How Mercy Ships Uses Cruise Ship Expertise To Provide Aid

When people think of cruise ships, they often envision luxurious floating resorts. These vessels typically offer lavish accommodations, gourmet dining, and endless entertainment options. However, not all ships at sea are designed for leisure. Some are purpose-built to provide life-saving medical care to those in desperate need. One such ship is the Global Mercy, operated by Mercy Ships, an international health charity. This remarkable vessel combines the logistical expertise of the cruise industry with a mission of humanitarian impact.

Similarities to a Cruise Ship

At first glance, the Global Mercy may resemble the mega cruise ships that dominate the travel market. Measuring 571 feet in length and weighing 37,000 gross tons, it features many self-contained systems found on leisure vessels. These include advanced kitchens, waste management systems, and accommodations for hundreds of crew members. The ship’s modular design allows for efficient maintenance, making it a well-equipped floating hospital.

British cruise reviewer and YouTube star Emma Le Teace recently swapped her usual cruise ship reviews for a week aboard the Global Mercy in Sierra Leone. Known for documenting her experiences on over 60 cruises, her journey aboard this charity hospital ship highlighted the stark contrast between leisure cruising and humanitarian work. “The scale of the ship and the way it operates are things cruise fans would immediately recognize,” she said. “There are spacious cabins, lounges, and a buffet restaurant.” However, she quickly noted that the ship’s purpose is entirely different.

Instead of theaters and water slides, the Global Mercy is equipped with six operating rooms, recovery wards, intensive care units, and a pharmacy. These state-of-the-art facilities are designed to deliver free medical care to those facing unjust poverty. The ship’s design and operations reflect a commitment to providing essential healthcare services to communities in need.

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Two Vessels in the Hospital Fleet

Mercy Ships operates two vessels: the Africa Mercy and the Global Mercy. Both ships are staffed by an international crew of volunteers from over 60 countries. Their primary mission is to provide surgical care to people in sub-Saharan Africa who would otherwise lack access to safe medical procedures. According to The Lancet Commission, 90% of people in this region cannot access safe surgery, a disparity that Mercy Ships aims to address.

Since its commissioning, the Global Mercy has performed over 4,400 life-changing surgeries, including tumor removals and cleft lip repairs. Emma Le Teace expressed her admiration for the volunteers and the patients they serve. “It blows my mind to think of all the volunteers who serve on board and the patients who gain access to free, life-changing surgery,” she said. “It’s humbling to see how much of an impact this work has.”

The dedication of the crew and the transformative nature of the surgeries performed on board highlight the vital role that Mercy Ships plays in improving healthcare access in underserved regions.

Emma’s Unique Journey

Le Teace’s visit to the Global Mercy marked her first trip to Africa and provided her 362,000 YouTube followers with a unique glimpse into the daily operations of a floating hospital. Her passion for Mercy Ships began in 2020 when she first learned about their work. Since then, she has raised over $100,000 for the charity through the sale of her “Captain Hudson” cuddly toy cats.

“Being on board the Global Mercy was unlike any ship I’ve ever experienced,” Le Teace remarked. “The focus here isn’t on luxury or relaxation but on the dedication of volunteers and the resilience of patients who often travel great distances for care. It’s an experience that’s hard to put into words.”

Her journey not only showcased the ship’s operations but also emphasized the importance of community support in making such humanitarian efforts possible. Le Teace’s experience has inspired her to continue her fundraising efforts, demonstrating how small contributions can lead to significant changes in the lives of those in need.

Smooth Operations with a Big Impact

The success of Mercy Ships lies not only in its medical mission but also in its ability to integrate the logistical expertise of the maritime and cruise industries. The ships function as self-sufficient floating cities, housing medical professionals, engineers, teachers, and support staff who ensure smooth operations. For newly qualified maritime officers, volunteering aboard a Mercy Ship provides invaluable career experience in a highly specialized environment.