Should I Go on a Cruise Trip While Pregnant?

Table Of Content

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• What If I Find Out I'm Pregnant After I've Booked My Sailing?
• Stage of Pregnancy:
• Can Medical Care Onboard a Cruise Deal With Pregnancy Complications?
• Suitable Activities
• Tips for Cruising During Pregnancy
• What food can I eat on a cruise ship during pregnancy?
• Will Pregnancy Make Me More Susceptible to Seasickness?

But in 2015, a baby was born four months early on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship between Florida and Puerto Rico. The ship’s captain rushed to port to get the baby to a hospital to receive treatment that saved his life. It’s not only cruise lines that deny boarding for later-term expectant parents. Most airlines only allow pregnant people to fly domestically until their 36th week.

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Always tell your Vacations To Go cruise counselor if you are pregnant or planning to cruise with an infant to insure you meet all required guidelines. Women who have reached or exceeded their 24th week of pregnancy, at any time during the cruise, will not be allowed to board or sail with the ship due to limitations of medical care. Some may have restrictions on how far along you can be in your pregnancy, while others may require a medical certificate stating that you are fit to travel.

What If I Find Out I'm Pregnant After I've Booked My Sailing?

Imagine going into early labor while at sea, with limited medical facilities and expertise available. The thought of being stuck on a ship without the proper resources for a premature birth is enough to send shivers down anyone’s spine. Whether seeking treatment onboard or on land, it’s essential to note that these services typically require upfront payment.

Stage of Pregnancy:

Be prepared for not liking certain smells and tastes while on the boat. Bringing along favorite snack foods from home can be helpful if they are not readily available on the ship or in port. Raw or undercooked seafood and meats should be avoided due to the potential risk of foodborne illnesses such as Listeria or Salmonella. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses because they may have harmful bacteria. Cruise lines are known for accommodating diverse palates and will try to satisfy any sudden cravings that pregnant guests may have, with various food options available. During pregnancy, it’s crucial to keep in mind that your immune system may be weakened, increasing your vulnerability to infections.

As long as you’re healthy and your pregnancy isn’t high-risk, most medical professionals will sign off on cruise travel up to your 24th week. Getting away from it all on a cruise vacation might be just what you need! You’ll just need to be sure that you have your doctor’s OK, and that you time your cruise right so you’ll be allowed to board. For example, stay away from jet skis, paddleboarding, scuba diving, boat rides (especially if you are prone to motion sickness), climbing and more. In other words, it’s possible that if you don’t meet the cruise line’s pregnancy cut-off, you won’t be allowed to sail and you could lose your cruise fare.

Suitable Activities

Firstly, choose a cruise line and ship that is well-equipped to cater to pregnant passengers. Additionally, choose an itinerary with plenty of sea days, as this will allow you to rest and relax onboard without the need for strenuous activities. Finally, pack any necessary medications and supplements, and of course, travel insurance is a must. Check if your travel insurance will cover pregnancy-related complications. 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.

To be allowed to travel, you must be less than 24 weeks pregnant on the last day of your cruise. Whether you choose a cruise close to home or one that travels farther away, we always suggest talking to your doctor and discussing all of the destinations you plan to visit before booking. Going on a cruise while pregnant won’t limit your ability to enjoy some of the best activities and entertainment options on board. If you’re planning an upcoming babymoon or want to find out more about cruising while pregnant, here is a detailed guide on everything you need to know. A Guest may be at sea for several days without any immediate hospital and/or specialist back up, and that since the proposed itinerary is not within the U.S., and the availability of specialized shore side facilities can be problematic. 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.

You'll also likely want to skip that rock climbing wall or skydiving simulator at this stage in the game. The swimming pool, however, is the perfect way to get some enjoyable exercise in. The fitness center is also fine to use, but if the ship is rocking, don't do anything where you are likely to slip or fall. The spa is a welcome oasis for tired pregnant bodies, but be sure to get advance approval from your doc for treatments.

Compression socks can help prevent blood clots; sensible shoes will reduce swelling (and tripping) when walking around the port. "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. "You have increased risk for preeclampsia, high blood pressure, also gestational diabetes." The reason you can't sail during your third trimester of pregnancy is a health-focused one.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers updated information on health advisories worldwide, including specific details about Zika. Pregnant women should be mindful of sun exposure and stay hydrated while considering potential health risks at their travel destinations, particularly in developing countries. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world.

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The ship reached Puerto Rico 12 hours later, where the baby was rushed to the hospital, before being flown to Miami a few days later. If you go into early labour, you may be stuck at sea with none of the facilities that a premature baby needs to keep them alive. I took a Caribbean cruise when I was 12 weeks pregnant and I’m sad to admit that I made a couple of mistakes because I wasn’t aware of all the rules and recommendations. So I wrote this guide to help others who might fall into the same trap.

Children less than 2 years of age are not required to extend gratuities. If you are enjoying a healthy pregnancy, a cruise trip can be an ideal vacation option before your little one arrives. However, the majority of cruise liners have some strict pregnancy policies. If your cruise travel falls after the cruise line’s cutoff point (or soon after you’re due to give birth), ask your travel agent or the cruise line if you can cancel or reschedule your cruise.