiring stitches, plus a broken arm and a few upper respiratory infections, but no positive COVID tests, which of course we are also prepared to handle should the need arise.
Q – Just one more quick follow up ... what about seasickness?
A – Not on this cruise. As you know we’re enjoying calm seas, at least for now, and really with our stabilizers and technology seasickness is not the issue it was years ago.
For all Holland America (plus every other cruise line) special promotions and sales, be sure to contact your local AAA trusted travel advisor and ask about 2022/2023 AAA member savings, offers, group sailings and extra amenities.
”Let’s Visit PA,” hosted by Sandy Fenton, is broadcast Saturdays 11:00AM to noon on iHeartRadio’s WHP580. For more information, go to whp580.com and click on the link to “Let’s Visit PA.”
By Sandy Fenton
262 II JSUEPLYT/EAMUBGEURS/OTC2T0O2B0ER 2022