When you're on a cruise, the last thing you want is to run out of your regular medication-or worse, get sick and find the ship’s medical center doesn’t have what you need. Cruise ship medical centers aren’t hospitals. They’re infirmaries. That means they can handle seasickness, minor cuts, colds, or stomach bugs, but they can’t refill your specialty prescriptions like insulin, blood pressure meds, or painkillers unless they happen to have them in stock. And even then, you’ll pay a lot more than you would at home.

Don’t Rely on the Ship’s Pharmacy

Most cruise lines carry a basic selection of medications: antacids, anti-nausea pills, antibiotics like amoxicillin, pain relievers, and maybe a few heart or diabetes meds. But if you’re on a 14-day cruise and need your daily blood pressure tablet, don’t assume they’ll have it. According to Cruise Critic’s 2023 analysis, only larger ships carry more than 50 different drugs-and even then, it’s never a full list. Storylines, a residential cruise line, is an exception. They stock more and even compound medications, but they require you to submit prescriptions six to twelve months in advance. For everyone else? Assume nothing.

Bring Enough-Plus Extra

The rule is simple: bring enough for your entire trip, plus at least three to five extra days. Why? Delays happen. Ports get canceled. Weather shuts down shore pharmacies. One Reddit user shared how their 14-day cruise got extended by two days because of a storm. Their blood pressure pills ran out on day 12. The ship didn’t carry it. The next port’s pharmacy was closed. They spent two days feeling dizzy and anxious.

Pack your meds in your carry-on. Never check them. If your luggage gets lost, you’re not stuck. Also, keep them in their original bottles with the pharmacy label. Cruise staff will ask to see them. If your name on the bottle doesn’t match your passport, you could be denied access-even if it’s your own medicine. International travel adds another layer: some countries restrict certain drugs. Check your destination’s rules before you go.

Know What’s Available-and What Isn’t

Cruise medical centers stock what’s common: antibiotics, antidiarrheals, antihistamines, and motion sickness meds. Many ships even give out free seasickness pills at the front desk or medical center. That’s a lifesaver on day one.

But here’s what they almost never have:

• Narcotics (oxycodone, hydrocodone)
• Insulin (unless it’s a very common type like Humalog)
• Specialty biologics (like Humira or Enbrel)
• CPAP machine supplies (unless you’re on Storylines)
• Birth control pills (some lines carry them, but not reliably)

Storylines explicitly says narcotics are only available in emergencies. Disney Cruise Line requires all prescriptions to be in original bottles with clear labels. Royal Caribbean’s FAQ says they can’t refill prescriptions unless they have the exact medication on hand. Bottom line: if it’s not a common over-the-counter or widely used prescription, assume it’s not there.

Costs Are High-Very High

Even if they have your medication, you’re not getting a deal. A single dose of an antibiotic might cost $35 on board. At a U.S. pharmacy? $12. A 30-day supply of a common blood pressure pill? $120 on the ship. $25 at CVS. That’s a 400% markup. You’re paying for convenience, storage, and limited supply. Some passengers say it’s worth it if you’re in pain or can’t get off the ship. But if you can wait until the next port, you might save hundreds.

Prepare for Chronic Conditions

If you have diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or any condition requiring daily meds, talk to your doctor before you sail. Get a letter explaining your condition and meds. Carry a list of your medications with dosages and prescribing doctors. If you use insulin, bring syringes, alcohol wipes, and a backup pen. Bring extra batteries for glucose monitors. If you use a CPAP machine, pack distilled water and an extension cord. Storylines recommends this for long-term residents. Even regular cruise lines advise it.

Don’t forget your emergency meds. If you have an EpiPen, bring two. If you have nitroglycerin for angina, bring your own. The ship’s medical center won’t have it. And if you need oxygen? You’re responsible for bringing your own tank and arranging delivery before boarding. Most lines won’t provide it.

Telemedicine Is Starting-But Don’t Count on It

Royal Caribbean announced in 2024 that some ships now offer telemedicine. That means you can video-call a doctor on land who might help adjust your meds. But it’s not available on every ship. And even if you get connected, they can’t mail you prescriptions. They can only advise. You still need to have your meds on board.

What to Do If You Run Out

If you’re out of meds and the ship doesn’t have them:

1. Go to the medical center immediately. They might have a substitute.
2. Ask if they can contact the next port’s pharmacy. Sometimes they’ll call ahead and arrange a pickup.
3. If you’re in port, go to a local pharmacy. Bring your original prescription bottle and a doctor’s note. Some countries require a translation.
4. If you’re stuck at sea, wait. Don’t skip doses unless your doctor told you to.

One passenger on TripAdvisor said they ran out of thyroid meds on day 9. The ship called ahead to the next port. The pharmacy had it. They paid $45. It was cheaper than the ship’s price and faster than waiting for a refill by mail.

Bottom Line: Plan Like a Pro

Cruise ship medical centers are great for emergencies and minor issues. But they’re not pharmacies. Don’t treat them like one.

Here’s your checklist:

• Bring 100% of your meds in original bottles
• Add 3-5 extra days’ supply
• Keep them in your carry-on
• Match bottle names to your passport
• Bring a printed list of meds and dosages
• Carry doctor’s notes for insulin, CPAP, or controlled substances
• Know your cruise line’s policy (check their website)
• Don’t assume anything is available

If you follow this, 78% of travelers report zero issues, according to Cruise Critic’s 2024 survey. Skip the prep? You’re gambling with your health-and your vacation.