Pregnancy and cruising?

[AlwayzCruising]

Does anyone know what the policies are on the different cruise lines? I really want to go on a cruise before our baby is born, but I don't know how long BEFORE I am due, I can cruise for, other than what my doctor tells me.... But I have heard that the cruise lines have their own policies. Can anyone tell me where to find the policies? Thanks

:confused:

[Loving My Life]

For Carnival, the cutoff is 24 weeks. They require a note from your OB stating your gestational week at the time of sailing and statement of good health and it must be submitted prior to your sail date.

[wrp96]

Usually they are available on each cruiseline's websites. Most of the major us cruiselines will not accept anyone who will enter the 24th week of pregnancy before the end of the cruise.

 

Here's RCCL's for example http://www.royalcaribbean.com/customersupport/faq/details.do;jsessionid=0000QaqDjZa77F3XOqrSscDsn_2:12hdhubrs?pagename=frequently_asked_questions&pnav=5&pnav=2&faqSubjectName=Before+You+Purchase+&faqId=313&faqSubjectId=322&faqType=faq

 

Royal Caribbean International cannot accept guests who will have entered their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during the cruise or cruisetour. A physician's "Fit to Travel" note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) your pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that you are 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. Please contact us at 1-866-592-7225 or at special_needs@rccl.com if you have already booked a cruise or cruisetour and do not meet this requirement.

 

Here's a link to Carnival's http://www.carnival.com/CMS/Static_Templates/EMB_minor_pregnancy_policy.aspx

 

Here's Princess http://www.princess.com/learn/answer/before_you_leave/ready.jsp

 

NCL http://www.ncl.com/nclweb/cruiser/cmsPages.html?pageId=GuestsSpecialNeeds

 

Celebrity http://www.celebritycruises.com/whyceleb/heroSingleTxt.do;jsessionid=0000bHOHcmjk9xKUvhjsPyOf0iE:12hdebdrn?pagename=your_medical_needs&cS=SIDENAV

[fann1sh]

Holland America also prohibits travel after 24 weeks.

 

I'm far from a medical expert, but 24 weeks appears to be the "limit of viability" - when the baby has a 50% chance of survival with neonatal intensive care.

[nattie]

I believe Princess cut-off is 20 weeks. I am leaving next week, barely made the cut at 18 :)

[wrp96]

I believe Princess cut-off is 20 weeks. I am leaving next week, barely made the cut at 18 :)

 

 

Princess cut off is 24 weeks.

[kitty9]

You will need a letter from your doctor, something you must show when you're embarking, telling the cruise line what week you're in. They can, and do, deny boarding if you don't have this letter or if you're farther along than the 24 weeks. Too many women have gone into early labor on cruises, and ships are not equipped to handle this, so that's why they have these rules.