Cruises are a great way to kick back and relax – with all your food and entertainment in one place, you’re free to lie in the sun and do little else.
But there are certain rules passengers should know, especially pregnant women.
Travellers have been warned that ignoring this little-known rule could leave pregnant passengers stranded.
A cruise expert has revealed pregnant women need to be especially cautious when cruising.
This is because vessels don’t usually have specialist doctors on board – so if something goes wrong, pregnant women could be far from essential medical support.
Mark Barton, a cruise expert working with Avanti Travel Insurance, shared the warning.
While airlines are usually just a few hours away from a hospital in the event of an emergency, cruises could be a lot further.
Mark said: ‘Cruises don’t usually have an obstetrician or gynaecologist on board.
Cruises are a great way to kick back and relax – with all your food and entertainment in one place, you’re free to lie in the sun and do little else
But there are certain rules passengers should know, especially pregnant women
‘Unlike planes which can help you get to a nearest specialist doctor within hours, cruises can be days away from their nearest port, making it difficult for pregnant women who need to urgent seek advice.’
He went on to add: ‘The reality is, cruise ships simply aren’t equipped to handle pregnancy complications or deliver babies.
‘Ship doctors do not have neonatal or obstetric facilities, and while they can provide some basic care, the level of medical support on board is far from what you’d expect in a hospital setting.’
Mark’s advice comes as part of increasing awareness about a little-known rule in the cruise industry: most cruise lines do not allow women who are 24 weeks pregnant or more to board.
For example, Carnival Cruise’s website explains: ‘Due to limitations of medical care, both on board and in various ports of call, you may only cruise if you have not entered the 24th week of pregnancy at any time during the voyage.’
Similarly, P&O Cruises says: ‘Pregnant guests can travel with us, however, we cannot accept guests who will be more than 23 weeks pregnant (i.e. 23 weeks + one day or more) at any time during the cruise.’
Most cruise lines welcome pregnant guests and offer a range of safe and enjoyable activities such as spa treatments, short excursions and entertaining shows.
However, it is important to review each cruise line’s specific pregnancy policy before booking.
A cruise expert has revealed pregnant women need to be especially cautious when cruising. This is because vessels don’t usually have specialist doctors on board – so if something goes wrong, pregnant women could be far from essential medical support
If you know you are pregnant at the time of booking, it’s better to inform your cruise or travel agent before confirming your reservation.
Mark urges pregnant women planning a cruise to consult with their doctor and carefully check their travel insurance policy.
He said: ‘In most cases, cruise travel insurance offers protection if you need to cancel your trip, cut your holiday short, or face a medical emergency and require repatriation.
‘However, it won’t cover you if you travel against medical advice or fail to declare any pre-existing medical conditions.’
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