Cruise while pregnant

[LH1987]

I am booked on a cruise in February, last minute and a gift. The cruiseline (P&O) says youre not be 24 weeks pregnant (I won't, I'll be 23). And also you need a letter with your dates saying you're not high risk. Has anyone travelled with P&O while pregnant do you need to send this letter ahead or just have it with you? Also were you actually asked for it at any point?

Many thanks for your help.

I can't tell you anything but I hope someone does reply as my extended family are planning a cruise in April and I will be 23 weeks (all being well). So it would be good to know what the process is.

Where are you cruising OP? Presumably not Caribbean or anywhere else with a threat of Zika virus?

Hi, no I'm only going for 7 nights in Europe :)

Hi I went on a P&O cruise at 23 weeks a few months ago and you do need to send it in advance.

I'd definitely bring the letter too and make sure you have good insurance. Mine was worst case scenario as a few days into it I had a bleed on the ship as it was about to pull away and had to abandon the trip to go to hospital- baby was thankfully ok

Thanks @Ticklemeelmo, I'll check my insurance now. Sorry that happened to you, I hope all is okay now?

I think you need special insurance for a cruise, don't you?

I went on one when 22 weeks. had a letter from midwife but was never asked for it.

I think the reason for over caution is the risk of norovirus.

Oh actually I did scan the letter and email it in advance.

Thanks @Janaih, I'm seeing my consultant tomorrow so will see if they are willing to do some kind of letter for me. I have no had issues at all with my pregnancy and got scanned last week and all is normal. I am worried because of my Type 1 Diabetes they might not do it. But I suppose I can't worry about something that is out of my control! Thanks again all for your replies.

@LH1987 thank you yes all fine now, I hope you have a great time

For insurance I just used my existing policy (Aviva) but made sure to call them to notify them of the pregnancy and cruise beforehand to check it was covered- so definitely recommend you do the same and ask them to confirm in writing just to cover yourself. Sure you'll be absolutely fine, just bring relevant insurance details and doctors letters with you to be on the safe side

Hi, just posting now that I have been on the cruise in case anyone is looking for information in the future. They did ask for my letter from my GP on checking in at Southampton and this was checked by a senior member of staff before I was allowed on the ship. They also asked how pregnant I was so, I do think they would not let you board after 24 weeks. I do look very pregnant at 23 weeks so maybe they wouldn't ask if you dont!

Other than that absolutely no issues and all staff were lovely and accommodating. Food was also not an issue with plenty of options available.

There are no neonatal lifesaving facilities for birthing a baby at 24 weeks on board so I would think very very carefully about cruising so near that date. Many people are fine and it’s good you had a good time but I wouldn’t actually encourage people to travel at that stage to be honest

It wasnt my intention to encourage anyone to do anything, merely to finish the thread and provide the answer to the question I had asked. I imagine most of the women on this site are capable of assessing risk for themselves or with the support of their medical professionals.

Thanks @LH1987 I was following this thread as my DH family were planning a big family cruise when I was due to be 23 weeks. I was unsure what to do. It got taken out of our hands as my due date changed by a week at the 12 week scan. So this meant I was 24 weeks at the beginning of the cruise and not able to go.

Glad you had a good time and hope the rest of your pregnancy goes smoothly xx

I cruised at 22 weeks with NCL and needed a letter and was asked for it at boarding x

Thanks OP I'm cruising at 22 weeks so really useful to hear it went well. I've heard they've not asked for the letter getting on so will be interested to see if I get stopped. I will make sure I have it in any case!