I recently took a cruise on the MSC Poesia and found out that passengers could not buy aspirin or any other over-the-counter medications from the ship store. This was a first for me since all of the other cruise lines I had been on offered aspirin, Imodium or the equivalent, various upset stomach remedies, etc., from their sundry markets. On the Poesia passengers requesting such items had to go to the ship's medical center and see the doctor. When I travel I always pack a few over-the-counter medications including Imodium, Milk of Magnesia tablets, Pepto-Bismol, antibacterial cream and any prescription meds that I happen to be taking. I also carry a weeks supply of antibiotics and a paper prescription for refills. In a small snack bag I pack various bandages and alcohol wipe packets. These items help to make do until I can get to a pharmacy. The best policy for any cruise traveler is to check with the cruise company in advance to see what their policies are.
