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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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