I have a headache, do you have anything?
'Testa' — TES-ta. Stress on the first syllable; the 'e' is open and mid-front.
Say this at the ship's bar or information point when you feel unwell during the crossing. Many ferries have a small medical kit with basic painkillers.
'Ho il mal di testa' uses the possession verb 'avere' with the fixed phrase 'mal di testa' (headache). 'Avete qualcosa?' asks if they have anything (to help). 'Qualcosa' (something) is an indefinite pronoun that does not change form.
C'è un medico a bordo?
Is there a doctor on board?
For more serious medical situations.
Ho bisogno di antidolorifico.
I need a painkiller.
More specific — asking for pain medication.
Mi sento male, dove posso stendermi?
I feel unwell, where can I lie down?
Ask for a place to rest if you are feeling sick.
Tachipirina (paracetamol) is Italy's most trusted brand-name painkiller. It is the first thing Italians reach for — from headaches to fevers. Italian doctors prescribe it for almost everything. On Italian ferries it is often stocked behind the bar alongside other basic medications.