Pregnant? Just had a baby? New policies on RCCL, Celebrity, Azamara

The RCI brands - Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara - have revised their policies dealing with their youngest passengers... and those expecting future cruisers.

Effective immediately, infants sailing on a cruise must be at least 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour. However, for Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American cruises/cruisetours and other selected cruises/cruisetours, the infant (as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour) must be at least 12 months old.

For pregnant cruisers, the policy is revised for all three lines as well. Guests who will have entered
their 24th week of pregnancy by the beginning of, or at any time during, the cruise or cruisetour. A physician's "Fit to Travel" note is required prior to sailing, stating how far along (in weeks) the guest's pregnancy will be at the beginning of the cruise and confirming that the guest is in good health and not experiencing a high-risk pregnancy.

These policies are for the protection of the passengers. Neonatal and infants require specialized equipment and medication, and the onboard clinics just aren't equipped to handle premature labor or infants. Other lines have similar requirements and I'd expect to see more of these restrictions specifically spelled out.

If you're pregnant and thinking of cruising, or have an infant, make sure to discuss that with your agent at the time of booking... or after you've confirmed your pregnancy. It's wonderful to get away before the birth of a new family member, but horrible to be turned away at the pier.