Cruising While Pregnant
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Before our baby came we wanted one last hoorah, but weren’t sure I would be able to keep up with our hiking and National Park adventures so we decided to try our hand at cruising. We took a 14 day Western Caribbean Cruise through Royal Carribean out of the Baltimore Port.
Cruising Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas While Pregnant: A Journey to Remember
Embarking on a cruise while pregnant might sound daunting to some, but my recent trip aboard Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas proved to be a delightful adventure. My husband and I, both in our late twenties, chose a 14-day cruise, seeking relaxation and a bit of escapism before our little one arrives. Despite my initial worries, the journey turned out to be a mix of rest, enjoyment, and a touch of the unexpected.
The Ship: Enchantment of the Seas
The Enchantment of the Seas may not be the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet, but its charm lies in its manageable size and slower pace. I appreciated that the ship was smaller and more intimate compared to the mega-ships. This made it easy for me to walk everywhere, a real bonus as my energy levels fluctuated. Though some might consider the ship a bit outdated, I found its nostalgic feel comforting and its slower speed suited my desire for a more laid-back experience.
Considerations for Pregnant Travelers
Before diving into the details of our trip, it's crucial to mention that Royal Caribbean, like many cruise lines, has specific policies regarding pregnant passengers. If you will enter your 24th week of pregnancy at any point during the cruise, you will not be allowed to board. Therefore, it's essential to plan your cruise dates accordingly.
In addition, packing thoughtfully can make a world of difference. I brought along comfy shoes, which were a lifesaver for walking around the ship. My own pillow from home ensured a good night's sleep, and any other pregnancy comforts you currently use can help you feel more at ease. Staying hydrated is vital, and a reusable water bottle was incredibly helpful in keeping me hydrated throughout the trip.
Life Onboard: Comfort and Convenience
One of the first things we noticed was the demographic of our fellow cruisers. Most of the passengers were over 60, which contributed to a more relaxed atmosphere, devoid of the hustle and bustle often associated with cruises. This older crowd meant that nightlife wasn't a focal point, aligning perfectly with my need for early bedtimes. After all, growing a baby is tiring work!
Every evening, there were delightful shows ranging from musical performances to magic acts. These were entertaining without being overly stimulating, allowing me to wind down nicely before heading to bed.
The dining experiences were another highlight of the trip. The main dining room and buffets offered a wide variety of delicious options. I was particularly pleased with the fresh fruits, vegetables, and the careful attention to dietary needs, crucial for my pregnancy. However, our experience at Chops Grille, the specialty steakhouse, was a bit of a letdown. Perhaps our expectations were too high, but the meal didn’t quite meet the high standards set by the other dining venues on the ship.
Cabin Life: A Cozy Retreat
Our cabin became a cozy retreat after long days of exploring and relaxing. Though the selection of TV channels was limited, we always managed to find something to watch, which was perfect for our low-key evenings. The gentle rocking of the ship usually lulled me to sleep, although we did encounter one particularly nasty storm that triggered a bout of seasickness. Thankfully, that was the only time I felt unwell during the entire trip.
Ports of Call: Adventure and Relaxation
One of the joys of cruising is the variety of ports of call, offering a mix of adventure and relaxation. We balanced our days between gentle explorations and taking it easy on the ship. Given my condition, it was important to listen to my body and not overdo it. The excursions we chose were low-key and enjoyable, allowing us to experience new places without straining myself. Due to an awful storm our first port of call, Antigua, was canceled and we were pretty upset about it - but that day our Cruise Director had extra onboard activities quickly scheduled.
We did however make it to St. Lucia, Barbados, St Kitts & Nevis and St Marteen.
For St Lucia we had a BUMPY speedboat excursion scheduled but canceled it the night before for obvious concerns and booked a last-minute, half-off RC excursion of an education drive through the island. This had a local woman give the tour and we stopped at some absolutely beautiful places and we were well educated throughout the morning. I’d highly recommend this. We also had lunch next to the port before hoping back on the boat.
In Barbados, we had THE MOST MAGICAL experience on Tiami five Star Catamaran Cruise booked through RC. It was UNFORGETTABLE. They had music, unlimited drinks, and a four-course meal AND snorkeling at a shipwreck. Then they even took us to a beach we had to swim up to which was beautiful. I would recommend this to ANYONE just keep in mind snorkeling while pregnant is ROUGH and this is within 10-20 ft waters.
In St Kitts and Nevis we actually did TWO excursions. We started off with a dolphin swim which we have ZERO photos from because you lock your phones up and photos are $50+ each. It was a really neat experience and the dolphin treated me really funny because it knew I was pregnant.
We then went on another guided van tour throughout the island that took us to shopping experiences, over looks, and a jungle drive through garden. It was only about $35 and definitely worth it!
In St. Marteen we opted for the Orient Beach half day and this was ALL INCLUSIVE. They bussed you to the dutch side of the island, while also educating you on the island, dropped you off on the beach, gave you lunch, and had bath houses available. It was a great experience — however, this is an optional topless beach and next to a full nude resort — so just keep that in mind. Everything was also really cheap here like alcohol, jetski rentals, and more. You did have to pay $5 for a beach chair and umbrella though, which they set up for you.
Final Thoughts: A Blissful Experience
Looking back, cruising with Royal Caribbean while pregnant was a fantastic choice. The Enchantment of the Seas provided a perfect blend of relaxation, entertainment, and comfort. The smaller size of the ship and the older demographic of fellow cruisers made for a peaceful and restful environment, which was exactly what I needed. Despite a few minor disappointments, like our experience at Chops Grille and the limited TV selection, the overall trip was a wonderful way to unwind and enjoy some quality time with my husband before our family grows.
If you're considering a cruise while pregnant, I highly recommend it. Just be sure to choose a ship and itinerary that match your pace and preferences, and remember to plan your trip before entering the 24th week of pregnancy. For me, the Enchantment of the Seas was just that—a charming, slower-paced ship that made my journey both memorable and blissful.
