A Gold Coast mum was stopped at the terminal from boarding her Carnival cruise because she was 26 weeks pregnant.

Kaylee Farrington was about to board Carnival Luminosa for a birthday celebration with her family. Including her two-year-old daughter, mother and stepfather when she was taken aside at Brisbane International Cruise Terminal.

The pregnant mum was told she was not allowed to board the three-day cruise, which was due to set to sail in Australian waters off the coast of Brisbane.

“It was a bit of a shock to be honest. We were really excited for a weekend away. It was my first time ever cruising,” Ms Farrington said.

Carnival says terms are clear

Ms Farrington is demanding her money back. But Carnival denies the claim and told Cruise Passenger their policy is in line with global standards.

“This policy restricts travel for pregnant women beyond their 24th week of pregnancy. It is designed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both mothers and their unborn babies. Cruise ships are not equipped with facilities to deal with prenatal and early infant care.

“The policy is outlined both on the Carnival website and within the cruise contract. Both the website and cruise contract state that guests expected to enter their 24th week of gestational age at any point during the cruise will not be permitted to board the vessel.”

Ms Farrington’s mother Robyn Betts booked the cruise and is now $2000 out of pocket after she was denied a refund.

“They said ‘oh, no, there will be no refund’. They said this is our terms and conditions and it’s our fault we didn’t dig deep enough to find them,” Ms Betts told 9 News.

A second mother, at 25 weeks pregnant, was also turned away.

“You think that rules are the same for cruising as it is for flying,” Ms Farrington. “My obstetrician is giving me the all-clear and they still wouldn’t let me on board.

Airlines generally allow flying at 36 weeks for domestic and 28-35 weeks for international travel.

Carnival contract terms

Carnival terms online state: ”Prenatal and early infant care, in particular, may require specialised diagnostic facilities and/or treatment that are not obtainable during the cruise on board the ship and/or ashore in ports of call.

”Therefore, any guest who has entered, or who will at any time during the cruise enter, the 24th week of estimated gestational age in her pregnancy, agrees not to book a cruise or board the ship.”

It further states: ”Any pregnant woman who tries to board the vessel, who has or will enter her 24th week of estimated fetal gestational age at any time during the cruise, risks denial of boarding and/or disembarkation without compensation or refund.”

More prompts required

Ms Farrington said more prompts were required to inform passengers of any restrictions rather than wade through a long contract.

“To not be prompted at the time of booking is wild,” she said.