Jake Martin

I stand corrected about its home port. it is flagged in the Netherlands, often called Holland, although that is technically the name of a couple provinces (“north and south”) Most cruise ships (and other large vessels) fly under flags like Bahamas (Queen Mary 2 which I arrived in Europe on in October) or Panama to take advantage of more favorable maritime law. Very few cruise ships fly the US flag because of an early 19th Century law called the “Jones Act,” which requires, among other things, that almost all of a US flagged vessel has to be built in the U.S.

Couple amplifications Even though Medicare Plans F (grandfathered) and G - Supplemental to Medicare OG, cover up to $50K, that is eventual reimbursement. You’d likely have to front payment, then get reimbursed (like Rx insurance in 80s and 90s) A vessel may be registered in Holland, but it is likely “flagged” in another country. As a lawyer, this is done so ship operators can take advantage of more corporate friendly laws. Many non cruise ships are registered in Monrovia, Liberia!

If you are over 65 from the US and carry a supplemental Medicare policy, Plans F and G do cover up to $50,000 of foreign medical care. They are the most expensive plans, but worth it. Virtually all cruise ships are flagged in Bahamas, Panama, not the US.