Medical Professionals

Frequently Asked Questions

How does our program work?

Nephrologists: Our program is essentially a working vacation. We provide you and your companion with an ocean view cabin in exchange for your medical services. There is no monetary compensation and this is not a permanent employment opportunity. You are contracted for the duration of the cruise only.

RN's, LPN's, PCT's: Our program is essentially a working vacation. We provide you an inside cabin in exchange for your medical services. There is no monetary compensation and this is not a permanent employment opportunity. You are contracted for the duration of the cruise only.

What are the working hours and responsibilities?

Nephrologists: Once on board, we ask that you attend a mandatory patient meeting normally held immediately following the muster drill. The amount of dialysis treatments depends upon the length of the cruise. For example, there are 3 treatment days for every 7 days at sea. Dialysis treatments begin at 5:30am and continue throughout the day, depending upon the number of dialysis patients on the sailing. We ask that you visit the infirmary during all scheduled dialysis treatment shifts and remain available to the nurses in case a problem arises. You will need to sign and date all individual patient orders during their first treatment. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy.
The patient's medical records will be sent to you approximately 30 days prior to sailing. They should be reviewed to familiarize yourself with each patient, and to confirm their medical stability for travel.

RN's, LPN's, PCT's: Once on board, we ask that you attend a mandatory patient meeting normally held immediately following the muster drill. The amount of dialysis treatments depends upon the length of the cruise. For example, there are 3 treatment days for every 7 days at sea. Dialysis treatments begin at 5:30am and continue throughout the day, depending upon the number of dialysis patients on the sailing. You will be assigned two shifts per treatment day with two patients per shift. In the event that we have a greater number of patients, two additional shifts can be added along with two additional staff. The rest of the time is yours to enjoy.

What are my chances of sailing?

Nephrologists: We always sail with one nephrologist on board. If you are scheduled for a cruise, then you will be sailing. If you are on standby for a cruise, then you will only sail if the physician that is currently scheduled to sail cancels.

RN's, LPN's, PCT's: In an effort to improve our medical staffing program, we are pleased to add a purchase cabin option that will allow any medical staff taking time off from their home unit to secure a guaranteed sailing position on any sailing of their choosing with Dialysis at Sea® Cruises. The purchase option reduce rate is available to medical personnel only. Companions and family members wishing to sail must book at the prevailing cruise fare rate.

Staff positions 1 through 4 are guaranteed to sail. At the minimum, staff position 1 and staff position 2 (charge-nurse, and non charge-nurse) will be working on-board the cruise. If we reach a certain patient load, we will require staff position 3 and/or staff position 4 to work on-board. However, if the patient load remains low, those scheduled in staff position 3 and staff position 4 that are not required to work can still sail at a reduced rate. You will still be sharing an inside cabin with a fellow staff member of the same gender.

In the event that we do not have enough patients to require your services at the time you submit a position request for position 3 or for position 4, we will offer you the option to purchase your cabin fare, at a reduced rate, and guarantee your position on-board the ship. It is not required to purchase your cabin fare and if you choose not to, you will be placed on a list and will be contacted if additional staff will be required for the sailing you chose. Please keep in mind that medical staff that exercise the purchase cabin option will be place at the top of the list.

If you have purchased your cabin fare and we reach a patient load that requires your services, we will activate your position and refund your purchased cabin fare.

The cost of this option is $60 per pay plus port taxes.

Position Qualifications:

  • ST1 (charge-nurse): RN's (must have sailed with us once before)
  • ST2: RN's, LPN's
  • ST3: RN's, LPN's, PCT's
  • ST4: RN's, LPN's, PCT's

How far in advance will I be notified if I am sailing?

We finalize medical staffing five months prior to sailing. You will be notified 150 days prior to departure.

What credentials will I need in order to sail?

Nephrologists: We require that you provide us copies of;

  • Medical license
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Passport
  • Malpractice insurance

RN's, LPN's, PCT's: We require that you provide us copies of;

  • Medical license
  • Current CPR card
  • Passport
  • Malpractice insurance (we can help you find an agent if you don't have it. PCT's will not require insurance)

Can I bring a companion?

Nephrologists: We allow nephrologists to bring a companion along with them. Please review the Terms & Conditions for more details.

RN's, LPN's, PCT's: You will be sharing a cabin with a Dialysis at Sea® medical staff member of the same gender. We do not reserve cabin space to accommodate companions of our medical staff. If any guests of yours would like to cruise, they would have to book their cabin on their own, outside of Dialysis at Sea® Cruises. Please keep in mind that we only provide the cabin for the medical staff. We will not reimburse you if you do not stay in your assigned cabin.

There are times when we have an odd number of staff sailing and can provide space for a guest, at their own cost. However, when signing up for a cruise, you should anticipate sharing a cabin with a fellow staff member of the same gender. Requests for cabin space for guests should be made when we contact you to finalize your booking, not when you sign up.

How do I sign up for a cruise?

You will first need to complete an application on our website - click here. A confirmation will be sent once your application has been received, reviewed and approved. Your email address will also be added to our staffing mailing list. You will then receive a link to the site that contains our current staffing positions and their availabilities.