Princess Cruises: Pregnant Women and Infants

Table Of Content

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• What’s the best itinerary for a pregnant woman?
• Cruising While Pregnant: Everything You Need to Know
• What Is The Best Itinerary For A Pregnant Woman?
• Can You Cancel a Cruise if You Fall Pregnant?
• Cruises Are Great at Working Around Special Diets

As well, you can opt for “cancel for any reason” travel insurance, which will let you cancel your trip and receive some compensation. You’ll have to fill out a health form prior to boarding that will include questions about if you are pregnant. Usually, if you have a drinks package on a cruise, then both passengers in the cabin have to get the same one. 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. You might need to call the cruise line, rather than buying it online.

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Tour inland Alaska on an air-conditioned bus with ample seating or a luxury glass-domed train. Both of these spacious forms of transportation will allow you to see new sights with plenty of space to stretch your legs, ensuring you’re traveling in style and comfort. Cruises are a great option for couples looking to celebrate their upcoming family addition with a babymoon. 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. After 23 weeks, there are increased risks in pregnancies such as preterm labor and delivery, and onboard, we do not have the medical equipment and staff available to treat these types of emergency situations.

What’s the best itinerary for a pregnant woman?

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. 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. 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.

Armed guards escort pregnant woman from Disney Cruise Line ship - MarketWatch

Armed guards escort pregnant woman from Disney Cruise Line ship.

Posted: Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Cruising While Pregnant: Everything You Need to Know

Keep sipping on your water bottle, and watch out for signs of dehydration like dizziness, thirst, and dry skin. Most airlines cite 36 weeks as a cutoff; however, a ten-hour flight to Europe may not be ideal (or comfortable) for some. The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has had a number of alerts related to Zika. The larger outbreak in the Americas has lessened but Zika is still a potential risk in many countries in the Americas, including the Caribbean. Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. So, ladies, plan your cruise accordingly and keep track of dates – there is no wiggle room when it comes to following this rule.

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne illnesses like Zika by wearing bug spray and covering up in buggy areas. As always, follow the 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. Once you've booked the trip, make sure you bring the right gear with you. 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.

Should I Go on a Cruise Trip While Pregnant?

For example, stay away from jet skis, paddleboarding, scuba diving, boat rides (especially if you are prone to motion sickness), climbing and more. 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. In 2015, a baby was born on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, four months early and weighing just 1lb 8oz. Medical staff managed to keep him alive until the ship reached port. You can go on a cruise provided that you are well enough to travel and have not entered the third trimester of your pregnancy (24 weeks).

Most cruise lines do not allow anyone who is past 24 weeks pregnant, in accordance with guidelines from the American College of Emergency Physicians. To ensure a hassle-free experience, remember to consider your physical and mental health before deciding to go on a cruise trip while pregnant. This article will discuss some facts or tips that an expectant mother should consider before sailing. If your pregnancy has been classed as high risk, you should always talk to your OBGYN before engaging in any type of unusual activity — including boating.

Can You Cancel a Cruise if You Fall Pregnant?

Balancing in high heels can be tricky during rough seas, so you may wish to stick to flat, comfy sandals. If you’re seeking sunshine and a dip in the ocean, the Caribbean is always a good idea, too. Head down south during the winter or holiday season, before the weather gets too hot and mosquitos take over.

Armed guard bars woman from Disney Cruise Line ship because she's a week over their pregnancy limit The ... - The Independent

Armed guard bars woman from Disney Cruise Line ship because she's a week over their pregnancy limit The ....

Posted: Tue, 03 Apr 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

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. It is helpful to review ship activities and shore excursions to determine what is suitable. Rock climbing, ATV adventures, waterslides, and bumper cars may not be appropriate, even at the early stages of pregnancy. Should onshore assistance be necessary, the availability and quality of healthcare options may differ significantly between various cruise destinations.

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. Many big life events can happen between the date you book a cruise and when you step on the ship to set sail. If you discover you’re pregnant after you booked your reservation, or perhaps you just like to plan ahead, you’ll likely wonder “can you go on a cruise pregnant?

In most cases you will recoup your deposit; however, certain fare types (such as Carnival's Early and Super Saver fares) have nonrefundable deposits and you would lose these. You'll want to pack snacks for those sudden cravings, as well as ginger candy or Preggie Pop Drops to help with morning sickness. Don't forget a first-aid kid with approved medications for pain or heartburn relief or other common ailments.

It is normal for pregnant passengers to feel nauseous while cruising. It is obvious pregnant women are more prone to motion sickness while on board. 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.

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 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. Costa Cruises will not accept a passenger if the fetus is in the 23rd week and 6 days of gestational age.

” The answer is generally yes, provided you have doctor approval, and you are not too far along in your pregnancy. 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. While there are plenty of medications and remedies to help combat seasickness-related nausea and vomiting, you'll need to check in with your doctor to see what's safe for you to take during pregnancy. Homeopathic non-drug options, like ginger pills or acupressure wristbands, are a safe bet to help keep motion sickness at bay. 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. However, each cruise line has a minimum age requirement for guests traveling, which will be verified upon check-in at the pier.

Usually you can, as long as you take the cruise early enough in your pregnancy. If you are under 24 weeks gestation, don’t let limitations stop you from cruising. Use this time to relax, enjoy the daily trivia games, live entertainment and soak up some ‘me time’ as your life as a soon-to-be mom will involve a new baby in the coming months. While no onshore destinations are off-limits to pregnant women, there are some things you should keep in mind while visiting different areas of the world. And speaking of drinks, be sure to stay well hydrated during your cruise.

Cruising During Pregnancy: What You Should Know

Table Of Content

• Are There Any Destinations I Should Avoid While Cruising?
• Are There Any Dietary Restrictions to Keep in Mind?
• How to Store Your Sails for Winter: Here’s All You Need To Know
• Spectacular Food On A Cruise Ship

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. 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. This long stretch of coastline is famous for its rocky cliffs and rugged ocean beaches. Another great cruise destination to discover while pregnant is Alaska.

Are There Any Destinations I Should Avoid While Cruising?

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’. From extreme activities like jet boat rides and scuba diving to relaxing days like lounging on the beach, you can find no shortage of things to do. However, not all of them are appropriate for someone who is pregnant. If there is anything you could even possibly need, go ahead and bring it.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions to Keep in Mind?

It should also include medical evacuation coverage in case you need to be airlifted or need a medically-equipped flight. 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. If you know definitively that you're susceptible to seasickness, you might want to rethink your cruise plans since vomiting can lead to dehydration, which is never a great thing, but especially so when you're carrying.

How to Store Your Sails for Winter: Here’s All You Need To Know

For this reason, it’s important to remain a passenger — don’t be an active part of the crew, as you would normally be, to avoid falls and slips. Stay seated while on the water, unless you are on a large and stable vessel. With previous outbreaks in the Americas, Zika is still a concern, especially for expecting parents. Zika is a virus that spreads primarily through mosquitos and can have an impact on a pregnant woman and child. Generally, symptoms are mild such as a rash, but more serious side effects have been reported. The cruise planner is a great source of information, providing details such as duration, required activity level, and what to bring for excursions.

Accordingly, I hereby acknowledge and agree that I will not enter my 24th week of pregnancy before or at any time during my cruise. Since the cruise lines are not equipped with major medical facilities onboard, they have established very strict policies with regard to expectant mothers and infants. Each cruise line requires expectant mothers to provide a physician's letter (faxed in advance or hand delivered at the time of check-in) stating that the guest is in good health, fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high risk. The letter must also include the expected date of the child's birth.

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. But in 2015, a baby was born four months early on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship between Florida and Puerto Rico.

"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." Think about keeping some snacks in the room for those late-night cravings (many modern cruise ships even have mini-fridges featured right in the staterooms). If there are any snack foods in particular from home that you simply can't do without and aren't sure to find on the ship or in port, do bring 'em along. Keeping crackers on hand for unexpected bouts of nausea is never a bad idea.

Pregnancy Policy

When not traveling, she enjoys relaxing in Priority Pass lounges with tea and battling slow Wi-Fi. Join her as she shares cruise insights and explores the world, one voyage at a time. It’s a good idea to identify appropriate medications for morning sickness and ensure enough is brought onboard. There are a variety of suggested remedies for sea sickness including ginger ale, wristbands, and medications.

Spectacular Food On A Cruise Ship

Even better, our detailed cruise itineraries make it easy for you to run your trip by your doctor for approval before booking, making sure your vacation is safe and sound for everyone. If you've already paid in full, standard cancellation penalties apply. If you purchased travel insurance, you could see if your policy would cover this situation. Given that final payment is typically 90 days (roughly 13 weeks) prior to sailing, you shouldn't have a problem if you discover that you're pregnant before you're 10 weeks along and cancel immediately. 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.

Even if you can make it ashore in time to deliver your baby, you may find yourself trapped in another country for months until your baby is well enough to come home. You could face huge medical bills that aren’t covered by your travel insurance. You will be denied boarding – in early 2024, a woman was banned from the ship due to the Carnival cruise pregnancy policy and refused a refund.

Pregnant woman medevaced from cruise ship highlights health risks of cruising while pregnant - Cruise Blog

Pregnant woman medevaced from cruise ship highlights health risks of cruising while pregnant.

Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 20:17:53 GMT [source]

However, keep in mind there are many strict policies, within the cruise industry you need to be aware of before going on a cruise while pregnant – including a ban on sailing beyond a certain time during your pregnancy. 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.

Always drink bottled water – whether you buy it on-shore or bring your own bottled water from the ship. Also, it is probably a good idea to stay away from local foods and anything that you fear may be undercooked or if you are unsure of the ingredients used to make a dish. It’s paramount to inform your travel insurance company about your pregnancy. Interestingly, you might not always be asked to present this letter upfront, especially if your pregnancy isn’t visibly noticeable.

Pregnancy can bring about a range of physical changes and discomforts. Pace yourself and don’t overexert yourself with strenuous activities. Remember, your well-being and the safety of your baby are the top priorities. What is covered while pregnant varies by provider, so review the terms and conditions carefully and ask a question if unclear. Virgin Voyages, in fact, encourages babymoons onboard their adult-only vessels! 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.

If you’re a keen boater, it won’t be a waste of money, but a ticket to many fun trips during your pregnancy. You have some good options now, and they include O’Brien Women’s Impulse Stohlquist Women’s Cruiser. Pregnancy, some who have already gone through it and many who haven’t will tell you, is the most wonderful time of your life — an experience that will transform you and make you glow.

On our Northbound, Southbound, and Alaska Hubbard Glacier cruises, you’ll witness the massive icy-blue wonder that is Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. 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. While that might sound like a lot of restrictions, there are still many dining options available for pregnant cruisers. Indulge your craving for pasta at Tuscan Grille, our Italian trattoria-style venue. One of the best parts about cruising with Celebrity is the many dining options available on board.

When you think about it, going on a cruise is a really different type of trip than, say, flying. If something were to happen while you were in the air, you wouldn't be far from either your destination or, if necessary, an emergency landing. If a pregnancy complication were to arise, or if you went into labor prematurely, they would not be equipped to handle it, as explained by Cruise Critic. And who knows how far you might be from the next port where you could get proper medical attention.