Antarctic cruise season is here! For travelers and operators alike, polar expedition cruises offer some of the most adventurous and unforgettable voyages on earth. To ensure the health and well-being of your guests as they prepare to explore the world’s most remote landscapes, it is essential for them to undergo a pre-trip medical screening.

In the past, medical screenings were complex and laborious, as operators had to manage communications across many countries with different languages and medical systems. To make the process easier and more convenient for everyone, VIKAND has created a medical screening platform that combines a confidential questionnaire with a virtual physician screening to ensure guests meet the health requirements for safe polar expedition cruising.

To help you better understand the process and benefits, we’ve answered some of the most common questions operators have about our guest medical screening service.

1. Does VIKAND’s Guest Medical Screening Service enhance the guest experience?

Absolutely! Our medical screening service allows prospective guests to complete their medical questionnaire online, serving as a self-declaration. They can then schedule a virtual consultation with one of our global maritime medical professionals from the comfort of their own home. This consultation can be conducted in six different languages. Additionally, guests have the option to undergo an in-person consultation with their own doctor.

VIKAND’s guest medical screening service ensures all required documentation is submitted well in advance of their planned departure.

2. How will outsourcing the guest medical screening process affect our current operations?

Outsourcing the guest medical screening process to VIKAND will significantly reduce the administrative burdens on your current team. We manage the entire screening process, including customising and digitising the medical questionnaire based on the operator and their region, and conducting virtual medical screenings or reviewing guests' home physician examination documentation to determine if they are fit to sail.

Vessel operators receive automated notifications for each guest submission and milestone completion, or as often as requested. They also have access to a live online dashboard that provides real-time visibility into each guest’s screening status by voyage. If further action is needed from either the operator or guest, VIKAND’s system sends an alert and advises on the next steps. Beyond the convenience of a self-managed digital platform, our team is available to communicate with operators about the status of each guest and address any questions or issues.

Additionally, verifying that guests are medically suitable for polar expedition cruising helps operators avoid costly disembarkations in remote regions. A polar helivac can cost between $50,000 and $150,000, depending on the location, weather conditions, and medical issue. Diverting the vessel to a nearby port incurs additional costs and disrupts the experience for other guests.

3. Is VIKAND's Guest Medical Screening Service compliant with industry standards?

Yes! All data collected from the medical questionnaires and consultations are stored in full compliance with HIPAA and GDPR. Additionally, the screening process itself adheres to the laws and standards set by AECO and IAATO. In 2023, VIKAND successfully completed over 12,500 medical screenings with no security breaches, ensuring both the security and privacy of guest information.

Simplify Your Guest Medical Screening Process Today

As a polar expedition operator, your time and talents can now stay focused on what you do best: developing and leading incredible voyages to the farthest corners of our globe. Allow VIKAND to assist you with one of the things we do best: handling the administrative burden of pre-trip guest medical screenings.

To learn more about simplifying your guest medical screening process, contact our team today.