Giving birth on a cruise ship is rare, but it does happen. With millions of people taking cruise vacations every year, there are bound to be some surprise deliveries at sea. While cruise ships are not equipped like hospitals, they are prepared to handle medical emergencies like unexpected births. The onboard medical staff have training to deliver babies if needed.
How common are cruise ship births?
There are no official statistics on how many babies are born on cruise ships each year. Based on media reports, it seems to happen only a handful of times annually. Princess Cruises, one of the largest cruise lines, estimates that fewer than one in every million cruise passengers gives birth onboard each year.
Considering major cruise lines carry more than 25 million passengers every year, the odds of any one traveler going into labor during a cruise are extremely low. However, with so many cruises happening daily across the globe, cruise ship births do periodically make the news.
Are cruise ships prepared for births?
While not primarily designed as delivery rooms, cruise ships are equipped for basic medical procedures. Under United States law, cruise ships that carry over 250 passengers and have overnight accommodations must have a medical staff available 24/7.
The medical team is led by a doctor, often called the ship’s surgeon. Nurses, including specialists like OB/GYNs and pediatricians, are also typically available around the clock. The medical center has basic supplies for examinations and minor treatments.
If a woman goes into labor during a cruise, the medical staff can deliver the baby in the onboard medical facility. While they don’t have all the tools of a maternity ward, the essential delivery supplies are on hand. The ship’s doctor can monitor the mother, assist with the birth, and care for the newborn afterward.
What happens when a baby is born at sea?
When a baby is born on a cruise ship, it becomes big news for the passengers and crew. Expectant mothers who travel close to their due date always take a slight risk of delivering while away from home.
If this happens during a cruise, the ship’s captain may announce the surprise birth over the PA system. The crew typically celebrates with the family and may even offer a gift for the new baby. Examples include a free future cruise, photographs, or keepsakes from the ship.
The ship’s doctor will examine the newborn and declare the date and time of birth. This information is necessary for issuing the birth certificate and other official paperwork later on.
In terms of paperwork, babies born in international waters only receive a document of birth from the ship rather than an official birth certificate. Once the ship reaches the next port, the family can obtain a birth certificate from immigration authorities.
Examples of cruise ship births
Here are a few recent examples of babies being born during cruises:
- In December 2022, a baby boy was born onboard a Carnival Cruise Line ship heading to the Bahamas from New York.
- In September 2022, a baby girl was born two weeks early on a Royal Caribbean ship in Alaska.
- In 2019, a baby was born on a Holland America ship while it was docked at a port in Alaska.
- In 2017, a baby boy was delivered by the cruise ship’s doctor on a Princess Cruises ship in the Caribbean Sea.
Can pregnant women go on cruises?
Many cruise lines will allow pregnant women to travel on ships, with some restrictions late in pregnancy. However, babies are sometimes born earlier than expected.
Rules vary by cruise line, but most will permit pregnant women to sail if they are less than 24 weeks along. Between 24 and 28 weeks, pregnant guests may need a doctor’s note approving travel. After 28 weeks, most cruise lines will not allow expectant mothers to go on cruises.
These policies are in place for safety reasons. As a woman’s due date approaches, there is an increased chance of complications or premature birth. Cruise ships have medical facilities for emergencies but are not equipped for complex deliveries or neonatal care.
What should you do if pregnant on a cruise?
Expectant moms who sail while pregnant should take precautions in case of an early delivery:
- Alert the ship’s doctor and your cruise line of your pregnancy before boarding.
- Bring copies of your medical records to share with the ship’s doctor.
- Make sure your health insurance covers you outside the country.
- Know the locations of the medical center and helicopter evacuation areas.
- Pack an overnight bag with medications, personal items, and baby essentials.
By planning ahead, pregnant cruisers can enjoy their babymoon vacations and prepare for the possibility of giving birth at sea.
Conclusion
While uncommon, babies have been born on cruise ships through the years. Prospective mothers should consult with their doctors before taking a cruise close to their due date. While cruise medical teams are capable of handling deliveries, they lack the facilities of a hospital.
However, the odds of going into labor during a cruise are extremely low. With advanced planning and access to medical care, pregnant travelers can have safe and enjoyable vacations at sea.