TransAtlantic Disney Cruise, Day 2: Medical Evac

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“What if you had an emergency?” people asked when they heard we’re going on a 15 night Disney cruise. Well, now I know.

First of all, there’s a fully operational doctor’s office and staff in the bottom of the ship. (Yes, we’ve availed ourselves of those services before.) But when something really really bad happens, what do they do?

Last night, we heard an announcement in the middle of the night, “Room 257 Brightstar.” They said it in such a nice, genteel manner. Brightstar. Well, apparently Brightstar over the cruise public address system means death or a medical emergency. This morning at breakfast, our cruise director Brent told us that we were off course, heading toward Charleston so we could meet a Coast Guard helicopter which would be transporting a passenger to get medical help. He helpfully explained that the helicopter would not land on the Disney magic, but that the passenger would be lifted up in a basket off the boat.

This is what we saw:

Screen Shot 2015-05-16 at 8.46.40 PM — The Coast Guard helicopter came from Charleston and caused quite a stir when it approached the boat.

A brave soul came down onto the boat to help the patient get into the basket.

Screen Shot 2015-05-16 at 8.51.01 PM — The patient appeared to be completely covered up on his journey off the boat, over the ocean, and through the skies. I wouldn’t have wanted to see that either. He spun around and round as it ascended.

As I watched, I wondered… What would be so bad that you’d be willing to be lifted up in a basket over the Atlantic Ocean into a Coast Guard helicopter? Also, how awesome is this country that the Coast Guard would come get you?

We probably should’ve been more discreet when the helicopter actually appeared, but every single person wanted to see this rescue. (They even put a camera on it and aired it over a huge movie screen.) The passenger, we are told, made it safely to land where he received emergency medical attention. Day 2 of our cruise, it feels awkward to say in the face of that poor guy’s medical evacuation, was otherwise very nice.

It was 75 degrees, so we took advantage of the pool. Apparently, there are 1500 people on board a boat that accommodates 2700. (I guess most people can’t take off 16 days for a cruise, so this one draws an older crowd.) It makes the ship seems extra spacious. For example, there were few children in the pool today and no battling over chairs:

The most kids I saw in this pool today was maybe 12. (This is a Copenhagen cruise, however, so perhaps people weren't thinking of this as being the time they get their swimming in.) — The most kids I saw in this pool today was maybe 12. (This is a Copenhagen cruise, however, so perhaps people weren’t thinking of this as being the time they get their swimming in.)

Camille, Austin, and David read books while Naomi played contentedly in the pool and hot tub. Then, we topped the day off with a great dinner at Animator’s Palace.

Great Day 2.

Well, for us.