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One of the best drug-free ways to alleviate motion sickness is to have ginger candies, use acupressure bands, and relax by the pools while sunbathing. But if you’re planning to cruise during pregnancy, making sure you have medical coverage for everywhere you’re traveling is a must. Although a cruise ship medical clinic isn’t the ideal place to give birth to a baby, you’ll have the peace of mind that there’s medical staff available if something doesn’t feel quite right and you want to be checked. 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.
Tips for Cruising During Pregnancy
In summary, there are plenty of activities to enjoy on a cruise while pregnant. Cruises are safe, however, it is important to listen to your body and avoid any activities that may be strenuous or uncomfortable. By taking adequate rest, consulting with your healthcare provider, and making informed choices, you can enjoy a relaxing and enjoyable cruise vacation while pregnant. Going on a cruise while pregnant can be a relaxing and enjoyable way to spend your vacation, and there are plenty of activities you can enjoy while onboard. However, it is important to note that certain activities may not be suitable for pregnant women.
Precautions To Take While Cruising During Pregnancy
When it comes to travel insurance and pregnancy, it’s crucial to inform your insurer of your condition. Many standard travel insurance policies have restrictions and limitations for pregnant travelers, so ensuring that you have adequate cover is essential. While many cruise lines offer a wide variety of food options, it’s important for Pregnant women should be careful about what they eat on cruises because the staff might not know about pregnancy dietary needs. The recent Zika virus outbreak in popular Caribbean cruise destinations has raised concerns for travelers, especially pregnant women. It’s important to learn about health advisories, vaccinations, and precautions for the places you plan to visit. Hiding pregnancy on a cruise may sound adventurous, but it’s a dangerous gamble.
Hiding Pregnancy on a Cruise
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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. But, I’ve done my research since then, so read on for everything you need to know about cruising while pregnant.
Typically, any costs incurred for medical care on a cruise ship require upfront payment. 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. Yes, cruise ships are equipped with medical facilities, but it’s important to understand that these facilities are somewhat limited, especially in comparison to a full-scale hospital. Since many people plan their cruise vacations well in advance, it's entirely possible that an unexpected pregnancy might end up overlapping with your planned sailing dates.
In these cases, your doctor might advise against cruising as a precaution. The risk of complications, especially when far from specialized medical care, is a concern that can’t be overlooked. While cruise ships do have doctors and basic medical facilities, they may not be equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies or serious complications. If you decide to go on a cruise while pregnant, there are some precautions you can take to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Princess Cruises
A woman who is in her 24th week of pregnancy or more is at a higher risk of having preterm contractions. The medical care provided on board cruise liners is limited; as a result, they are not fully equipped to deal with labor/birth and any complications that may take place. However, each cruise line has a minimum age requirement for guests traveling, which will be verified upon check-in at the pier. This minimum age requirement varies by cruise line and even itinerary.
Will I Get Seasick If I’m Pregnant?
Bug repellent, long sleeves, and pants can be effective in preventing bites or guests may decide to stay onboard and enjoy the quiet of the ship. It has been estimated that nausea can affect up to 75% of pregnant mothers, which can be exacerbated by seasickness while cruising. 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.
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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.
The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD) calculated from both Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound (if performed). Please ensure you have your doctor’s letter with you when you embark." When you're on your cruise, make sure you stay hydrated and only drink safe sources of water. 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. "A shorter cruise like a three- to five-day (versus a seven- to 14-day) is probably a better bet than the longer cruises," Yu suggested, acknowledging the time you'll be far from your medical team. "Get outside and see nature because that can help improve mood if you're having a hard time ... with the pregnancy."
If you don't wish to sail while pregnant and have not yet paid your final payment, it's generally easy to cancel your sailing and get a refund of your deposit. As an added safeguard, purchasing travel insurance is highly recommended to protect your vacation investment. Depending on the coverage you choose, you should be able to cancel or reschedule your sailing if you find out that you're pregnant after booking (see more travel insurance advice below). If you find yourself facing sickness or complications while cruising pregnant, it’s natural to feel concerned about the availability of medical care onboard.
Pregnant women may feel worse due to seasickness and early pregnancy queasiness. There are ways to help with seasickness on a cruise, like resting, eating ginger candies, taking motion sickness pills, or using acupressure bands. It’s important to consult your doctor before taking any medication while pregnant. As a pregnant woman, it’s crucial to prioritize rest and relaxation, especially during a cruise vacation. The calm atmosphere of a cruise ship has many comfortable places to rest and get some sleep. When it comes to cruising while pregnant, the decision to get travel insurance becomes even more crucial.
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Cancellation policies vary by provider, many will allow for modifications or refunds under these circumstances. Open communication is key, as some cruise companies may require medical documentation or proof of pregnancy before accommodating any changes. Other major cruise lines, such as Norwegian, Disney, and MSC Cruises have similar policies. It’s very important to know the regulations, as you may be refused passage on your cruise if you fail to meet the cruise line criteria.
Cruising while pregnant can indeed be a feasible and enjoyable option with proper planning and considerations. By consulting with your healthcare provider beforehand, checking the policies of the cruise line, and being mindful of your own health needs and comfort levels, you can ensure a safe and pleasant experience for both you and your baby. Costa Cruises will not accept a passenger if the fetus is in the 23rd week and 6 days of gestational age. In addition, a physician’s letter stating the estimated date of delivery, the mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel and the pregnancy is not at risk is required. 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. These extra measures are in place to ensure the safety and comfort of pregnant guests while at sea.
If you are having a normal, healthy pregnancy then it is perfectly safe to go on a cruise. However, if you have any pregnancy complications, medical conditions, previous premature births or are expecting multiple babies, your doctor may advise you not to cruise. 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. Any baby born on a cruise ship will be incredibly premature with a minimal chance of survival.
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