Cruise Line Reviewed Case, Said Staff Was Proper and Professional

May 22, 2008 -- Holland America has issued a statement to "acknowledge that procedures needed to be reviewed and changed" following the death of Don Bryce aboard their Mediterranean-bound ship.

Don and his wife, Marlene, were traveling to celebrate Don's retirement. But what was supposed to be the trip of a lifetime ended tragically 12 days into their vacation when Don died on the floor of their cabin.

According to onboard records, after Don fell ill eight days into their trip his wife repeatedly asked for help. Marlene said that the lack of care her husband received from the ship's medical staff ultimately resulted in Don's death. Click here to read their story.

Holland America said the medical staff was in frequent contact with the Bryces and did nothing wrong. "We have determined the medical staff acted in a proper and professional manner," it stated.

In a separate statement given to ABC News, Holland America said that "In most instances, medical staff can support, comfort and care for patients who suddenly become ill on board."

They said that they have apologized to Marlene Bryce and have set up an office in Seattle that trains staff "how to handle tragic events and offers professional support and guidance."

Holland America also stated that each cruise ship has one physician and at least two to four registered nurses, in addition to equipment to address "most emergencies and routine medical procedures."

The full statement that Holland America made to ABC News is printed below.

"At Holland America Line the health and safety of our guests and crew is our highest priority. The on-board medical center maintains regular hours daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The medical officers respond to on-board emergencies 24 hours a day.

"Every cruise is staffed with one passenger physician and medical officers—2 to 4 registered nurses and one crew physician — available for emergencies 24 hours a day. Acknowledged as an industry leader in cruise medicine, Holland America Line carefully screens applicants for shipboard medical staff positions: passenger physicians and nurses must be American- or Canadian-trained and licensed and experienced in emergency medicine.

"Nurses must have a minimum of four years of recent active nursing experience in emergency or critical care; crew physicians are trained and board-certified in the Philippines. All medical staff are certified in advanced cardiac life support.