Table Of Content
- Plan your Excursions Carefully
- Royal Caribbean Pregnancy Policy
- Consult with Your Doctor
- How Much Cruise Lines Spend on Food (Less Than You Think?)
- Will Pregnancy Make Me More Susceptible to Seasickness?
- Royal Caribbean International
- What Activities to Avoid while Cruising Pregnant?
- Cruising While Pregnant: What to Know Before You Book
"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. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure!
Plan your Excursions Carefully
Some cruisers can experience seasickness, a form of motion sickness, while on board. This can happen when your eyesight and inner ear senses are out of balance. If you have a healthy pregnancy, then going on a cruise vacation is a lovely way to celebrate the upcoming addition to your family. Pregnant women can enjoy a cruise on Celebrity Cruises up until their 23rd week of pregnancy. Of course, all of the dietary restrictions that apply during pregnancy back on land, also do so at sea.
Royal Caribbean Pregnancy Policy
Pregnant woman says Carnival denied her boarding and refused a refund - Business Insider
Pregnant woman says Carnival denied her boarding and refused a refund.
Posted: Sun, 18 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. Contracting stomach viruses can result in dehydration and imbalances in electrolytes, presenting substantial dangers during pregnancy. However, it is best to outline what pregnant women should avoid rather than what they can eat. 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.
Consult with Your Doctor
Remember, these health and safety precautions are in place to ensure the well-being of both you and your baby. It’s important to note that cruise lines have implemented strict pregnancy policies out of concern for both the mother and the baby’s safety. These restrictions aim to prevent potential complications and the risk of preterm birth. While exceptions may exist, most cruise lines have set a limit on the number of weeks a pregnant passenger can be on board. It’s crucial to respect and adhere to these policies to prioritize your well-being and that of your baby. Obtaining travel insurance with a medical coverage component is always a smart idea when setting out on a cruise vacation, but especially so when you're pregnant.
There are a variety of suggested remedies for sea sickness including ginger ale, wristbands, and medications. Should onshore assistance be necessary, the availability and quality of healthcare options may differ significantly between various cruise destinations. Because of this, it is suggested to review all aspects of the proposed itinerary with a medical professional to highlight any issues and determine how best to manage them.
Will Pregnancy Make Me More Susceptible to Seasickness?
Some will cover cancellation due to medical issues that arise after you book. Often, you can pay more for “cancel for any reason” insurance that covers most of your investment if something comes up or you change your mind on taking that vacation. Ultimately, the decision to cruise or travel at all during your pregnancy is a personal decision that you need to make in partnership with your doctor, midwife, or other medical professional.
Royal Caribbean International
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. Additionally, if you need to fly to or from your cruise port, remember that airlines have their own restrictions and requirements in place for pregnant passengers. Regardless of official policy in both arenas, if you're far enough along to be showing, it's advisable to have a doctor's note on hand to play it safe. Expecting travelers should be aware of any transportation issues related to their trip.
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. Be sure to check the cruise line’s website or contact their customer service to understand their specific requirements. But because of cruise lines’ strict policies on not allowing pregnant people in their third trimester to board, babies born on cruise ships are extremely rare.
Each cruise line will have their own cut-offs, but most only allow you to sail if you are not entering the 24th week of pregnancy before or while on the cruise ship. If you are going to be at this point in your pregnancy any time during the trip, then you won’t be allowed to board. If you're new to cruising and don't know whether or not you're prone to seasickness, setting out on your first sailing to test the waters while pregnant might not be the best idea. Even if you don't normally get seasick, all bets are off during all of the wild hormonal changes of pregnancy. If you're still in a morning sickness stage, adding on the queasiness that some cruisers experience from motion sickness might just compound the problem.
Firstly, it is important to understand that every pregnancy is unique, and what may be safe for one woman may not be safe for another. You should always consult with your personal physician before planning any trip while pregnant. Do you have an upcoming cruise planned, and you recently learned that you’re pregnant? You’re probably wondering if you can even go on a cruise while you’re pregnant.
We aim to give you a balanced view so you can make smart choices for your next cruise. 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. Like many moms-to-be, you may dream of going on vacation to far-off lands or exotic beaches.
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. Pregnancy can cause your skin to become extra sensitive and you can burn more easily in the sun. As cruise ships are often windy, you can get burnt even if the weather doesn’t feel particularly warm. If you’re in any doubt about whether cruising during pregnancy is safe, you should contact your doctor for advice. 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.
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. Communicable diseases are notorious for their ability to spread quickly on cruise ships due to the crowds and enclosed spaces, and when you're pregnant, such illnesses (like the norovirus) can take on more precarious dimensions. Stomach viruses, for example, which can lead to diarrhea and vomiting, might contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, a surefire strain to any pregnant body. It's smart to pursue simple safeguards like bringing and using hand sanitizer habitually, especially at spots where germs are easy to spread, like the buffets, and using antibacterial wipes in your stateroom. Be sure to ask as well if pregnancy is viewed as a preexisting condition, which could potentially make the policy null and void if you don't purchase it before you know you've conceived. Notably, however, many river cruise lines like Avalon, Uniworld, Viking and AmaWaterways don't apply these same restrictions, given that riverboats are always close to land and land-based medical facilities.
Most cruise lines allow women who are less than 24 weeks pregnant to sail, while some may have stricter policies that limit the allowed weeks of pregnancy even further. Always check with the cruise line to ensure you meet their eligibility requirements. One of the key aspects to consider is the requirement for a medical certificate. Norwegian Cruise Line requires pregnant guests to provide a physician’s letter stating that they are in good health, fit to travel, and that their pregnancy poses no risk. This letter should also indicate the estimated due date and specify that the guest is not entering the 24th week of pregnancy by the end of the cruise.
It can create a lot of questions that frankly, you may not have ever considered before you were expecting. 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. 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. But, I’ve done my research since then, so read on for everything you need to know about cruising while pregnant.
