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And speaking of drinks, be sure to stay well hydrated during your cruise. Preorder water bottles for delivery to your stateroom and maybe even bring your own reusable water bottle from home too. With temperatures higher than normal (hey, it is the Caribbean!), hydration is key to staying your best ‘you’. Let’s take a look at things you need to know about going on a cruise while pregnant. A notable outlier to this convention is small-ship expedition cruise line UnCruise Adventures with a cutoff date of 30 weeks.
Why Cruising While Pregnant Differs From Other Pregnancy Travel
It’s crucial for expectant mothers to prioritize their safety and the well-being of their baby by adhering to posted activity restrictions. Yes, all pregnant women are required to provide a physician’s letter stating good health, fitness to travel, and a non-high-risk pregnancy. The cutoff at the 23rd or 24th week of pregnancy is enforced on cruise lines to prioritize your health and that of your baby.
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If you become pregnant after booking, it is recommended to contact the cruise line as soon as possible to discuss your options. In most cases, pregnant guests who are within 23 weeks of pregnancy at the start of the cruise will be allowed to sail. However, it is important to note that certain itineraries or cruise ships may have different policies, so it is always best to check with Norwegian Cruise Line directly.
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In 2015, a baby was born on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, four months early and weighing just 1lb 8oz. Now that you know everything you need to about cruising while pregnant, it’s time to book your next vacation. Browse through the itineraries on our website and pick the perfect cruise to celebrate your bundle of joy. Going on a cruise while pregnant won’t limit your ability to enjoy some of the best activities and entertainment options on board. While most cruises to The Bahamas and Caribbean depart out of Florida, some cruise lines sail out of ports like Baltimore, Maryland; Norfolk, Virginia; Boston, Massachusetts; Galveston, Texas; and New York.
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According to Princess' website, "All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health, fit to travel and the pregnancy is not high risk." It’s crucial to keep in mind that each cruise line has its own policies regarding pregnant passengers, so it’s essential to check with them ahead of time before booking a cruise. Many river cruise lines like Avalon, Uniworld, Viking, and Ama Waterways don’t apply these same restrictions, given that riverboats are situated closer to land than ocean liners and have land-based facilities.
Check Which Activities Are Suitable
However, it’s important to note that the majority of mainstream cruise lines follow the stricter 24-week policy. Staying hydrated is important for overall health, especially during pregnancy. It is essential to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration, especially if you’re sensitive to the sun and heat. It’s also important to follow general recommendations for pregnancy, such as avoiding extreme heat and altitude, reducing alcohol and caffeine consumption, and staying away from raw foods or high-mercury fish.
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Why can't you take a cruise once you've reached the 24th week of pregnancy?
It is important to consult with your healthcare provider and obtain this letter before embarking on your cruise. Some cruise lines will have you sign a health questionnaire when booking or at check-in to ensure that you're aware of their pregnancy policy. Many others require that you get a letter from your doctor stating your anticipated due date and that both you and your unborn child are healthy enough to travel and that your pregnancy is not high risk. It's important that you read the fine print and follow official protocol, or you could face issues with boarding once you arrive at the port and/or end up forfeiting your cruise fare. 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.
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However, these centers do not offer technologically adequate facilities or doctors specialized in obstetrics and gynecology should critical childbirth, prenatal or early infant care be required. In rare cases where a baby has been born prematurely on a cruise ship, medical staff have gone above and beyond to keep the baby alive until reaching a port with proper medical facilities. However, it’s important to understand that these are exceptional circumstances, and cruise ships are not designed to handle such situations. 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.
The decision of whether to cruise is left to the judgment of the woman and her doctor instead. "There are a few plans that may offer coverage for cancellation due to your normal childbirth or pregnancy," said Meghan Walch, director of product for InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance retailer. "It is important to note that the date of conception, as noted in your medical records, must have been after the purchase of a policy." She also explains that pregnancy puts you at higher risk for blood clots from sitting too long (such as on the flight to your cruise departure port). Additionally, spontaneous termination of a pregnancy is possible between six and 12 weeks, especially, if you pick up an infection while traveling. You'd then have to deal with the physical and emotional repercussions of a miscarriage while on vacation.
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). The vast majority of cruise lines have an official cutoff date of 24 weeks gestation for pregnant people to be allowed to board their ships. This means that if you’re going to reach your 24th week or beyond at any time during the cruise, you’ll be denied boarding. You'll definitely want to avoid destinations with substandard health care, or setting out to wildly remote locales lacking any proper land-based medical care, like to Antarctica or a transatlantic sailing. For dedicated cruisers doubling as moms-to-be, what better way to celebrate your growing family than by taking a relaxing and fun-filled trip out to sea?
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. "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." Don't expect to sneak in that bucket list trip to Alaska in your third trimester or schedule yourself for a foot massage in the onboard spa just weeks before your due date. From plush day beds on the deck to cozy loungers by the pool, there are plenty of options for expecting mothers to unwind and recharge.
It is important to disclose your pregnancy to the cruise line as well, as some cruise lines may require a doctor’s note to sail. To stay informed and up to date with Norwegian Cruise Line’s pregnancy policy, it is recommended to visit their official website or contact their customer service directly. By being knowledgeable about the guidelines and requirements, expectant mothers can ensure a safe and enjoyable cruise experience.
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. Cruises offer a wide range of amenities and activities to keep guests entertained. However, it’s important to choose a cruise that caters to your needs as a pregnant traveler. Look for ships that have comfortable accommodations, onboard medical facilities, and pregnancy-friendly activities such as prenatal yoga or spa treatments.
East Coast moms-to-be should consider a cruise to Bermuda, the island famous for its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters. Departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, our Bermuda cruises dock at Royal Naval Dockyard, where you’ll find pristine beaches, a number of historic attractions, plus five-star dining and bustling shopping centers. We always advise you discuss your itinerary and shore excursions with your doctor beforehand. You'll probably want to avoid sailings that are heavy on formal nights, which might be demanding of formalwear (meaning a new dress to buy that you'll likely only wear once). Don't forget to invest in a maternity swimsuit, however, if your plans involve lounging by the pool or beach, and your regular two-piece no longer fits.
Those with sore feet can head to the Tune Up Mani-Pedi Spa for a Saving Grace Pedicure, while guests with intense cravings, whether it's pickles, ice cream, or the perfectly cooked piece of meat, can indulge in all-you-can-eat food. However, that depends on each country's laws and how it chooses to extend citizenship. If you purchased travel insurance, you could see if your policy would cover this situation. Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika by wearing bug spray and covering up in buggy areas.
You might also want to consider avoiding cruises that visit areas known for having substandard healthcare facilities, in the event that you need to disembark to seek advanced medical care. If you have a history of motion sickness, or you’re already experiencing morning sickness, ask your doctor for a recommendation on medications that are safe to take when pregnant. 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.
