New parents often cherish significant milestones, whether it’s their child’s first words, steps, or even their inaugural family vacation.

Cruises are great family trip options due to their generally all-inclusive nature and diverse activity offerings. However, there are specific guidelines for families traveling with infants or expecting one that should be reviewed before making reservations.

Cruise lines have minimum age requirements for young passengers, and available child-friendly amenities can differ between ships, even within the same cruise line. “Traveling with a 6-month-old is quite different from cruising with an 18-month-old,” noted Jamie Margolis, owner of Moms at Sea Travel, a franchise of Dream Vacations.

Here’s essential information for parents and expectant parents.

Is it possible to cruise while pregnant?

Yes, but there’s a limit.

“Industry standards generally prohibit cruising after 24 weeks of pregnancy,” Margolis explained. This means individuals must not reach that stage of pregnancy during their cruise.

“For instance, if you embark on a Saturday and you reach 24 weeks on Thursday, you wouldn’t be able to sail,” she added. Although cruise ships offer some medical facilities, their capacity to handle emergencies like preterm labor is not as extensive as that of land hospitals.

Many pregnant travelers consult their doctors before booking to ensure their health and comfort.

Is it allowable to take a cruise with an infant?

Except for adults-only cruises, infants are generally allowed on board – typically needing to be at least 6 months old. However, on some itineraries, like transatlantic cruises or those with several consecutive sea days, the minimum age may be raised to 1 year.

Travel documents are necessary for young children, as noted by Margolis.

U.S. citizens under 16 can obtain a passport, but both parents or guardians must be present to apply in person. “If one or both cannot be there, you will need additional documents,” according to the State Department’s website.

Passports for children expire after five years.

Closed-loop cruises – those that both start and end at the same U.S. port and operate within the Western Hemisphere – provide more flexibility regarding travel documents. “A U.S. citizen under 16 can use an original, notarized, or certified copy of their birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad from the Department of State, or a Certificate of Naturalization from USCIS,” as stated by Customs and Border Protection.

However, some cruise lines may still require passports, making it essential to review each line’s policy.

Margolis recommended that parents familiarize themselves with the cruise ship’s features before making a reservation. “If parents want to have a romantic evening, they must select a ship with a nursery that accommodates their child’s age,” she advised. “Many nurseries do not cater to infants as young as 6 months.”

It’s also important to consider onboard facilities. “Does the ship feature a splash pad for toddlers in diapers? Not every ship offers this, and not all cruise lines do,” Margolis noted.

Travel agents can assist families in finding the most suitable options for their needs, she added.

Is breastfeeding permitted on cruise ships?

Yes. For example, guests on Carnival Cruise Line can nurse in both public and private spaces without needing to cover up, as stated on their website.

Margolis mentioned, “I have never heard of a mother having a negative experience while breastfeeding on a cruise. It’s generally accepted and welcomed.”

Passengers can also bring breast milk onboard. In many cases, they can store it in a medical refrigerator upon request.

Additionally, parents can bring other essentials. Royal Caribbean International’s website states, “Milk and distilled water for medical or dietary use for infants are allowed on board.”