Thinking of taking a cruise while you’re expecting? It’s a great idea! This is the opportunity to relax and enjoy some time before your life is changed by a new bundle of joy. Be aware however, cruise lines do have pregnancy policies in place, and most do not allow passengers who are farther along than 23-24 weeks. Below, you can find a reference list of cruise line pregnancy policies.
Be sure to confirm these with your cruise line at the time of booking, Restrictions are subject to change.
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Can you cruise while pregnant?
If you have a healthy pregnancy, then going on a cruise vacation is a lovely way to celebrate the upcoming addition to your family. That being said, it’s always safer to talk to your doctor before traveling, especially if you’ve had any issues with your pregnancy in the past.
Carnival Cruise Line – Pregnant women are only allowed to sail if pregnant for less than twenty-four completed weeks at time of cruise disembarkation. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery (EDD).
MSC Cruises – MSC and/or the Carriers do not have on board any of the cruise vessels adequate medical facilities or equipment for childbirth; therefore MSC cannot accept a Booking and the Carrier cannot carry any Passenger who will be 24 weeks pregnant or more by the end of the Cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line – NCL will not accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the time their travel with NCL concludes. A statement from the expectant mother’s doctor (letterhead form required), stating her due date and fitness to travel, must be sent to NCL’s Access Desk (accessdesk@ncl.com).
Royal Caribbean International – Royal Caribbean International cannot accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the beginning of the cruise or cruise tour. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check in to ensure they are aware of Royal Caribbean’s pregnancy policy. A physician’s “Fit to Travel” note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) a guest’s pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that the guest is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The “Fit to Travel” note should be faxed to the Access Department at 1-954-628-9622. Contact RCL at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@rccl.com if you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement.
Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Cruises cannot accept guests who will have entered their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy by the beginning of the cruise or cruise tour. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check in to ensure they are aware of Celebrity’s pregnancy policy. A physician’s “Fit to Travel” note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) the passenger’s pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that she is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy. The “Fit to Travel” note should be faxed to the Access Department at 1-954-628-9622. Contact Celebrity at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@celebrity.com if you have already booked a cruise or cruise tour and do not meet this requirement.
Disney Cruise Line – Women who will enter their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns. Neither a physician’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.
Holland America Line – Women cannot have begun their twenty-fourth week of pregnancy at any time before or during the cruise. Pregnant guests must provide a physician’s letter stating their expected due date and medical fitness to travel, and asserting that the pregnancy is not high-risk. You must also include your name, booking number, ship, and sailing date.
Princess Cruises – Pregnant women are not allowed to sail if they are entering the twenty-fourth week of their pregnancy by the last day of the cruise. All pregnant women are required to produce a physician’s letter stating that mother and baby are in good health and fit to travel, and asserting that the pregnancy is not high-risk. The letter must also include the estimated date of delivery calculated from both last menstrual period and ultrasound (if performed), and may be faxed to the Fleet Medical Department’s confidential fax line at 1-661-753-0121.
Azamara Cruises – Azamara Club Cruises cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise. All guests are required to sign a health questionnaire at check-in to ensure they are aware of our pregnancy policy.
Once Onboard
Be sure to request extra pillows and blankets, scout out exit routes and other walkways in the area around your cabin. Have a look at your bathroom facilities before you really need to use them so you know how things work. You may also want to try on your personal flotation device (PFD) found in your cabin to ensure that it will fit you properly. If you find it is too small, ask your cabin steward for another.
You may be more prone to nausea enhanced by the ship’s motion. To minimize problems associated with seasickness, try to book a larger ship (more than 1,000 passengers) and a mid-level, mid-ship cabin. These tend to be more stable and do better in rough weather should you encounter it. Ships will normally be staffed with both a doctor and nurse. (Note that ships’ medical personnel charge a fee for their services.)
Make sure to discuss your cruise and related travel plans with your doctor. Ask about various seasickness medications or remedies and which ones are best to use during pregnancy.
If you take any kind of medication, be sure to have a sufficient supply for the duration of your cruise. Medical onboard will have basic medications (for a fee) but they may not have the particular items you need. Also, in many cases, the cruise line policy may discourage dispensing medications to pregnant women. To avoid border complications, it is smart to have a note from your doctor describing your prescription.
It is advisable to check your health insurance coverage and how it will cover you during and after the cruise. If you are uncertain of your coverage, consider purchasing additional travel medical insurance as well. Most cruise lines offer insurance packages that include medical coverage.
Get the right drink package
If you have a drinks package on a cruise, most cruise lines are now requiring both passengers in the cabin have to get the same one. However, if your partner wants the alcoholic package and you’re pregnant, you will be allowed to get the non-alcoholic version for yourself. You will need to call the cruise line, rather than buying it online.
Make the most of shaded areas onboard
During pregnancy your skin is typically more sensitive, which means you can sunburn faster! Remember to wear sunscreen and don’t stay in direct sunlight for too long or make use of the shaded areas on board. You can still enjoy the warm temperatures and relax outdoors without risk of burning! A good sunhat and sunglasses are also extremely helpful.
Research and avoid certain destinations
There are some places you might want to avoid due to health risks. For instance, if you need travel vaccinations, they are typically not recommended during pregnancy. Similarly, some anti-malaria tablets aren’t safe to take in pregnancy, so you might wish to avoid destinations like Africa, Central and South America and some parts of the Caribbean like Dominican Republic.The Zika virus, which is also caused by mosquitos, can be problematic if you’re pregnant too. With this in mind, you should probably avoid destinations where this is found, which includes South and Central America, the Caribbean, Pacific islands, Africa and Asia.
Know what foods to avoid.
During pregnancy, your doctor will have told you to avoid certain foods, either for the baby or for your own comfort. Speak to the servers on your cruise and let them know of any dietary requirements you have, and they will work with you to make sure you have food that is safe for you to consume.
Get travel insurance
You’ll need to let your insurer know that you’re pregnant, and ensure that you have adequate cover to cruise while pregnant.
Pack suitably
Packing for a trip can be really exciting, but there’s usually always something you forget! What’s more, when pregnant you might want to pack a few different things to your usual items just to make sure you’re extra comfortable.
Here’s a list you might find helpful:
Motion sickness bands. If you’re already a little nauseous from pregnancy, coming down with a bit of sea sickness might be the last thing you need. Motion-sickness bands could make a big difference, and you don’t tend to notice them while you’re wearing them either.
Comfortable clothing. Consider if you need to pack looser and lighter clothing for added comfort as your baby bump continues to grow. It might be hot where you’re traveling to as well, so be sure to pack clothes that can keep you cool. Think about protecting yourself from the potential of sunburn while still keeping you cool.
Be sure to pack quality and high SPF sunscreen. Many locations are also now requiring reef safe sunscreen As earlier, your skin is probably more sensitive to the sun and the last thing you’ll want to do is burn.
Comfortable footwear. You will probably be on your feet more than usual as you explore the ports and walk around the ship. Your feet are most likely already a little swollen, so think carefully about your footwear! Consider something that’s more comfortable like sneakers or sandals. Adjustable sandals are a good idea unless you are cruising to Alaska, lol. I love these sandals because there are multiple ways to adjust and do well in hot, humid climates. They also come in several colors.
What cruise activities and facilities are available?
There’s plenty of options where you can get involved on your cruise when you’re pregnant, so you don’t have to worry about being left out.
Spa
Most cruise ships have a professional spa onboard. This will give you the perfect opportunity to unwind and switch off. Be sure to let them know you need pregnancy-friendly treatments available. It’s probably best to avoid the hot tubs and saunas though, and it is wise to double check with your doctor about specific treatments to avoid.
Swimming
Swimming when pregnant can be beneficial for some light exercise that keeps your body moving, as the water can help to support the weight of your baby. If you’re not sure whether swimming is right for you during pregnancy, check with your doctor.
Salon
The onboard salon can help make sure you look and feel great. Take an hour of self-pampering and enjoy a manicure/pedicure. They can even do your hair for a special evening onboard. You deserve it and what better time to be kind to yourself?
Gyms and fitness centres
A little movement here and there can work wonders for keeping you comfortable during pregnancy. Keep up with your normal physical activity, whether that’s a short walk on the treadmill or lifting light weights. Just remember to stay hydrated, and if you attend a fitness class, let the instructor know that you’re pregnant.
Activities to avoid
While most cruises are generally pregnancy-friendly, there may be a few onboard that you might want to steer clear of. Things like waterslides, surf simulators and zip lining are not suitable for pregnant women. Each activity will have a board outside listing the restrictions, so be sure to read it before you join the line.
Classes and talks
Your cruise ship will have an enrichment program onboard with classes and talks you can attend. Often, the captain will offer a special talk and destination experts will provide helpful information about the next port. The cruise director’s staff will also host trivia and game shows. Be sure to check the daily planner to see what is scheduled for the day.
Entertainment shows
Your cruise ship will have nightly entertainment – stage production shows by the onboard cast, comedian, magicians and musical entertainer. It’s the perfect way to spend your evenings….sit back and enjoy some of the best shows at sea. If you can go to the first show, you can still make it an early night if you feel like it.
Final thoughts:
I hope this has answered some of the questions you might have about being pregnant on a cruise. Remember, it is important to check with your doctor and the cruise line if you’re unsure about anything from healthcare to facilities. Go, relax and enjoy this time before the new adventure of parenthood.
Do you have experience cruising while pregnant or any suggestions? Please share them below.
After your little one arrives, you get to share your love of cruising with them! Make sure you check out Essential Parking Tips for Cruising with Young Children, How to Enjoy a Cruise with Your Toddler and Cruising with Kids
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