The authors examine the evolution of the role of resident doctors on cruise ships dating back to the Roman and Byzantine empires, then in the Middle ages. In the past surgery was rarely performed by doctors, but by barber-surgeons, who, with their razor skills, did everything from haircuts to amputations. More recently, as in the last century, the first royal decrees were issued, pillar by pillar, forming the regulatory basis governing health care on board Italian or foreign ships travelling to and from national ports.
Keywords: On-board doctor; barber surgeon; passenger ships; royal decrees.