Why can't babies under 6 months cruise?

Why Cruises Restrict Infants Under 6 Months: Ensuring Child Safety

Cruise lines prioritize the safety and well-being of their passengers, particularly young children. As a result, many impose age restrictions on infants under 6 months, limiting their eligibility for cruises. This measure is driven by a combination of factors related to the unique challenges and potential health risks associated with extended sea travel for young infants.

Access to Immediate Medical Care

One primary concern is the limited access to immediate medical care on cruise ships, especially during longer voyages. Unlike land-based destinations, cruise ships are often far from shore, making it challenging to obtain prompt medical attention in the event of an emergency. This limited access poses a potential risk to infants whose immune systems and health conditions may be more fragile than older children.

Infants’ Vulnerability to Illness

Infants are more susceptible to illness and infections due to their immature immune systems. Exposure to germs and bacteria on a crowded cruise ship, with frequent contact with other passengers, can increase their risk of becoming ill. Extended sea travel can exacerbate this risk, as babies are confined to a relatively small space for prolonged periods.

Medical Facilities on Cruise Ships

While cruise ships are equipped with basic medical facilities, they may not be adequately equipped to handle complex medical emergencies, especially those involving infants. The presence of specialized doctors and equipment may be limited, and it may take significant time to transfer infants to a hospital on land if necessary.

Vaccine Requirements

Cruises often require passengers to be vaccinated against certain diseases, including measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). Infants under 6 months are not eligible for all required vaccines, leaving them more vulnerable to these potentially serious illnesses.

Conclusion

By restricting infants under 6 months from cruises, cruise lines aim to protect their health and well-being. This precautionary measure is based on the challenges and risks associated with extended sea travel for young babies, including limited access to immediate medical care, their vulnerability to illness, and the availability of medical facilities on cruise ships.