Pregnant Cruise

[Sequim88]

On our So.Caribbean cruise the night we we left from Barbados and had just cruised through the passage between Martinique and St. Lucia headed for Puerto Rico I noticed we were headed south and my Mom showed up and said the casino had been closed. I walked over to some crew and inquired and they said were were stopping at St. Lucia for a medical emergency. I woman who was pregnant had started bleeding. We pulled up to the dock, they laid down a gangway and wheeled her off to a waiting ambulance. Up went the gangway and off we went again praying that she and the baby were OK.

 

There's a reason for the rules. While I've no doubt they have decent medical care in St. Lucia I also suspect there are world class facilities near La Cañada Flintridge.

[Ashland]

On our So.Caribbean cruise the night we we left from Barbados and had just cruised through the passage between Martinique and St. Lucia headed for Puerto Rico I noticed we were headed south and my Mom showed up and said the casino had been closed. I walked over to some crew and inquired and they said were were stopping at St. Lucia for a medical emergency. I woman who was pregnant had started bleeding. We pulled up to the dock, they laid down a gangway and wheeled her off to a waiting ambulance. Up went the gangway and off we went again praying that she and the baby were OK.

 

There's a reason for the rules. While I've no doubt they have decent medical care in St. Lucia I also suspect there are world class facilities near La Cañada Flintridge.

 

How did La Canada Flintridge get into this :confused:....Just curious that's where DH grew up and still has a home there and where we met (didn't think anyone had ever heard of our small town)...And yes they do have great facilities near there....Verdugo Hills Hospital...Glendale Memorial and of course Huntington Memorial...all wonderful facilities and many more near by...depending on the level of care needed.

[kerryincork]

I too have been on board when a baby was delivered and ship was diverted to port. So it definitely can happen.

I did a bit of research, ordinary travel seems to be fine, including flying. The medical advice i've read about cruising is because you are so far from a hospital. If you have insurance or are out side final payment you could get your money back and still go on a lovely vacation.

 

It's up to you really what you want to do. I will say that less than 1% of births occur before 28 weeks the likelihood of you giving birth is very small but still happens.

[Shmoo here]

I believe that if you would read this more carefully, you would understand that they will not accept a physician's statement to allow someone to cruise after having entered their 24th week of pregnancy. This does not say that they do not require a physician's statement at all.

 

Agreed.

 

But, I did some asking around. The only procedure that DCL (currently) has for pregnancy, is the contract you agree to when you book, the check box on the online check in page as to whether anyone on the reservation will be 24 weeks by the cruise debarkation date, and, when you actually check in at the port, they ask again if anyone is or will be 24 weeks by the end of the cruise.

 

If you agree to the contract, and check the "no" box on the online check in and say "no" at port check in, there's nothing else required. Strictly the honor system.

[iheartbda]

...........

 

If you agree to the contract, and check the "no" box on the online check in and say "no" at port check in, there's nothing else required. Strictly the honor system.

This could just be the something the OP is looking for. There are times when a poster will ignore numerous negative posts for what they wish to do and only focus on what will support their want.;)

[6rugrats]

This could just be the something the OP is looking for. There are times when a poster will ignore numerous negative posts for what they wish to do and only focus on what will support their want.;)

 

Disney requires you to accept the terms and conditions of the cruise contract which states you are not allowed to cruise if you are 24 weeks pregnant at any time during the cruise.

 

They also state:

 

"Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns.

 

Neither a doctor’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage."

 

Disney may ask any passenger to present a doctor's letter if they think you are at or beyond 24 weeks. If you don't have it, you'll be denied boarding. I think their wording is very poor.

 

I am not sure why Disney came up; the OP has never posted she's sailing Disney, and I suspect she is not.

[spookwife]

Agreed.

 

 

 

But, I did some asking around. The only procedure that DCL (currently) has for pregnancy, is the contract you agree to when you book, the check box on the online check in page as to whether anyone on the reservation will be 24 weeks by the cruise debarkation date, and, when you actually check in at the port, they ask again if anyone is or will be 24 weeks by the end of the cruise.

 

 

 

If you agree to the contract, and check the "no" box on the online check in and say "no" at port check in, there's nothing else required. Strictly the honor system.

 

 

Except she has already admitted she is visibly pregnant which means she will be required to prove she is not at or past the 24th week. Sorry but it is the epitome of bad parenting to lie about this.

[Hlitner]

First, we congratulate the OP on the upcoming expansion of her family. There are few things more wonderful in life then a new family member :). And now we will toss out a question to the OP (and others). Why do you think all cruise lines have restrictions on pregnancy and infants? Do you think it is because they simply hate pregnant ladies or infants? or perhaps, do you think that its based on the best medical advice they cruise lines are concerned about their ability to handle a medical emergency in these situations?

 

So now I will post an alternative. Lets say cruise lines asked pregnant women (and their husbands) and mothers of very young infants to sign an iron clad waiver that said they the cruise line had informed these folks that, in the event of a medical emergency, the cruise line was not equipped to properly handle emergencies related to pregnancy and young infants. And furthermore, the passengers would have to agree to assume full responsibility for any bad outcomes. And finally, that the passengers signed this document after being fully appraised of the risk they were assuming for both mother and baby.

 

I wonder what most folks would do?

 

Just wondering.

 

Hank

Edited August 18, 2016 by Hlitner

[iheartbda]

Disney requires you to accept the terms and conditions of the cruise contract which states you are not allowed to cruise if you are 24 weeks pregnant at any time during the cruise.

 

They also state:

 

"Women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date or who will enter their 24th week of pregnancy during the cruise will be refused passage due to safety concerns.

 

Neither a doctor’s medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be accepted. In addition, Disney Cruise Line cannot be held responsible or liable for any complications relating to pregnancy at any stage."

 

Disney may ask any passenger to present a doctor's letter if they think you are at or beyond 24 weeks. If you don't have it, you'll be denied boarding. I think their wording is very poor.

 

I am not sure why Disney came up; the OP has never posted she's sailing Disney, and I suspect she is not.

Have no idea why you quoted me, what am I missing? :confused:

[Shmoo here]

Except she has already admitted she is visibly pregnant which means she will be required to prove she is not at or past the 24th week. Sorry but it is the epitome of bad parenting to lie about this.

 

Let me clear something up - I am NOT telling the OP to lie about anything. I'm just reporting what I know the facts are for one cruise line.

 

In re-reading the post you quoted, I can see where it might look like I'm encouraging lying about it, by using the general "you" could be misconstrued as the specific "you" (as in the OP).

 

Again, I am totally in agreement that the truth must be told. I only pointed out that, in this case, for this cruise line, no doctor's note/form is required. The passenger is only asked during the online check in process and again in person if she is 24 weeks pregnant.

 

I've asked friends who've boarded DCL pregnant, and they were only asked if they had entered their 24th week of pregnancy. No further questions. Specifically one person was 19 weeks pregnant (with twins) and certainly did look like she could be further along. No request was made for further documentation as to the length of the pregnancy. Once she said she was not in or entering her 24th week, she was allowed to board.

[sheeniwoo]

You get on this boat, go into preterm labor, sorry to be blunt but the Outcome will most than likely not be good. The ship is not equipped to cover a birth of a premature baby. Stop trying to lie and figure out ways to beat the system and if you have a doctor who is willing to lie for you, I hope he/she loses his license. Stay home and continue preparing for baby. Cruise later.

 

 

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Edited August 18, 2016 by sheeniwoo

[6rugrats]

I wonder what most folks would do?

 

Just wondering.

 

Hank

You know what many people would do. Sign and then sue if something went wrong.

Have no idea why you quoted me, what am I missing? :confused:

 

I'm agreeing with you, and adding additional information about Disney's requirements.

[iheartbda]

 

 

I'm agreeing with you, and adding additional information about Disney's requirements.

Ok, gotcha', brain not working tonight or too occupied trying to also watch Olympics.:D

[Newbie91011]

Oh my! Never did I believe a simple request for first hand knowledge from other pregnant travelers in similar situations would lead to such a colorful conversation. Thank goodness all of you have been in my shoes before and can predict what I will decide to do in the future. Otherwise I'd be concerned that the harsh judgment, name calling and assumption that I want the worst possible scenario for my unborn child , would be unfounded. Amidst all of this very important discussion, I did gleam factual information that is very helpful, thank you to those providing such. It would appear that my husband and I have some discussion and vacation planning to do now. After all, isn't that what this site is for, vacation planning?

 

Hope all of you enjoy your next cruise!:)

[reallyitsmema]

I don't know of any cruise line that does not require documentation from your health care provider.

 

It's required by Carnival, NCL, Celebrity, Disney, RCI, etc.

 

Advising someone to basically lie and forge a note is terrible advice, and it won't work anyway. OP is pretty much hosed unless someone at the cruise line takes pity on her situation.

 

Royal Caribbean does not require a note from your doctor. On the health questionnaire you fill out when you are checking in at the port, there is a question about pregnancy. You have to sign the form certifying you are not pregnant or if you are, you will not be at the 24 week mark prior to the end of your cruise.

 

Edit to add link to form:

 

I found the current form which is from October 2014, so this is not a new change.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=392515&d=1471532811

Edited August 18, 2016 by reallyitsmema

[donaldsc]

Oh my! Never did I believe a simple request for first hand knowledge from other pregnant travelers in similar situations would lead to such a colorful conversation. Thank goodness all of you have been in my shoes before and can predict what I will decide to do in the future. Otherwise I'd be concerned that the harsh judgment, name calling and assumption that I want the worst possible scenario for my unborn child , would be unfounded. Amidst all of this very important discussion, I did gleam factual information that is very helpful, thank you to those providing such. It would appear that my husband and I have some discussion and vacation planning to do now. After all, isn't that what this site is for, vacation planning?

 

Hope all of you enjoy your next cruise!:)

 

This is a quote from your initial post - "What if I don't tell them I am pregnant or tell them it’s none of their business if they ask".

 

What did you expect us to think.

 

DON

[cherylandtk]

Royal Caribbean does not require a note from your doctor. On the health questionnaire you fill out when you are checking in at the port, there is a question about pregnancy. You have to sign the form certifying you are not pregnant or if you are, you will not be at the 24 week mark prior to the end of your cruise.

 

Edit to add link to form:

 

I found the current form which is from October 2014, so this is not a new change.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=392515&d=1471532811

That may be what Royal SAYS, but it is not what they DO. See this post from earlier in this thread; Royal denied boarding last month (July 2016) to a 17 week pregnant woman because she did not have a doctor note telling how far along her pregnancy was.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=2381077

[6rugrats]

Royal Caribbean does not require a note from your doctor. On the health questionnaire you fill out when you are checking in at the port, there is a question about pregnancy. You have to sign the form certifying you are not pregnant or if you are, you will not be at the 24 week mark prior to the end of your cruise.

 

Edit to add link to form:

 

I found the current form which is from October 2014, so this is not a new change.

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=392515&d=1471532811

 

I would not rely on information found on CC. RCI does indeed require a signed doctor's statement, not just the health form you complete when boarding.

 

Current and accurate information directly from RCI's webpage (also referenced in a link on post #45 in this thread)

 

Pregnancy

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.

Edited August 18, 2016 by 6rugrats

[reallyitsmema]

I would not rely on information found on CC. RCI does indeed require a signed doctor's statement, not just the health form you complete when boarding.

 

Current and accurate information directly from RCI's webpage (also referenced in a link on post #45 in this thread)

 

Pregnancy

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.

 

Do you have a direct link to this quote? When I click the Australian link in the other thread, it does not come up with this text with US numbers. The link posted goes to the US site that has the statement about signing the health questionnaire.

 

As far as relying on information on this site, that is why I posted the current health questionnaire link that we have filled out at all of our recent cruises since this thread is so off base.

[6rugrats]

Do you have a direct link to this quote? When I click the Australian link in the other thread, it does not come up with this text with US numbers. The link posted goes to the US site that has the statement about signing the health questionnaire.

 

As far as relying on information on this site, that is why I posted the current health questionnaire link that we have filled out at all of our recent cruises since this thread is so off base.

I don't know what you mean by "this thread is so off base". Many posts have provided OP with the correct information that she can't cruise. Appears she already knew this from her original post.

 

Link to required Doctor form here:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/otherNeeds.do

Edited August 18, 2016 by 6rugrats

[ScottsSweetie]

Hi ya'll, I'm new to the site and new to cruising. We booked a cruise awhile back and we are super excited. So much so we got pregnant! I'll be entering my 24th week on the last day of the cruise and I just found out that is a no no to cruise at any point during your 24th week. How do the cruise lines verify how far along I am? Do they actually call my midwife and talk to her? What about HIPPA protection...do I have to sign something saying they can talk to her? What if I don't tell them I am pregnant or tell them it’s none of their business if they ask? I am showing and won't be able to really hide it....although we are going to Alaska so it's not like I'll be in my bathing suit.

I realize many on here will have an opinion but I'd like to keep this thread for facts. Does anyone have any first hand experience of cruising while pregnant and what the process is like?

Thank you in advance.

Mary Beth

 

Oh my! Never did I believe a simple request for first hand knowledge from other pregnant travelers in similar situations would lead to such a colorful conversation. Thank goodness all of you have been in my shoes before and can predict what I will decide to do in the future. Otherwise I'd be concerned that the harsh judgment, name calling and assumption that I want the worst possible scenario for my unborn child , would be unfounded. Amidst all of this very important discussion, I did gleam factual information that is very helpful, thank you to those providing such. It would appear that my husband and I have some discussion and vacation planning to do now. After all, isn't that what this site is for, vacation planning?

 

Hope all of you enjoy your next cruise!:)

 

It doesn't matter what anyone's experience has been - you know what the rules are and you don't want to hear them or follow them. You made that clear in your very first post. If you've been lurking here at CC for any length of time and reading posts then you should have learned one thing - the only thing consistent about cruising is the inconsistencies of the rules as applied from one sailing to the next. It seems like you want to know what the odds are that you'll be able to board - while discounting the odds of having any medical needs while cruising.

 

Not sure what you expected from anyone here.

[reallyitsmema]

I would not rely on information found on CC. RCI does indeed require a signed doctor's statement, not just the health form you complete when boarding.

 

Current and accurate information directly from RCI's webpage (also referenced in a link on post #45 in this thread)

 

Pregnancy

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.

 

I don't know what you mean by "this thread is so off base". Many posts have provided OP with the correct information that she can't cruise. Appears she already knew this from her original post.

 

Link to required Doctor form here:

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/allaboutcruising/accessibleseas/otherNeeds.do

 

How do you decide this is the current and accurate information and the other link, to the same website isn't? You can't. Royal Caribbean is notorious for having conflicting information on their website and this is just another case. The OP does not need a fit to travel letter, they would need to fill out a health questionnaire at the port which addresses pregnancy. As far as the other thread concerning the Australian traveler, the original poster of that thread posted once and never came back. Without further information, I wouldn't comment on that particular incident.

[JinxyB]

I've wondered about this for some time now- if you don't volunteer that you are pregnant, then how would the cruise line know.... Unless obviously pregnant in the third trimester. Some very fit women never show that much, same goes for obese women. How would they know you just weren't overweight, bloated, etc? Obviously this puts the onus on the mom.

[Shmoo here]

I've wondered about this for some time now- if you don't volunteer that you are pregnant, then how would the cruise line know.... Unless obviously pregnant in the third trimester. Some very fit women never show that much, same goes for obese women. How would they know you just weren't overweight, bloated, etc? Obviously this puts the onus on the mom.

 

Exactly. But the cruiselines are trying to cover all their bases. If a woman lies (or omits) about being pregnant, and something were to happen, it's totally on her then, not the cruise line.

 

But, if they don't cover all the "what ifs", no doubt, that woman (or her estate) would be suing the pants off the cruise line. Even with all the proper documents filed.

 

To answer the question - the cruise line won't know if a woman is pregnant, unless she lets them know. But, again, most cruise lines ask "will anyone in the party be entering their 24th week during the cruise" or something like that on the health form or online check in form. If she's indeed going to be over that limit and lies, again, it's on her if something goes wrong. If she's not going to be past the limit, I suppose, there's no requirement to let them know she's pregnant.

[sail7seas]

Isnot the whole point a safe prenancy, healthy bba y and Mom? Why would anyone lie knowing cruise ships do not have NICU. If ther is any chance thatt bab y could havve to e dewlivwrewed early, wouldn't nmost women wish to be on land with acc ess to superior medical c are?