Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Cruising While Pregnant: What to Know Before You Book

can you cruise while pregnant

Meet Sophia Mitchell, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. Air Force as an Arabic linguist, Sophia now explores the world as a freelance writer. She funds her four-year (and counting!) cruise adventure using points and miles. Sophia’s travel expertise comes from her time as a reporter for The Points Guy, featured in Forbes, Business Insider, and The Balance.

Be Smart About Shore Excursions

Pregnancy can bring about a range of physical changes and discomforts. It’s essential to listen to your body and take breaks when needed. Pace yourself and don’t overexert yourself with strenuous activities. Remember, your well-being and the safety of your baby are the top priorities.

Before You Board

Keeping crackers on hand for unexpected bouts of nausea is never a bad idea. Finally, as bathroom access is of heightened concern for pregnant women, be sure that wherever you go, bathrooms are within easy reach. This is of special concern when ports might require long bathroom-less bus transfers to major attractions (like to Rome from Civitavecchia, for instance). We did the research for you here, pulling from our editors' and readers' expert advice -- culled from their firsthand experience of sailing while pregnant -- for this ultimate guide to going on a cruise while pregnant. If they cannot adequately treat you on board, they can either transfer you to a local hospital in the next port of call or — in a true emergency — medevac you off the ship via helicopter. Before booking a cruise, a pregnant person should consult with their doctor to determine how great a risk travel might be to the pregnant person or fetus.

Consider the amenities and activities on board

can you cruise while pregnant

According to the experts, the best time to travel is during the second trimester, which is from 14 to 28 weeks. During this time, women usually feel their best and have the lowest risk for any complications. But, during your third trimester (25 to 40 weeks), healthcare professionals advise staying within 300 miles of home just in case there are any problems. In some cases, cruise lines might ask for additional details like the estimated fetal gestational age or a medical certificate establishing that your pregnancy is low-risk.

Princess Cruises

The flip side of that is you won't be able to take part in some of the most popular cruise ship activities, such as sipping fruity cocktails, soaking in a hot tub, sweating in the thermal suite or eating freshly made sushi. If you're feeling tired, long or active tours might not sound appealing. If you're nauseated, a rocking ship or bus ride in port might make it worse. And if you're the type to be anxious about your pregnancy, you might have trouble relaxing when you're miles out to sea. "Get outside and see nature because that can help improve mood if you're having a hard time ... with the pregnancy."

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Keep in mind that while there is a doctor onboard, there is not an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in women’s health onboard the ship and if trouble strikes, you could be out at sea with no help readily available. The thrill of zip-lining, the rush of rocketing down a water slide, and the grace of gliding across an ice rink, parasailing, 4×4 tours or scuba diving are all experiences that many look forward to while on a cruise. It’s important to remember that these activities may not be suitable for pregnant women. It’s crucial for expectant mothers to prioritize their safety and the well-being of their baby by adhering to posted activity restrictions. When it comes to travel insurance and pregnancy, it’s crucial to inform your insurer of your condition.

Are cruises safe while pregnant?

Yes, informing the cruise line and its fleet medical department about your pregnancy is crucial due to the high risk of potential complications. Cruise lines are strict about this due to their limited onboard medical facilities. Before you pack your bags, you’ll likely need to fill out a health questionnaire or provide a doctor’s letter stating you’re fit to travel. This step is crucial – failure to comply can lead to boarding issues or even forfeiture of your cruise fare. Shore excursions are a fantastic and easy way to explore each of your cruise’s port destinations. In all of our ports of call, you’ll find all kinds of shore excursions in activity levels ranging from mild to strenuous.

Feel the thrill of watching a live calving display, which is when a large chunk of ice detaches from the glacier wall and splashes into the water below, creating a roaring sound known as white thunder. Discover gilded mansions, craggy coastlines, and towering lighthouses in Newport, a charming city full of history and breathtaking landscapes—perfect to use as a backdrop for a baby bump photoshoot. Reserve your shore excursions early in order to guarantee your spot. We always advise you discuss your itinerary and shore excursions with your doctor beforehand. One of the best parts about cruising with Celebrity is the many dining options available on board. From the world-class menu in our Main Dining Room to the delicacies in our specialty restaurants, you’ll find a variety of choices to indulge in.

This is where travel insurance becomes highly recommended, especially for pregnant travelers. Not only does it ensure coverage for unforeseen medical expenses, but it also provides a safety net for trip cancellations due to non-medical reasons. When it comes to pregnancy and cruising, a common concern is the level of medical care available onboard.

If you’re planning to travel on one of the popular major cruise lines, the cut-off point is 24 weeks. One thing we highly suggest is knowing the ins and outs of your cruise line’s cancellation policies if you are or plan on becoming pregnant. If you realize that you’ll be too far along in your pregnancy to safely cruise, or you’ll have a newborn by the time of your cruise, the first step is to contact your cruise line or travel agent. In many cases, the cruise line may offer you the flexibility to reschedule your trip to a later date.

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. Most cruise lines won’t deny you boarding unless you’ll be at 24 weeks into your pregnancy (or beyond) by the end of the cruise. Here’s what you need to know about cruising while pregnant, including why cruise lines have rules about pregnancy. If you are past 24 weeks in your pregnancy, you will not be allowed to board the ship.

Well, cruise lines require a letter from your doctor before boarding. If you are before 24 weeks, cruise liners require letters stating that you are not at risk for pregnancy complications and that you and your baby are healthy and fit to travel. If you have any pregnancy complications, existing medical conditions, a history of previous premature births, or are expecting multiples, it’s a different scenario.

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At our Main Dining Room, you’ll feast on multi-course gourmet meals crafted by a Michelin-starred chef, while at our specialty restaurants, you’ll find a number of international cuisines including French nouveau and rustic Italian. Spend time at The Spa, where you’ll be able to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, indulgent massage, or a refreshing manicure and pedicure. Unwind on the heated tile loungers and take in gorgeous views of the ocean in the spa’s relaxation room.

Additionally, if you’re prone to motion sickness or concerned about getting seasick, your doctor can advise on safe remedies during pregnancy. You should not be in or past your 24th week of pregnancy before the cruise departure date and some lines will even ensure that you are nowhere near the 24th week of pregnancy while on the ship. A practical consideration is the cost of onboard medical services. Typically, any costs incurred for medical care on a cruise ship require upfront payment.

Get plenty of rest and food (the latter are usually not difficult to accomplish on a ship), but also remember to take daily walks to reduce clotting. These are not medical issues you want to experience in the middle of the ocean, away from land-based hospitals with dedicated prenatal specialists. Cruise lines recognize it's not in the best interest of the mother to be far from care at this time. If you're expecting (or expecting to be soon), here's what you need to know — and what to expect — about cruising while pregnant.

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