First of all, we’re guessing if you’re looking at this guide then there’s a good chance you’re pregnant – so congratulations! And whether you’re going solo or with loved ones, what better way to welcome the good news with a cruise holiday away before your little one arrives? And if that sounds a little hectic, don’t fret. From relaxing and making use of the ship’s onboard facilities to taking in the sights of your destinations, it’s possible to enjoy a stress-free “babymoon”.
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Being Pregnant on a Cruise
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With that said, there are still some extra considerations - and a little bit of research - that you might need to do before embarking on your adventure at sea. Here we offer a complete guide to cruising when pregnant to help get you started!
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Can you go on a cruise when pregnant?
If your pregnancy is progressing healthily and your doctor or midwife has given the go-ahead, then it’s likely that going on a cruise will pose no problems. However, cruise lines have implemented policies regarding this that you should consider, so make sure you check your specific cruise line for more information. In some cases, the cruise line may request a health questionnaire or a letter from your doctor, so it’s worth a read-through of the terms and conditions of your cruise before you go ahead and book.
Generally speaking, you can typically go on a cruise until you enter the last trimester, which is 24 weeks.
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This means you should be less than 24 weeks pregnant at the end of your cruise – but don’t take this as gospel. Always double check with your cruise line! You should also consider any airline policies if you are flying to or from your cruise’s departure destination.
It’s also entirely possible that you might find out you’re pregnant after you’ve booked your cruise, as many people book their cruise holiday months or years in advance. If this happens, you should contact the cruise line to discuss your options, which could include a cancellation and refund/credit, or the opportunity to reschedule your cruise. It’s important to make sure you have travel insurance, as you could also claim on this if you need to.
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Is it safe to go on a cruise when pregnant?
If you’re having a healthy pregnancy then there’s no reason why you can’t travel, providing you aren’t in your last trimester. However, you should still carefully consider cruising if you’ve had any complications or medical conditions – or if you’re expecting multiple babies! Always get in touch with your doctor beforehand if you have any doubts.
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There are of course additional considerations when it comes to choosing your destination, avoiding certain foods and what facilities you should sidestep – but we’ll go into these in more detail later on.
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Have the correct insurance
Have the correct insurance
Having travel insurance is always recommended when you go abroad, but when you’re pregnant it can make even more difference. If you need to cancel your cruise because of pregnancy, or you need medical help while onboard or in port, travel insurance could be a game changer. Be sure to tell your travel insurance provider that you’re pregnant, and include information on any complications too.
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Make the most of shaded areas onboard
Make the most of shaded areas onboard
During pregnancy your skin is typically more sensitive, which leaves you more exposed sunburn! Remember to wear a high factor suncream and don’t stay in direct sunlight for too long – or failing that, make us of the shaded areas on board the cruise and avoid the sun. You can still enjoy the warm temperatures and relax outdoors without risk of burning!
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Research and avoid certain destinations
Research and avoid certain destinations
When choosing your cruise destination, 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.
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Research and know what foods to avoid
Research and know what foods to avoid
During pregnancy, you’ll have been told to avoid certain foods that may increase your risk of illness. You should try to avoid food made from unpasteurised milk, and mould-ripened soft cheese like brie, camembert and gorgonzola. Liver and liver products, including pâté, should be avoided, and you should be careful with cold cured meats. If eating eggs, you should make sure they are well cooked if they aren’t British Lion eggs. And when it comes to fish, try to limit your portions – it’s recommended to eat no more than 2 portions of oily fish a week, and no more than 2 tuna steaks (or 4 cans of tuna) per week. It’s also important that you avoid swordfish, marlin, shark and any raw fish.
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Pack suitably
Pack suitably
Make sure you pack carefully for a cruise, and bring plenty of comfortable clothing and any other necessities that’ll help you have an enjoyable trip. Think about whether you need any additional items due to pregnancy – we’ll explain this more later.
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Relax and take time for yourself
Relax and take time for yourself
Above all, make sure you prepare yourself for a relaxing time! It’s so important to take advantage of this time for yourself and really enjoy it, as soon you’ll have a little one in tow.
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Motion-sickness bands
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.
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Comfortable clothing
Comfortable clothing
Consider if you need to pack looser and lighter clothing for added comfort as your bump continues to grow. It might be hot where you’re travelling to as well, so pack clothes that can keep you covered from potential sunburn while still keeping you cool.
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High factor suncream
High factor suncream
As we mentioned earlier, your skin is probably going to be more sensitive to the sun and the last thing you’ll want to do is burn. Make sure you have a high factor suncream, and don’t forget to check the UVA rating on the back of the bottle.
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Comfortable footwear
Comfortable footwear
You might be on your feet a fair bit as you explore the ports and wander around the ship, so think carefully about your footwear! Consider something that’s more comfortable like trainers – and definitely leave the high heels at home.
Cruise activities and facilities for pregnant passengers
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What medical care is available on cruises?
The medical facilities across cruise ships can differ widely, but no matter how small the ship is, you will be able to access basic medical facilities. On most cruises you can access a medical centre 24 hours a day, and in the event of an emergency the cruise ship may have a helicopter pick-up protocol or will have to divert to the nearest port.
You should always check with your specific cruise line to find out what medical care is available, especially if you have specific requirements such as pregnancy.
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You can find out more about the medical and first aid facilities on cruises here.
So, there you have it – we hope this has answered any questions you might have about being pregnant on a cruise! Remember, it’s so important to check with your doctor and the cruise line if you’re unsure about anything from healthcare to facilities. When you do book your cruise, we hope you have a fantastic time – don’t forget to check out our list of destinations to find your perfect itinerary.
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