Expectant Mother Faces Heartbreaking Loss Aboard Norwegian Jewel
Key Aspects:
Paris Singleton-Ajaero was excited to join her mother for a music-themed cruise onboard Norwegian Jewel, which embarked on February 1.
At only 21 weeks pregnant, Paris was allowed to sail onboard the NCL ship.
But during the cruise, she went into early labor and her twins could not be saved.
Paris Singleton-Ajaero and John Ajaero were overjoyed to find out they were expecting a baby in October of 2025, and that excitement only doubled when they learned they were having twins.
On February 1, 2026, Paris and her mother embarked on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jewel in Tampa, Florida, for the inaugural music-themed Rise and Rhythm cruise.
It was meant to be a fun, 4-night getaway to Cozumel, Mexico, before the family really doubled down on preparing to welcome their dual bundles of joy.
At only 21 weeks pregnant, Paris was well within Norwegian Cruise Line’s requirements to set sail. NCL permits pregnant women onboard as long as they are less than 24 weeks along when the cruise ends.
But unfortunately for the Maryland-based couple, the dream vacation turned into a nightmare when Paris sadly lost both of her twins in the middle of the cruise.
What Happened?
Despite having no previous pregnancy complications, Paris went into preterm labor soon after embarking on the sailing. As recently as the day before the cruise, Paris was the picture of health at a routine doctor’s appointment.
“I couldn’t get comfortable and went into preterm labor on the cruise,” Paris told WMAR 2 News in Baltimore.
“Everything was going according to plan, like there was no signs or signals or anything being problematic with the twins. I actually just went to an appointment the day before,” she continued.
Paris was taken to the ship’s medical center, where her son, John Junior, was born prematurely. He sadly was too young to survive.
“My son was delivered on the cruise, and I just didn’t really comprehend what was happening at that moment,” Paris recalled.
Crew members then made arrangements to medically evacuate Paris and her mother to the nearest hospital, which was in Cancun, Mexico. This is where John Junior’s sister, Journey Rose, was also delivered prematurely. The baby girl could not be saved either.
The Twins Remain in Mexico
Cruise Hive learned that Paris was finally able to connect with her husband, John, from the hospital in Mexico. She introduced him to the twins over video chat.
Due to issues related to international regulations, obtaining foreign death certificates, and repatriation, Paris and her mother could not take the twins home with them when they returned to Maryland.
Paris only got one day with her children before she was discharged, and their father has not yet gotten to see them in person. John described seeing his twins on video chat as “somebody reaching into your chest and just squeezing your heart.”
“I still haven’t gotten to hold them. That is another painful part of it,” he added.
The couple is working on reuniting with their twins before they are laid to rest in the US.
Calls for Financial Aid
In the midst of mourning this tremendous loss, the couple has also been hit with medical bills and costs related to bringing their twins back to the US.
A friend of the family, Rhonda Wall, has started a GoFundMe to help provide financial relief. The goal of the fundraiser is to raise $28,000, and so far over $19,000 has been donated.
“The emotional toll has been immense, and now Paris and her family are facing overwhelming medical bills,” Wall wrote on the fundraiser.
“The hospital has requested an initial payment for the emergency transportation and care Paris received,” Wall continued.
It’s unclear if the cruisers had purchased travel insurance that may cover any of the emergency transportation or medical expenses.
Cruise Hive sends our thoughts and prayers to the family as they navigate this tragedy.
Expectant Mother Faces Heartbreaking Loss Aboard Norwegian Jewel