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Keep in mind that while there is a doctor onboard, there is not an obstetrician/gynecologist specializing in women’s health onboard the ship and if trouble strikes, you could be out at sea with no help readily available. In the event of pregnancy complications, the onboard medical team is prepared to handle initial emergency care. However, for more critical situations, emergency disembarkation may be arranged to access comprehensive medical care on land. When planning a cruise during pregnancy, one crucial step is informing the cruise line about your condition. Most cruise lines require a doctor’s letter that not only states your estimated due date but also confirms that you are fit to travel.
Should I go on a cruise while pregnant?
However, it’s important to note that pregnancy, in most cases, doesn’t qualify for a full refund. This is where having travel insurance can be a lifesaver, offering you protection and more options. When it comes to cruising while pregnant, safety is a top priority. The good news is if you’re experiencing a normal, healthy pregnancy, taking a cruise can be a perfectly safe and relaxing option. Before you pack your bags, you’ll likely need to fill out a health questionnaire or provide a doctor’s letter stating you’re fit to travel. This step is crucial – failure to comply can lead to boarding issues or even forfeiture of your cruise fare.
Royal Caribbean International
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.
Have Fun. Be Safe
Finally, be sure to pack comfortable shoes, since you'll be doing plenty of walking both on deck and in port. I have been cruising since 2004 and have sailed on dozens of cruises all over the world. As the creator of this website, I want to help families plan fun cruises free of stress and filled with adventure!
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]
All large, ocean-going cruise ships have a medical facility with doctors and nurses on call around the clock. Should you feel ill or that something is wrong, you can head down to the medical facility (it's usually on a low or crew deck) during its scheduled open hours, or call the front desk for emergency help. For pregnant women, seasickness plus the standard queasiness that can come during early pregnancy can lead to a bad bout of nausea. The good news is that there are several over-the-counter and natural remedies to alleviate seasickness on board, including rest, ginger candies, motion sickness medication, and acupressure bands.
Above all, don't over-do it and make plenty of time for simple relaxation -- enjoy the break from cooking and cleaning, unwind and listen to your body. It's completely normal to tire easily while pregnant, so don't be shy about scheduling a nap for every afternoon. In general, you'll want to pay heed to the demands of your body and the fact that you might tire easily. Don't resist the appeal of a lazy day on the beach or of lounging poolside if that feels right. Do keep the potential for fatigue in mind when choosing any lengthy excursion, or one that requires a lot of walking and activity. Consider, too, that your pregnancy might make you hyper-sensitive to sun and heat, so limit exposure to sunlight (pack those wide-brimmed hats!) and avoid dehydration by drinking lots of water.
While cruise ships do have doctors and basic medical facilities, they may not be equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies or serious complications. With few exceptions, the lines will not accept passengers who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the sailing. The cruise lines have put these policies in place with the safety and well-being of mothers and babies in mind, since most lines are not equipped to safely care for a newborn that is delivered prematurely. A practical consideration is the cost of onboard medical services. Typically, any costs incurred for medical care on a cruise ship require upfront payment.
Don't forget a first-aid kid with approved medications for pain or heartburn relief or other common ailments. Other itineraries sail through Endicott Arm Fjord, where you’ll spot icebergs and stunning cliffs on your way to visit the striking Dawes Glacier. Discover gilded mansions, craggy coastlines, and towering lighthouses in Newport, a charming city full of history and breathtaking landscapes—perfect to use as a backdrop for a baby bump photoshoot. Here are a few itinerary suggestions for an unforgettable vacation during pregnancy. Sign up for a cooking class, where a local chef will teach you how to use traditional ingredients and techniques.
Although many cruisers choose to travel with no passport on close-looped cruises, a passport may be a good idea. If delayed in port for sickness or a missed ship, it would be far easier to return home with a passport rather than to deal with the complexities of international travel without one. Virgin Voyages, in fact, encourages babymoons onboard their adult-only vessels! They claim that there's the perfect onboard activity for everyone. 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. Cruisers also have preferences and notions about the best location of cabins to alleviate motion issues.
Harrowing Video Shows Pregnant Woman Being Airlifted From Disney Cruise Ship - CafeMom
Harrowing Video Shows Pregnant Woman Being Airlifted From Disney Cruise Ship.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 23:51:30 GMT [source]
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. Expecting travelers should be aware of any transportation issues related to their trip.
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. As long as you’re healthy and your pregnancy isn’t high-risk, most medical professionals will sign off on cruise travel up to your 24th week.
You could face huge medical bills that aren’t covered by your travel insurance. You should always tell your travel insurance company that you’re pregnant to make sure that your pregnancy is covered. On the bright side, cruise lines are famous for catering to whimsical palates and will do their best to satiate any sudden cravings pregnant guests may have, with various food venues and room service on hand. Of course, all of the dietary restrictions that apply during pregnancy back on land, also do so at sea. Don't expect the staff to know pregnancy-relevant particulars, like how much mercury is in the fish they're serving -- it's your job to know what's safe and unsafe to eat while you're pregnant. Nobody onboard should be expected to figure out food safety decisions for you.
Relax by the pool, take in a show, attend a lecture or crafting class or even participate in a rousing game of trivia. Pregnant women should avoid high mercury fish, undercooked or raw fish and meats, processed meats, raw or undercooked eggs, raw sprouts, unwashed produce, and unpasteurized milk, cheese, and fruit juice. Like many moms-to-be, you may dream of going on vacation to far-off lands or exotic beaches.
After 23 weeks, there are increased risks in pregnancies such as preterm labor and delivery, and onboard, we do not have the medical equipment and staff available to treat these types of emergency situations. 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. Usually, if you have a drinks package on a cruise, then both passengers in the cabin have to get the same one. However, if your partner wants the alcoholic drinks package and you’re pregnant, you should be allowed to get the non-alcoholic version for yourself.
To speak with someone directly, stop by the excursions desk once you get onboard the ship to ask for recommendations. The shore excursions team is knowledgeable about activities and can help you choose one that is right for your needs. The medical facilities, on board, are not equipped to handle premature births or early infant care. If you realize that you’ll be too far along in your pregnancy to safely cruise, or you’ll have a newborn by the time of your cruise, the first step is to contact your cruise line or travel agent. In many cases, the cruise line may offer you the flexibility to reschedule your trip to a later date. Expectant mothers need to be aware of the guidelines and considerations of various cruise lines for pregnant passengers.
If malaria is contracted, pregnant women may experience pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. For those thinking a vaccine will put you in the all-clear, this is not always the case. Of course, this is dependent on many factors, such as the type of vaccine.
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