What to expect when cruising while pregnant
Table Of Content
Board a gentle catamaran cruise and enjoy watching the sunset with your loved one, one last time before you become parents. Go on a guided walking or driving tour of your destination, which takes you around each town or city’s most popular landmarks and highlights. Or grab a mask and fins and go on a leisurely snorkeling expedition near the shore. Once you’re done with dinner, head to our Theatre, where, depending on the itinerary, you can expect to see professionally choreographed dance performances, stand-up comedy shows, and exciting musical numbers on stage. Spend time at The Spa, where you’ll be able to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, indulgent massage, or a refreshing manicure and pedicure.
Leave a Comment Cancel reply
When thinking about safety, it is also essential to consider the destination. According to the CDC, cruise lines generally will not allow pregnant women to travel after 24–28 weeks of pregnancy and may require a note from a doctor approving the travel. According to the experts, the best time to travel is during the second trimester, which is from 14 to 28 weeks. During this time, women usually feel their best and have the lowest risk for any complications. 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. Cruise lines do have good reasons for disallowing people who are relatively far along in their pregnancy.
Cruise Travel Trends: Bookings, Value, & Destinations
However, it has happened; in 2015, a baby was born at 23 weeks on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and miraculously survived. Most cruise lines require that you bring a doctor’s letter that states your estimated due date and that you are fit to travel. However, you’re unlikely to be asked to show the letter unless your bump is obvious. Of course, with your body going through some very big changes and several important industry restrictions and advisories in place, it's best to do a little research ahead of time so you know just what to expect at sea when you're expecting. 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.
Hotels With Cruise Shuttles For Every Major Port in America
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. 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). You must inform the cruise line that you are pregnant before you travel and they will let you know if any documentation is required, such as a doctor’s letter stating that you are fit to travel.
Are cruises safe while pregnant?
With approval from your doctor, you can safely go on a boat and enjoy the day while being 6 weeks pregnant. Following safety precautions, boating while pregnant can be a fun and relaxing experience. These include most waterslides, the FlowRider surf simulators, zip lines, trampolines, ice skating, and bumper cars.
Why can't you take a cruise once you've reached the 24th week of pregnancy?
Every pregnancy is different, so the best way to find out if it is safe for you to go on a cruise is to visit your OB/GYN. What is covered while pregnant varies by provider, so review the terms and conditions carefully and ask a question if unclear. 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.
What if you already booked a cruise?
Unwind on the heated tile loungers and take in gorgeous views of the ocean in the spa’s relaxation room. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays. As long as you know what the recommendations are and listen to your body, you’ll have a great time on your cruise.
Can you go on a cruise while pregnant?
The doctor will inform the captain, who will then decide which course of action to take. Also, depending on your itinerary, not all of the locales that you visit will necessarily have appropriate medical care in case you run into problems. If a cruise is your vacation of choice, you may be wondering if it is safe to go on a cruise pregnant?
Pregnant woman airlifted from Disney cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean - The Independent
Pregnant woman airlifted from Disney cruise ship in Atlantic Ocean.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 07:17:00 GMT [source]
Shipboard Health and Safety
You are your own best advocate when it comes to dining, don’t rely on crew members to assume your restrictions. Also, keep in mind that walking in the heat on unstable surfaces may also become uncomfortable for you, so with stamina in mind – walking tours may also be out. A relaxing beach escape or shopping tour may be more accessible for pregnant women. For example, stay away from jet skis, paddleboarding, scuba diving, boat rides (especially if you are prone to motion sickness), climbing and more. It’s paramount to inform your travel insurance company about your pregnancy.
The period between 12 and 24 weeks is considered by many to be a good time to travel, as most people are over the morning sickness and tiredness of early pregnancy, yet not limited by flying or sailing restrictions. Did you already book a cruise, and you just found out you’re pregnant? If your cruise is coming up soon, consult your doctor to make sure you’re medically cleared for cruise travel.
Some also require you to send the cruise line a copy of that letter prior to embarkation day. 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. 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. Cancelling your cruise before the final payment is generally easier and might come with fewer penalties.
When you’re pregnant, even simple things can take on a new level of complexity. You have to change what you eat, what you drink, and even a number of activities you otherwise would do. It can create a lot of questions that frankly, you may not have ever considered before you were expecting.
Join her as she shares cruise insights and explores the world, one voyage at a time. For cruises that have 3 or more consecutive days at sea, infants must be 12 months old on the first day of the cruise/cruise tour. Hot tubs are generally not recommended for pregnant women, although some of the hot tubs you’ll find on board are only slightly warmer than the swimming pool, so it’s up to you if you want to dip your toes in. In most cases, the cruise line will allow you to cancel the cruise and receive a credit which you can use to either bring your cruise forward to earlier in your pregnancy, or to book another cruise after your baby is born. Always read the fine print on any travel insurance policy you’re considering, and reach out to the insurance agency with questions. I recommend using email as opposed to phone calls or chat just so you have a paper trail.
Even if your cruise line does not specifically ask for a doctor's note, it's a good idea to bring one with you. This is especially true if you're close to your 24th week, rocking a baby bump and need to assure crew members that you are permitted to sail. It could also be of use to the onboard doctors and nurses should you have a medical issue during your cruise. 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. Even if you’re not pregnant, it’s perfectly normal to feel nauseous while on a cruise.
Comments
Post a Comment