Is it possible to take a cruise while expecting?

Cruising during pregnancy can feel like a blissful getaway or a potential challenge. Picture endless snacks and meals to satisfy every craving, along with a dedicated crew to handle cooking and cleaning, allowing you to relax and enjoy precious moments with your partner before the baby arrives.

However, the ship's gentle sway might intensify morning sickness, you're away from your trusted doctor, and finding a late-night Big Mac and fries may be impossible—room service burgers just won't cut it.

So, can you cruise while pregnant? Yes, but with limitations. Don't plan that dream trip to Alaska during your third trimester or book a spa appointment just days before your due date.

If you're pregnant or planning to be, here’s what you need to know and anticipate about cruising while expecting.

Up to how many weeks pregnant can you still take a cruise?

All major cruise lines adhere to the same pregnancy guidelines: You can cruise until the end of your 23rd week of pregnancy. If your 24th week begins before or during your cruise, you won't be able to board.

Cruise lines strictly enforce this rule, so it's best not to seek exceptions. According to Disney Cruise Line's pregnancy policy, "Neither a doctor's note nor a waiver of liability will be honored."

What are the reasons for not cruising beyond 24 weeks of pregnancy?

The restriction against sailing during the third trimester of pregnancy is primarily health-related.

The policy of Carnival Cruise Line, as outlined in its contract of carriage, is explicit.

"Beyond the limitations on medical services noted in Clause 6(a), prenatal and infant care may need specialized diagnostic equipment and/or treatments that are not available on board the ship or at ports of call. Hence, any Guest deemed unfit to travel, or any Guest entering her 24th week of estimated gestational age during the cruise, agrees not to book or board the ship."

What is the reasoning behind cruise lines setting the limit at 24 weeks?

In the U.S., fetuses reach viability at this gestational stage. If a mother gives birth at 24 weeks, the baby has a significant chance of survival due to organ development and medical advances, prompting doctors to take action. Deliveries before 24 weeks are mostly miscarriages. Cruise ship medical facilities are not equipped to handle extremely premature infants, leading cruise lines to establish policies that reduce the likelihood of a live birth on board.

Aside from the risk of premature delivery, the third trimester poses greater risks for both the mother and the fetus.

"As the pregnancy progresses, complications increase for both the mother's health and the fetus," says Dr. Jenny Yu, chief health officer at TPG's sister company RVOHealth. "There’s a heightened risk for conditions like preeclampsia, high blood pressure, and gestational diabetes."

Experiencing these medical issues in the middle of the ocean, far from land-based hospitals with prenatal specialists, is not ideal. Cruise lines understand that it's not safe for the mother to be distant from necessary care at this stage.

Am I required to inform the cruise line about my pregnancy?

Some cruise lines require a doctor's note for you to set sail.

"All expectant mothers must present a physician's letter confirming that both mother and baby are healthy, fit for travel, and that the pregnancy is not high risk," states the FAQ section on pregnancy from Princess Cruises. "The letter should also include the estimated due date (EDD) based on both the Last Menstrual Period (LMP) and ultrasound results (if applicable). Please remember to have this letter with you when you board."

Virgin Voyages has a similar requirement for those expecting a "new mini-Sailor," noting that "not providing this documentation may lead to denial of boarding at your own expense."

Even if your cruise line doesn’t explicitly request a doctor’s note, it’s wise to carry one. This is particularly important if you're nearing your 24th week, visibly pregnant, and need to reassure the crew that you are cleared to cruise. It may also be beneficial for onboard medical staff in case of any health concerns during your trip.

You might be tempted to hide your pregnancy to cruise during early third trimester. However, TPG does not support breaking rules, as cruise lines have valid reasons for restricting pregnant women from traveling in this stage of pregnancy.

Theoretically, if your cruise line doesn’t mandate a doctor's note and you don’t appear visibly pregnant, you could secure a booking and board without anyone noticing. However, you could face consequences if discovered.

"Any pregnant woman attempting to board the ship, who is or will be entering her 24th week of estimated gestational age during the cruise, risks being denied boarding and/or disembarkation without any form of compensation or refund," states Carnival's policy.

Keep in mind that these regulations are in place to protect the health of both mother and baby. Is it worth risking your health and your baby's for the sake of a vacation? Is this the kind of parent you wish to be?

Is it advisable to take a cruise while pregnant?

Now that's a much more relevant question to consider. The answer varies based on several factors.

From a health standpoint, Royal Caribbean advises that "both the Guest and their physician should take into account that there is no Obstetrician/Gynecologist available on board, and that unstable or poorly managed pregnancies can be life-threatening without immediate backup. A Guest could be at sea for days without access to a hospital or specialist, and since the planned itinerary may not be within the U.S., finding specialized shore facilities could be challenging."

Prior to booking a cruise, a pregnant individual should consult their doctor to assess the potential risks of travel for themselves and the fetus. Pregnant individuals are in a pro-inflammatory state, explains Yu, which means "you're at a higher risk for contracting other illnesses — such as Norovirus, food poisoning, or salmonella. If dehydration occurs due to a gastrointestinal bug, it increases stress for both the mother and fetus, raising the risk of preterm labor."

She also notes that pregnancy increases the likelihood of blood clots from prolonged sitting (like during a flight to the cruise departure port). Moreover, spontaneous pregnancy loss can occur between six and 12 weeks, especially if an infection is contracted while traveling. This could lead to the emotional and physical challenges of experiencing a miscarriage while on vacation.

In the event that something goes wrong during your trip, be aware that you cannot take legal action against the cruise line. Disney Cruise Line explicitly states that it "cannot be held responsible or liable for any pregnancy-related complications at any stage."

If you've evaluated the risks and are comfortable with traveling, the next question is whether a cruise makes a suitable babymoon choice. I've experienced cruising during both the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, and I can share the advantages and disadvantages of that decision.

Cruising can offer a relaxing getaway. With multiple dining and entertainment options just a short walk from your room, you can enjoy yourself without stressing about where to eat, park, or what to do at night. There's a variety of food available, including room service, and you can relax in comfy cruise ship beds or on the sun-soaked pool deck, even floating in the pool for added relaxation.

Yu agrees that traveling can be beneficial for expecting couples "if you want to carve out time for you and your partner to disconnect and prepare for the baby." She highlights the mental health advantages of stepping outside your home and into nature. "Getting outdoors can uplift your mood, especially if you're struggling with the pregnancy."

On the downside, you may miss out on some popular cruise activities like enjoying fruity cocktails, relaxing in a hot tub, using the thermal suite, or indulging in fresh sushi. If you're feeling fatigued, lengthy or active excursions might not seem enticing. Additionally, if you experience nausea, a swaying ship or bumpy bus ride could exacerbate it. For those who worry about their pregnancy, relaxing while far at sea might be challenging.

I personally enjoyed cruising while pregnant; I had no issue forgoing alcohol (I would have skipped it at home anyway) and had enough energy for tours—despite occasional cravings that I managed with a stash of peanut butter crackers and granola bars I packed from home.

What precautions should I consider if I plan to cruise while pregnant?

The first step is to choose the right time for your cruise. "If you’re selecting a trimester, [the second trimester] is likely the safest choice because fetal development is more stable then," Yu explains. "During this time, the mother usually feels well, and the risks of complications related to preterm labor are somewhat lower."

It's also important to select the appropriate itinerary. "A shorter cruise, such as one lasting three to five days (instead of a seven to fourteen-day journey), is probably a wiser option due to the duration you'll be away from your medical team," Yu suggests.

If you're considering a longer cruise, opt for a port-intensive itinerary where you'll frequently be near land or docked daily. This will keep you closer to medical assistance in case of an emergency, unlike a transatlantic voyage that may involve several consecutive days at sea.

After booking your trip, ensure you pack the necessary items. Compression socks can help prevent blood clots, and comfortable shoes will minimize swelling and the risk of tripping while exploring the port.

Don’t forget to bring snacks for those unexpected cravings, along with ginger candies or Preggie Pop Drops to alleviate morning sickness. Also, include a first-aid kit stocked with approved medications for pain relief, heartburn, and other common issues.

While on your cruise, prioritize hydration and only consume water from safe sources. Make sure to get plenty of rest and eat well (which is generally easy on a cruise), but also remember to take daily walks to help reduce the risk of clotting.

Protect yourself from mosquito-borne diseases like Zika by applying bug spray and wearing protective clothing in areas with many insects. Always adhere to general pregnancy guidelines, such as avoiding extreme heat and high altitudes, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake, and steering clear of raw meats, seafood, and high-mercury fish.

What should I do if complications arise with my pregnancy during a cruise?

All major oceangoing cruise ships are equipped with a medical facility staffed by doctors and nurses available 24/7. If you feel unwell or notice something unusual, you can visit the medical facility (usually located on a lower or crew deck) during its operating hours, or you can call the front desk for emergency assistance.

The medical team is equipped to evaluate your condition. If possible, they will provide treatment on board. For instance, they can administer fluids for dehydration or diagnose a miscarriage.

If your condition cannot be adequately treated on the ship, they can arrange for a transfer to a local hospital at the next port of call or, in a true emergency, medevac you via helicopter. (I once witnessed a crew member being airlifted for an ectopic pregnancy; the emergency team used ropes to lower a stretcher and lift her into the hovering helicopter.) If you are medically disembarked, you will need to arrange your own transportation home.

What should I do if I book a cruise well in advance and then unexpectedly become pregnant?

First, assess whether you still want to go on the cruise or if you will be past your 23rd week, which would prevent you from sailing.

If you decide to cancel your cruise, your next steps will depend on whether you've made full payment. If you've only paid a deposit, canceling is straightforward. In most cases, you can recover your deposit; however, certain special rates and fare types (like Carnival's Early and Super Saver fares) may have nonrefundable deposits, which means you would forfeit those.

Since final payments are usually due about 90 days (approximately 13 weeks) before departure, you shouldn't face any issues if you find out you're pregnant before reaching 10 weeks and cancel promptly.

If you've already paid in full, standard cancellation fees will apply. If you have travel insurance, you may want to check if your policy covers this situation.

"There are some plans that might provide coverage for cancellation due to normal childbirth or pregnancy," said Meghan Walch, director of product at InsureMyTrip, a travel insurance retailer. "It's crucial that the date of conception, as indicated in your medical records, is after the policy purchase date."

What occurs if a baby is born during a cruise?

Any baby born on a cruise ship will be considered extremely premature, facing very low chances of survival. The medical facilities on cruise ships lack the incubators and necessary equipment for caring for preemies. However, it has happened; in 2015, a baby was born at 23 weeks on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship and surprisingly survived. In 2022, a woman over five months pregnant delivered a two-pound baby boy on Jewel of the Seas; he also survived and was later transferred to a hospital at the nearest port.

If a baby is delivered on a cruise ship, the medical team will do their utmost to care for both mother and child with the resources available, and the captain will take all necessary steps to get the family to a land-based hospital as quickly as possible.

If a baby is born on a cruise ship and survives, you may wonder what nationality the child will have. The baby will automatically inherit the citizenship of the parents.

If the baby is born within a country’s territorial waters, she may be granted citizenship of that country; if born in international waters, she may receive citizenship from the country under which the ship is registered. This, however, varies based on each country's laws regarding citizenship.

In the end, if you desire your child to have an additional passport, giving birth prematurely on a cruise is not the ideal route to achieve that.

In summary

A cruise can be a wonderful babymoon experience for you, your partner, and even a future older sibling. However, cruising during any trimester of pregnancy comes with its own set of risks. It's essential to consult your doctor and weigh the advantages and disadvantages before embarking on your journey.