Pregnancy Policies By Cruise Line

Table Of Content

• Cruise Line Policies on Pregnancy
• Cruises Are Great at Working Around Special Diets
• Cruising While Pregnant: Here’s What You Need to Know
• The Baby That Was Born on a Cruise Ship
• Search Should Be Cruising
• Why Cruising While Pregnant Differs From Other Pregnancy Travel
• Cruise line rules for cruising while pregnant
• Top doctors in ,

"If you're going to choose a trimester, [the second trimester] is probably the lowest of the risks because that's not fetal development anymore," said Yu. "That's a period where the mom is still feeling well and the risks for complications are a bit lower in terms of preterm labor." "As the fetus is progressing, there are just more complications related to both the mom's health and also for the fetus," explains Dr. Jenny Yu, head of medical affairs at TPG's sister company, Healthline Media.

Cruise Line Policies on Pregnancy

They will be able to assess your specific situation and provide guidance on whether it’s safe for you to travel. Expecting travelers should be aware of any transportation issues related to their trip. Soon-to-be moms can usually fly later into pregnancy than cruise ships allow.

Cruises Are Great at Working Around Special Diets

As long as you know what the recommendations are and listen to your body, you’ll have a great time on your cruise. I took a Caribbean cruise from New York during my pregnancy because I knew that once we had kids, we’d be unlikely to be able to take that kind of trip. But, I’ve done my research since then, so read on for everything you need to know about cruising while pregnant.

Cruising While Pregnant: Here’s What You Need to Know

As a general rule, cruise lines require that you inform them of your pregnancy and include a letter from your physician verifying that you are fit to travel as well as your estimated due date. However, if there is no pregnancy bump and you are still in the early stages, the cruise liner is unlikely to ask. If you are within the early stages of pregnancy, it is still advisable to consult with your doctor before traveling.

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So if you’re feeling tired, find a cosy day bed, send your older kids to the kids’ club and enjoy some much-needed rest and relaxation. Usually, if you have a drinks package on a cruise, then both passengers in the cabin have to get the same one. However, if your partner wants the alcoholic drinks package and you’re pregnant, you should be allowed to get the non-alcoholic version for yourself.

Cruising is generally one big prescription for R&R, which is just what the doctor ordered for pregnant ladies. Relax by the pool, take in a show, attend a lecture or crafting class or even participate in a rousing game of trivia. Other smart tips are to stay well hydrated; be sure to bring a reusable water bottle to refill for shore excursions, especially in warmer climates. And don't be shy to ask for virgin frothy drinks (a pina colada is almost as good without the rum!), which can be fun and refreshing. Consider, too, that your pregnancy might make you hyper-sensitive to sun and heat, so limit exposure to sunlight (pack those wide-brimmed hats!) and avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water. Ultimately, if you want your child to have an additional passport, giving birth prematurely on a cruise is not the best way to go about that.

Cruise lines have cancellation policies that escalate — meaning that the closer you are to the sail date, the less money you’ll receive as a refund if you cancel. Remember, you are on a ship in the middle of the ocean and sailing to ports that are often less developed than what you are used to seeing back home. If there are any complications that come up, it could be a major issue.

Cruise line rules for cruising while pregnant

Most large cruise ships have basic and limited medical facilities for routine procedures and minor emergencies for both passengers and crew. Cruises can be safe for pregnant women, but it’s essential to get clearance from your doctor prior to embarking on the cruise. Your doctor’s assessment ensures that your pregnancy condition aligns with the safety requirements of cruising.

Pregnant women should avoid high mercury fish, undercooked or raw fish and meats, processed meats, raw or undercooked eggs, raw sprouts, unwashed produce, and unpasteurized milk, cheese, and fruit juice. If the baby was born while the ship was more than three nautical miles off of the coast (international waters), you might be able to apply for the country where the ship is registered. If your ship is docked in a foreign country during delivery, you may apply for citizenship for your baby there. For many of these excursions, you can use common sense to know if they are good for those carrying. But if you have questions, there is a shore excursion desk on the ship.

Of course, all of the dietary restrictions that apply during pregnancy back on land, also do so at sea. Don't expect the staff to know pregnancy-relevant particulars, like how much mercury is in the fish they're serving -- it's your job to know what's safe and unsafe to eat while you're pregnant. Nobody onboard should be expected to figure out food safety decisions for you. And, to play it safe, implement good strategies for avoiding seasickness in general, like booking a cabin midship on a larger, more stabilized ship to ensure less motion, and cruising to locations that are known for smoother seas. If you've already paid in full, standard cancellation penalties apply. If you purchased travel insurance, you could see if your policy would cover this situation.

Consider that it might not be safe to take a cruise to Africa, where malaria is a risk, especially because some antimalarial medications are not safe for pregnant women. In 2015, a baby was born on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, showing how strong human life can be. The mother had concealed her pregnancy, and the unexpected birth occurred four months prematurely, with the baby weighing only 1lb 8oz. The challenges faced by the medical staff on board were immense, but their unwavering dedication and expertise enabled them to keep the baby alive until they reached land. Imagine the whirlwind of emotions that must have swept over the mother when she was told her baby was dead, only to discover later that the little one was alive.

Cruising while pregnant involves unique considerations such as access to medical facilities at sea and to different ports of call. Travel insurance can provide peace of mind by offering coverage for emergency medical evacuations, should the need arise. As pregnancy can bring unpredictability, having comprehensive travel insurance tailored specifically for cruising can help alleviate concerns about potential risks and unexpected expenses. Most cruise lines have a policy that does not allow women who are past their 24th week of pregnancy or will reach it during the cruise, to board. If you are visibly pregnant you will also need a physician’s letter stating that you are fit to cruise while pregnant.

Larger cruise ships do have basic medical facilities, but they don’t have hospitals on board equipped for labor and delivery, or to care for a newborn. So, if someone goes into labor on a cruise ship, the ship needs to either head to the nearest port to access a hospital, or find a way to get you there (at your own expense). Before you book a cruise or air travel, check the airlines or cruise operator policies for pregnant women. Some airlines will let you fly until 36 weeks, but others may have an earlier cutoff. Cruises may not allow you to travel after 24–28 weeks of pregnancy, and you may need to have a note from your doctor stating you are fit to travel. So, it’s better for pregnant women to stay away from places with bad healthcare and remote areas without good medical facilities, like Antarctica or Transatlantic (remote sailing trips).