Cruise Line Policies All Pregnant Women Should Know
May 07, 2018 12:48PM ● By News Desk
With spring break behind us, our thoughts turn to summer vacations, and for many, that means taking a luxurious cruise to some exotic location. A journey filled with rest, relaxation, beautiful sunsets, and no time clock.
Unfortunately, if you are pregnant, going on a cruise might not be an option this summer. Many cruise lines across the globe do not grant passage to women who are 24 weeks pregnant or beyond and showing up to the boarding gate expecting to board after that just isn’t going to happen.
The reasoning behind this is the medical complications that could occur during the final months of pregnancy. Disney Cruise Line states they “…cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage.” Disclaimers similar to this are nearly universal among cruise liners.
In some cases, a physician’s medical statement or a waiver of liability will grant passage, but for lines like Carnival Cruises and Royal Caribbean, the rules are set in stone; no woman beyond week 24 of pregnancy is to board the cruise.
So, before sailing the high seas, be sure to provide your cruise line a physician’s “Fit the Travel” note to ensure you are under 24 weeks and fully capable of traveling and of good health. (Note; this does not mean even if you are deemed fit to travel beyond 24 weeks that you will be granted passage to the ship.)
If you have any questions or concerns, be sure to contact your cruise line before you embark on your travels!
