Everything You Need to Know About Cruising While Pregnant

If you have a healthy pregnancy, then going on a cruise vacation is a lovely way to celebrate the upcoming addition to your family. Pregnant women can enjoy a cruise on Celebrity Cruises up until their 23rd week of pregnancy.

That being said, it’s always safer to talk to your doctor before traveling, especially if you’ve had any issues with your pregnancy in the past.

After 23 weeks, there are increased risks in pregnancies such as preterm labor and delivery, and onboard, we do not have the medical equipment and staff available to treat these types of emergency situations.

Even if you’re not pregnant, it’s perfectly normal to feel nauseous while on a cruise. Some cruisers can experience seasickness, a form of motion sickness, while on board. This can happen when your eyesight and inner ear senses are out of balance.

For pregnant women, seasickness plus the standard queasiness that can come during early pregnancy can lead to a bad bout of nausea. The good news is that there are several over-the-counter and natural remedies to alleviate seasickness on board, including rest, ginger candies, motion sickness medication, and acupressure bands. As always, we recommend talking to your doctor before taking any medication during your pregnancy.

Your options are endless! Going on a cruise while pregnant won’t limit your ability to enjoy some of the best activities and entertainment options on board.

Spend time at The Spa, where you’ll be able to get some much-needed rest and relaxation. Treat yourself to a rejuvenating facial, indulgent massage, or a refreshing manicure and pedicure. Unwind on the heated tile loungers and take in gorgeous views of the ocean in the spa’s relaxation room.

If you’re traveling on Celebrity Edge or Apex, take advantage of the SEA Thermal Suite, which features eight different types of therapeutic experiences, including a relaxing rain room, crystalarium, salt room, and float room. (Again, we advise that you consult your doctor prior to entering any of these treatment rooms.)

If it’s sunshine you’re after, spend the day lounging by the pool with a frozen virgin cocktail in hand. Admire the beautiful sea views and take a refreshing dip under the sun. You can also head to the ship’s Solarium, the adults-only* indoor pool, where you’ll find a little more peace and quiet.

In the evenings, dress up your bump and head to dinner. At our Main Dining Room, you’ll feast on multi-course gourmet meals, while at our specialty restaurants, you’ll find a number of international cuisines including French nouveau and rustic Italian.

Once you’re done with dinner, head to our Theatre, where, depending on the itinerary, you can expect to see professionally choreographed dance performances, stand-up comedy shows, and exciting musical numbers on stage.

If you like to dance, end your night at the Sky Observation Lounge, where you can listen to music and dance with your partner under the stars, or stop by Quasar, a retro-chic nightclub, where you can listen to oldies and other favorites while hitting the dance floor.

*Solarium kid’s hours available from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on select itineraries – Antarctica, Alaska, and the Baltics.  

One of the best parts about cruising with Celebrity is the many dining options available on board. From the world-class menu in our Main Dining Room to the delicacies in our specialty restaurants, you’ll find a variety of choices to indulge in.

For pregnant women, there are certain food restrictions to keep in mind. The American Pregnancy Association advises pregnant women avoid the following foods: raw meats, deli meats, fish with high levels of mercury, smoked or raw seafood and shellfish, raw eggs, and unpasteurized cheeses. It is also recommended that pregnant women limit their caffeine intake and avoid alcohol consumption.

While that might sound like a lot of restrictions, there are still many dining options available for pregnant cruisers. Order steak frites at Murano, our French-focused restaurant. Indulge your craving for pasta at Tuscan Grille, our Italian trattoria-style venue. Or grab a cup of ice cream at Cafe Al Bacio and Gelateria.

Enjoy American favorites like hamburgers and barbecue at the Rooftop Garden Grill. If traveling on Apex or Edge, order dinner from acrobats and actors called Edenists, who also perform a gravity-defying show in front of you.

If you want to have breakfast in bed or satisfy a late-night craving, order room service and enjoy a morning or late-night meal in the comfort of your room.

Shore excursions are a fantastic and easy way to explore each of your cruise’s port destinations. In all of our ports of call, you’ll find all kinds of shore excursions in activity levels ranging from mild to strenuous. For pregnant women, there are many safe options to enjoy while in port.

Go on a guided walking or driving tour of your destination, which takes you around each town or city’s most popular landmarks and highlights. Kayak around calm mangroves and spot fish from above water. Or grab a mask and fins and go on a leisurely snorkeling expedition near the shore.

Sign up for a cooking class, where a local chef will teach you how to use traditional ingredients and techniques. Board a gentle catamaran cruise and enjoy watching the sunset with your loved one, one last time before you become parents.

Reserve your shore excursions early in order to guarantee your spot. We always advise you discuss your itinerary and shore excursions with your doctor beforehand.

Cruises are a great option for couples looking to celebrate their upcoming family addition with a babymoon. The ideal time to go on a babymoon is during your second trimester (preferably between weeks 14 to 23), when you’re past the queasiness of the first trimester and have not yet reached the third trimester which limits your ability to travel.

Read: Best Babymoon Destinations

Here are a few itinerary suggestions for an unforgettable vacation during pregnancy.

Bermuda

East Coast moms-to-be should consider a cruise to Bermuda, the island famous for its pink sand beaches and turquoise waters. Departing from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, our Bermuda cruises dock at Royal Naval Dockyard, where you’ll find pristine beaches, a number of historic attractions, plus five-star dining and bustling shopping centers.

Our overnight cruises to Bermuda allow you to fully enjoy the best the island has to offer. These itineraries also include stops in either Newport, Rhode Island or Charleston, South Carolina, while some itineraries include visits to both American cities.

Read: Best East Coast Cruises

Discover gilded mansions, craggy coastlines, and towering lighthouses in Newport, a charming city full of history and breathtaking landscapes—perfect to use as a backdrop for a baby bump photoshoot.

While in Charleston, explore the old world charm of the Holy City while taking a leisurely stroll around the French Quarter, where cobblestone streets and colorful houses adorn the sidewalks. Don’t forget to indulge in some Southern comfort food, too.

Alaska

Another great cruise destination to discover while pregnant is Alaska. Our Alaska cruises depart from a number of convenient ports of call such as Vancouver, British Columbia and Seattle, Washington.

Our Alaska cruise ports of call include some of the most exciting destinations in Alaska, many of which are easy to walk around in and with city centers just steps away from the cruise port. You’ll visit Ketchikan, the salmon capital of the world; Juneau, the beautiful capital of Alaska nestled between a water inlet and towering mountain; and Skagway, home to the White Pass Yukon Route Railroad and fascinating gold rush history.

One of the highlights is seeing Alaska’s glaciers in person. On our Northbound, Southbound, and Alaska Hubbard Glacier cruises, you’ll witness the massive icy-blue wonder that is Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in North America. Feel the thrill of watching a live calving display, which is when a large chunk of ice detaches from the glacier wall and splashes into the water below, creating a roaring sound known as white thunder.

Other itineraries sail through Endicott Arm Fjord, where you’ll spot icebergs and stunning cliffs on your way to visit the striking Dawes Glacier.

Experience even more of Alaska with a cruisetour and discover the state’s stunning interior. Choose a one-way sailing that departs or ends in Seward, Alaska. From there, you’ll journey to Anchorage, where you’ll begin your land-based adventure.

Tour inland Alaska on an air-conditioned bus with ample seating or a luxury glass-domed train. Both of these spacious forms of transportation will allow you to see new sights with plenty of space to stretch your legs, ensuring you’re traveling in style and comfort.

During an Alaska cruisetour, you’ll explore the city of Anchorage and taste all kinds of delicious cuisine ranging from seafood bakes to gastropub goodies. Later, stop by Denali National Park, a sprawling national park full of rugged beauty and breathtaking scenery, where you’ll be able to see the highest peak in the U.S., Denali, and spot Alaskan wildlife in their natural habitat.

Read: Things to Do in Downtown Anchorage

The Pacific Coast

Our Pacific Coastal cruises are an incredible way to explore the stunning sites of the region, from southern California and the Baja California peninsula to northern cities in Washington and British Columbia.

Skip the road trip that requires you to sit for long periods of time in a cramped seat—something most pregnant women will want to avoid anyway—and choose instead to sail along the beautiful Pacific coastline, where you’ll visit exciting destinations and get to enjoy fine dining and entertainment on board in between stops.

This long stretch of coastline is famous for its rocky cliffs and rugged ocean beaches. Our Pacific Coastal cruises include port stops in lovely Californian cities, such as Santa Barbara, known for its quaint downtown and laid back surfer vibe; San Francisco, the tech-hub of the world; and Monterey, a bucolic fishing town with craggy overlooks and fresh seaside air.

Read: Best Beaches in Santa Barbara

Further up north, our cruises visit the sleepy town of Astoria in Oregon, a place full of maritime and aviation history; the coastal city of Vancouver in British Columbia, a bustling metropolis with a strong cultural center; and Seattle, Washington, a great destination to go whale watching.

Read: Things to Do in Astoria, Oregon

Europe

If you don’t mind traveling further away or by plane to reach your departure port, we also recommend you consider a romantic getaway to Europe on one of our Mediterranean itineraries, which visit exciting cities such as Barcelona, Spain; cultural hotspots like Rome and Florence in Italy; the stunning Amalfi Coast; and beautiful beaches in Greece and Croatia.

Caribbean

If you’re seeking sunshine and a dip in the ocean, the Caribbean is always a good idea, too. Head down south during the winter or holiday season, before the weather gets too hot and mosquitos take over.

Choose a three-day cruise to the Bahamas, where you’ll visit the port of Nassau and its pristine white beaches. Head to family-friendly Aruba and spend your days swimming in its calm, transparent water. Our Caribbean cruises also visit ports in St. Lucia, the Virgin Islands, Bonaire, Curacao, Puerto Rico, and more.

Whether you choose a cruise close to home or one that travels farther away, we always suggest talking to your doctor and discussing all of the destinations you plan to visit before booking.

Now that you know everything you need to about cruising while pregnant, it’s time to book your next vacation. Browse through the itineraries on our website and pick the perfect cruise to celebrate your bundle of joy.