Cruising While Pregnant: Here’s What You Need to Know 

Congratulations on your pregnancy! As you embark on this wonderful journey of motherhood, it’s natural to want to celebrate and create lasting memories. If you love cruising and are expecting, why not celebrate your growing family with a relaxing trip to the sea? 

Cruising While Pregnant is not only possible but also recommended with some extra planning for a safe and enjoyable experience. A stress-free babymoon of lounging by the pool, napping, spa treatments, and enjoying food around the clock can be a dream for a pregnant woman.  

Can you go on a Cruise while Pregnant? 

Yes, the idea of going on a cruise while pregnant may sound overwhelming, but if you’re in a healthy pregnancy, then there’s no need to put your travel plans on hold. With proper planning and clearance from your doctor, it can be a memorable experience.  

Most cruise lines will allow pregnant passengers in their first or second trimesters. But, once you’re close to your third trimester, cruise lines have strict rules that limit travel for pregnant women. This is because they worry about pregnancy problems and the chance of having a baby too early.  

In general, the cruise lines won’t let passengers who are in their 24th week of pregnancy or later go on the trip. The cruise lines made these rules to keep moms and babies safe, since most lines aren’t ready to take care of a baby born too early. 

Some cruise lines may require a health questionnaire or a letter from your doctor confirming your due date and overall health before allowing you to cruise while pregnant. 

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.  

Is it safe to Cruising while pregnant? 

Pregnancy can be a time of joy and excitement, and many expectant mothers look forward to enjoying new experiences, such as traveling. The decision to go on a cruise while pregnant may require careful consideration.  

For women who are having a healthy pregnancy and have not experienced any complications in previous pregnancies, it may be safe to go on a cruise while pregnant. But, if an expectant mother has had pregnancy complications or previous premature births, her doctor may advise against going on a cruise.  

It’s important for these women to prioritize their health and safety by following medical advice. If you’re unsure if it’s safe to cruise while pregnancy, ask your doctor for advice. 

Can you cancel a cruise if you fall pregnant? 

It is common for people to reserve a cruise well in advance, sometimes many months or even years ahead. But if you find out that you’re pregnant after booking a cruise can be an unexpected twist, and it may lead to uncertainty about whether you’ll still be able to take the trip because you’ll be too pregnant or have a newborn.  
It’s crucial to inform your cruise line or travel agency as soon as possible if you find yourself in this situation.  

The cruise line will accommodate your request by allowing you to reschedule your cruise for a later date or providing you with a voucher for a Future Cruise Credit. 

What if I get sick or have complications while cruising pregnant? Is There Medical Care Onboard? 

If you find yourself facing sickness or complications while cruising pregnant, it’s natural to feel concerned about the availability of medical care onboard. Most large cruise ships have basic and limited medical facilities for routine procedures and minor emergencies for both passengers and crew.  

However, these facilities are not equipped with advanced technology or specialized obstetrics and gynecology expertise for critical childbirth, prenatal care, or early infant care. In such cases, pregnant passengers may need to be transferred to onshore hospitals for specialized care through emergency disembarkation arranged by the cruise lines.  

It’s important to bring your passports on “closed loop cruises” from the U.S., as they may be required in such situations. 

Keep in mind that depending on your location during the cruise, access to medical treatment may not be readily available at the nearest port of call. Additionally, you could find yourself far from the nearest port based on your itinerary, making expensive emergency medical evacuation challenging or even impossible. Furthermore, your regular obstetrician will not be accessible during the cruise. 

Whether seeking treatment onboard or on land, it’s essential to note that these services typically require upfront payment. It’s highly recommended to consider buying travel insurance to cover such circumstances. 

Finally, don’t rely solely on the ship’s pharmacy for essential medications or supplies, as their stock may be limited and likely to be expensive. Make sure to bring enough of your pregnancy-approved medications with you for the whole trip, like prenatal vitamins and Tums. Remember to bring copies of your prescriptions and your doctor’s emergency contact number. 

Do you have to tell the Cruise Line you are Pregnant? 

Many cruise lines require pregnant travelers to provide a doctor’s letter stating their due date and fitness to travel. This policy ensures the safety of the mother and her baby while on board. Some women may not be obligated to show this letter unless their pregnancy is visibly apparent. 

It’s essential to inform your travel insurance company that you’re pregnant to ensure coverage. Failing to do so could result in the cancellation of your travel insurance policy. 

In 2015, a baby was born on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, showing how strong human life can be. The mother had concealed her pregnancy, and the unexpected birth occurred four months prematurely, with the baby weighing only 1lb 8oz. The challenges faced by the medical staff on board were immense, but their unwavering dedication and expertise enabled them to keep the baby alive until they reached land. Imagine the whirlwind of emotions that must have swept over the mother when she was told her baby was dead, only to discover later that the little one was alive.

Are There any Destinations you Should Avoid While Cruising Pregnant? 

Consider that it might not be safe to take a cruise to Africa, where malaria is a risk, especially because some antimalarial medications are not safe for pregnant women.  

So, it’s better for pregnant women to stay away from places with bad healthcare and remote areas without good medical facilities, like Antarctica or Transatlantic (remote sailing trips). Remember that getting medical help and being taken to a hospital is hard and costs a lot, if it’s even possible. 

Cruise lines are known for accommodating diverse palates and will try to satisfy any sudden cravings that pregnant guests may have, with various food options available.  

Raw or undercooked seafood and meats should be avoided due to the potential risk of foodborne illnesses such as Listeria or Salmonella. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and soft cheeses because they may have harmful bacteria. 

Be prepared for not liking certain smells and tastes while on the boat. Keep snacks in your room for late-night hunger. Bringing along favorite snack foods from home can be helpful if they are not readily available on the ship or in port.  

Staying well-hydrated and carrying a reusable water bottle for shore excursions is recommended, especially in warmer climates.  

Don’t hesitate to request non-alcoholic versions of popular drinks like pina coladas. 

What are the Best Itineraries for Cruising while Pregnant?

Couples can enjoy a cruise for a baby moon to celebrate their upcoming baby. The best time for a baby moon is in the second trimester, between weeks 14 to 23. This is when you are feeling better after the first trimester and before it gets harder to travel in the third trimester. 

Tips for Cruising while Pregnant 

Here are few tips for Cruising while Pregnant:

Pack Acupressure Wristbands 

Pregnancy can also bring unexpected challenges—like increased susceptibility to seasickness while cruising. Even if you’ve never experienced this discomfort before, the hormonal changes and heightened sensitivity during pregnancy can trigger symptoms like nausea and dizziness on the open waters.  

It’s important to note that seasickness medication is not recommended during pregnancy. 

When it comes to combating seasickness during pregnancy, acupressure wristbands have appeared as a popular remedy. You can buy acupressure wristbands from Amazon or consume ginger biscuits and green apples as drug-free remedies for managing seasickness. 

Use of Sunscreen  

Pregnancy brings many changes to a woman’s body, and one often overlooked aspect is skin sensitivity. During pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations can make the skin more prone to sunburn and windburn, especially on a cruise where the wind can be strong. It’s essential for expectant mothers to protect their delicate skin by using plenty of Sunscreen with high SPF daily while cruising.