Being Pregnant on a Cruise
Being Pregnant on a Cruise
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”.
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!
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. 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.
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.
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.
Cruise activities and facilities for pregnant passengers
There’s plenty of things you can get involved in on your cruise when you’re pregnant, so you don’t have to worry about being left out. Let’s take a look…
Spa
Most cruise ships will have a state-of-the-art spa onboard, giving you the perfect opportunity to unwind and switch off. Plus, there’s usually pregnancy-friendly treatments available too, from facials to massages. It’s probably best to avoid the hot tubs and saunas though, and you might want to double check with your doctor before you travel about specific treatments to avoid.
Swimming
If you didn’t do much swimming pre-pregnancy, it’s important to ease into it. However, swimming when pregnant can be beneficial for some light exercise that keeps your body moving – and the water can help to support the weight of carrying your baby, so you can float effortlessly and relax. If you’re not sure whether swimming is right for you during pregnancy, check with your doctor.
Entertainment shows
Your cruise ship will have an incredible line-up of entertainment onboard, from theatrical and dance performances to comedy shows and musicians. It’s the perfect way to spend your evenings as you revel in some of the best shows at sea, and you can still catch an early night if you feel like it. So, whether you feel like dancing the night away, or you want to watch a Broadway-style performance, take your pick.
Salon
The onboard salon is the best place to make sure you look and feel great, from hairdressing to manicures. Take an hour of self-care and pamper yourself, whether it’s for the gala dinner that evening or no reason at all! You deserve it, and what better time to be kind to yourself than on a lovely holiday?
Gyms and fitness centres
Remember not to do anything too strenuous and don’t exhaust yourself! But 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 jog 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! If you’re in any doubt, check with your doctor before travelling.
Classes and talks
Your cruise ship will probably have a great enrichment programme onboard with a host of classes and talks on offer. From painting classes to destination experts giving talks, there’s always something happening. Learn a new skill or gain some new knowledge – the choice is all yours.
Facilities to avoid
While most cruises are generally pregnancy-friendly, there are certainly a few facilities onboard that you might want to steer clear of. it’s probably best that you don’t try your hand at any waterslides or surf simulators these! Amenities like these will usually have a board by the entrance listing any restrictions, so check beforehand.
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.
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.