Because people are crowded together on a cruise ship it makes everyone more at risk for catching some nasty diseases. And when you’re pregnant -- that's not good.
Salmonella (spread through poorly prepared food) has been a problem on some ships. But the worst scenario for a pregnant woman is catching rubella or influenza!
On any cruise, (according to Health
The good news is -- If the cruise line has a flu vaccine policy the rate drops to almost 0.
You should check on the ships prior history of outbreaks for all diseases. (A good indication of their overall sanitation). Make sure they have an influenza vaccination policy for crew members.
Getting a flu vaccination yourself gives even more protection, but be aware you can still catch the flu even if you've been vaccinated, especially if you're intermingling with an international crowd who may be carrying wild variants.
From Health Canada: "As the cruise industry caters to more persons with risk factors for complications of influenza, companies need to develop vaccination programs for crew and contingency measures for controlling outbreaks. Persons at risk for influenza-related complications destined for cruises should consider vaccination, irrespective of the influenza activity at ports of call.
Regarding rubella, Prevention Magazine had this to say. "To reduce the risks for rubella infection and congenital rubella syndrome (CRS), women of childbearing age, particularly pregnant women, should be immune to rubella before traveling on cruise ships."
Some of you are saying "Well, duh. Pregnant women should be immune to rubella anyway". But, what you may not realize is that standard rubella vaccines have a failure rate of 6%. So even if you've been previously immunized you should have a serology test done to determine whether the antibodies to rubella are actually present in your blood before boarding a crowded ship.
Be safe, not sorry.
Something else -- if you are in your third trimester many cruise lines will refuse you passage. They consider it a disability.
Because many cruise ships are not bound by US law they are not required to obey the American Disability Act. The only recourse you have is to complain to the cruiseline headquarters.
Taking a cruise while you are pregnant is a great idea. It's a relaxing experience. Something you should do before the baby arrives.
Just be sure to do your homework when booking a ship. Make sure they have an excellent sanitary record and an influenza vaccination policy.
Speak with the ship's head physician before you book. They're the nicest people and definitely have you, and your baby's best interest, at heart.
Ciao, and Bon Appetit!
