Working at sea presents unique challenges for crew members, especially for those who are expecting a child. Princess Cruises has established maternity benefits and policies to support pregnant employees while ensuring the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

Notification and Medical Care
Crew members who become pregnant while signed on to a Princess Cruises vessel must notify the onboard medical team as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. Prompt disclosure is crucial to avoid any health risks, and failure to inform the medical team may result in disciplinary action.

Pregnant employees may continue working onboard until they reach 24 weeks of pregnancy, provided they can perform their normal job duties and receive approval from the shipboard medical doctor. Any medical care that can be provided onboard will be available at no cost to the employee.

However, since Princess Cruises ships do not have specialized prenatal care facilities or obstetrical specialists, most prenatal care must be sought off the vessel. While the company assists in identifying appropriate medical providers, the cost of off-ship prenatal care remains the responsibility of the employee.

Repatriation and Maternity Leave Pay
Pregnancy is not classified as an injury or sickness under the company’s policy. Therefore, employees who sign off due to pregnancy are not entitled to maintenance, cure, or sick pay benefits. However, Princess Cruises covers the cost of repatriation for employees who have timely informed the onboard medical team of their pregnancy.

Crew members who are repatriated for childbirth are eligible for six weeks of maternity leave pay at their guaranteed monthly wage. To receive this benefit, they must provide a birth certificate as proof of childbirth.

Returning to Work
Princess Cruises encourages employees to return to sea if they wish to continue their careers after childbirth. If an employee notifies the company within two years following the birth of her child about her desire to return, she will be given priority consideration for a suitable vacancy in the same or an equivalent position, subject to availability.

By implementing these maternity benefits, Princess Cruises provides support for expecting crew members while maintaining a safe and professional work environment onboard.