How does DCL confirm pregnancy dates?

[misseulalie]

Just found out that I'm expecting and the cruise we have booked literally hovers between my 24th and 25th week. (If I have my dates correct)


How does DCL handle this? Must I submit a form that shows my due date?

I can go as long as I haven't passed my 24th week, is that correct??

Thanks!!!

 

[sbtrfly74]

Not sure but good news is due dates get pushed forward by a week or two all the time once you get a sono. To get a tentative date i.e. the one your doc is initially going to give you subtract 3 months and add 1 week from date of last missed "." Congratulations on your new addition

 

[Tonka's Skipper]

I beleive you need a note from your Doctor comfirming the due date and that it is not over 24 weeks!

Congrats on ther new family member!

AKK

 

[LD NURSE]

I know a lot of people get irritated with this rule--but believe me--Disney or ANY cruise ship---is not prepared to deal with pre-term delivery. It would be BAD!!! If you get to go---drink water---water---and then some more water. One of main causes of pre-term contractions is dehydration! Any way--congrats on your new addition! And good luck to you!!

 

[two-foxes]

You need to get the DCL medical form filled out by your doctor. I am pretty sure you can get the form on the DCL website.

It has been a few years since I have filled out this form, but if I recall, you can be in your 23rd week on day one of your cruise, and if your 24th week starts on day 2, you are okay. But if you start your 24th week starts on the day you board, you will not be allowed to board. So, double check, but I am pretty sure that one day can make or break if you fall into your 24th week on your cruise.

 

[kcashner]

Obstetricians and DCL count pregnancy as COMPLETED weeks from last period based on a hypothetical 28 day cycle. Geneticists count from presumed date of conception. Yes, I know it is confusing. The reason I bring this up is that patients use all sorts of methods to count, and they are not always consistent with either of the above.

SO...when DCL says 24 weeks, that is 24 completed weeks as per your doctor. Not "I'm in my XYZ week." The rules are totally for the safety of your baby--DCL is not staffed to care for a patient in premature labor nor a premature delivery. A 24 week infant born in a tertiary center has a chance of survival. The same infant born on a cruise ship or a hospital that isn't prepared to handle the situation has essentially no chance of a healthy, take home survival.

 

[kmaclou]

You actually don't need to fill out the form anymore, nor do you need a dr note. I'm going to be 22 weeks when I go on the 6/21 cruise on the Dream.

I have emailed DCL three times now to confirm and have the same answer from all of them:

It is not necessary to provide medical documentation regarding your pregnancy. Please note that by signing the cruise contract prior to embarkation, you acknowledge Disney Cruise Line’s pregnancy policy, as follows:

For the safety of our Guests , women who have entered their 24th week of pregnancy as of their embarkation date will not be permitted to sail due to safety concerns. Neither a physician's medical statement nor a waiver of liability will be able to override the policy.

For your continued health and safety, we recommended that you speak with your physician prior to sailing to ensure that you are fit for travel, and remember to travel with vital materials such as prescription medications or pertinent medical records.

Now, with that said, I am going to get a dr note just to be on the safe side, because I don't want to be left in port because of one random CM who doesn't know the policy.

 

[kk92476]

When I cruised while quite pregnant (not DCL, it was Carnival...though they have the exact same policy) no one asked me for a thing. I was wearing a big baggy sweatshirt on boarding day....though not "hiding" anything. I walked right on without a word. The only time there was anything special was when I went to get a pedicure, and they said they could not give a pedi to a pregnant woman, because pressure points can induce labor or something--which was fine. I got a mani instead, no big deal.

 

[gail228]

I just cruised pregnant at 22 weeks. There is no form or doctor note required. I entered my pregnancy information during online check-in and was not asked at boarding.

Best of luck with your pregnancy! CONGRATULATIONS!

 

[myxdvz]

Huh... didn't even know these rules. While not far along, I've cruised twice while pregnant, both in my 4th month, around 16 weeks.

This is good to know, even though I have no more plans of being pregnant!

 

[Disneyfied4]

Totally agree with kcashner. Don't chance it and try to adjust dates just to get on the ship. Babies are viable at 24 weeks and sometimes earlier. You would NEVER forgive yourself if something terrible were to happen.

 

[SoCaOC-Mom]

Congratulations on the new addition

 

[wendydarling33]

Totally agree with kcashner. Don't chance it and try to adjust dates just to get on the ship. Babies are viable at 24 weeks and sometimes earlier. You would NEVER forgive yourself if something terrible were to happen.

Totally agree - as cool as Disney cruises might be, not worth a lifetime of anguish.