emya

I'm on the 8/20 sailing and I was also under the impression that masks would not be required, so I'm disappointed as well. I did choose RCCL because I'm traveling with my 8-year-old son and I couldn't take him on the other cruise lines. We discussed it, and decided not to let the mask policy ruin our fun. It doesn't really change anything for us, but it makes me really nervous what other changes they may make before sailing, you know? 

First of all, I've read some people post that no kids are allowed, or that 100% vaccinated is required by CDC. Neither are true. I booked the Ovation on 8/20 for myself and my 8-year-old son. I did my research, and RCI is the only cruise line (so far) allowing unvaccinated kids under 12 in Alaska this summer. The cruise line will test them at the port. (I'm testing him as well before we fly out just in case.) At least 95% of the guests on board must be vaccinated. I think how they will handle this is to stop people from booking children under 12 if the threshold has been exceeded; at least, I read this about a Celebrity cruise. They allowed me to book with my child earlier this week.

Second, the last cruise I took, my son was 9 months old. We had been hoping to leave him with my sister for the week, but he refused to bottle feed, and I ended up bringing him. We had to cancel most excursions and plans and adjust our expectations. It was a Disney cruise, so they were well set up for babies, even having activities on board for them, such as a crawling competition and play time with toys and such. They would even puree a meal if you requested it. So we spent time hanging out and napping in the cabin together. For dinner, we would take him to the nursery, and enjoy 2-4 hours for dinner/show. He didn't love it at first, and because he refused a bottle, they'd call me whenever he cried so I could return to nurse him.

Overall, I'm really glad we still went. Babies can be intense to care for, but cruising made it easier than other forms of travel with a baby, IMO! We didn't get to explore the port cities or do excursions we had planned, though I understand leaving the baby at the nursery is a possibility (just not for my nursing-only baby).

As for COVID, I would think a cruise with 95% vaccinated passengers and 98-100% vaccinated crew with every unvaccinated child tested on boarding day is an extremely low risk situation and wouldn't hesitate long to consider it. I would recommend sufficient travel insurance to cover instances of illness before and after boarding to protect your investment. 

1 hour ago, Cruise Suzy said:

 

Those under 12 will not be allowed on HAL ships this summer. Here is part of the e-mail received about our 7/25 Oosterdam cruise moving to Nieuw Amsterdam on 7/24:

 

Due to CDC guidance, these cruises to Alaska are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination. We will be communicating more information to you regarding health and safety protocols and requirements in the coming weeks.

 

...

 

Due to current guidance regarding vaccination age requirements, if your booking includes children who are younger than 12 years of age, we will be transferring your booking to the comparable 2022 voyage.

 

I had a sinking feeling this would be the case. I was willing to leave my husband and dad (who don't want to be forced to vaccinate for traveling) and take my 8-year-old son in August, but I guess that can't happen, either. 2020 was the 4th Alaskan cruise I had booked and had to cancel due to various reasons over the past 10 years. It's starting to feel like it will never happen. I have half a mind to go alone but I think it was around $2,400 for one person and $2,600 for two, and that's just an outrageous price for one person. Still, thinking longingly of going anyway...

I cancelled my May 2020 cruise on 3/13. I was told by my TA on 4/13 that the FCC can take up to 6 weeks (which we are WELL past) and refunds are taking up to 90 days. Received refunds for both cabins (less the deposit for each cabin) yesterday. Haven't received anything about FCC from HAL, though technically I did receive the refund within 90 days of cancelling. Other than the FCC, the only thing I'm waiting for is a refund of the cabana.