Yikes! Over age 70 passengers need doctor’s note (Merged threads)

[yorky]

I guess if true a few that had counted themselves out, are back in the game ?

[Bo1953]

8 minutes ago, CHEZMARYLOU said:

I saw the following on another social media site: "no more doctor’s note for guests over 70 is needed- per CLIA" posted by a TA.

One less panic point....

 

Thank you and bon voyage

Edited April 29, 2020 by Bo1953

[Bo1953]

2 minutes ago, yorky said:

I guess if true a few that had counted themselves out, are back in the game ?

... or I missed an opportunity to really 'slim down' for life and not only in order to sail!  😎

 

bon voyage

[markeb]

9 minutes ago, yorky said:

I guess if true a few that had counted themselves out, are back in the game ?

 

The CDC guidance to industry on treating and managing patients pretty much put the onus on the cruise lines for all passengers, not just specific age groups. (At least for US departures and arrivals.) If they can actually meet those guidelines, arguably the over 70 screening would be less useful, or they'll do what Princess was proposing and require all passengers of all ages to self-report conditions. Ultimately I can see the insurance providers requiring the same information, under penalty of denying coverage if you're found not to have accurately self-reported. So that makes the insurer the bad guy, not the cruise line.

 

"So you're saying there's a chance..."

[shipshape sam]

6 hours ago, Bo1953 said:

The policy makers and directives which caused these policies to be put in place, mainly (here in the U.S.) the CDC, CLIA and other local and health entities who have the 'power' to shut down or open up leisure sailing again.

 

X and other cruise lines did not wake up one morning and decide 'this would be a great policy to institute' ....

 

In health and bon voyage

So you gave me the who.   

[Luv2Crus40]

We have a sailing in December.  If form still needed, do they send you an email or something?  How do you know if you have to provide one for a healthy person over the age of 70?

[CHEZMARYLOU]

Further posts on another site says RC already eliminated the fit to travel form.

TERRIFIC NEWS, finally some great news...a health note is no longer required for 70+ 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

“LATEST ALERTS
Royal Caribbean International Return to Service Safety Enhancements
Royal Caribbean International is currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts. These processes and protocols are not yet finalized, but when they are, we will be sure to let you know via e-mail.

We know that our 70+ guests and those with chronic conditions are especially eager to understand what cruising will look like in the future. While subject to change, via the Cruise Lines International Association, we have confirmed that the previous restrictions were lifted in early April after cruise lines suspended service.

Please know that every decision we make, and all of the fine-tuning we do, has your clients' well-being in mind. We'll be in touch soon! We miss you and your clients - and can't wait to welcome them back onboard!”

[ORV]

52 minutes ago, CHEZMARYLOU said:

Further posts on another site says RC already eliminated the fit to travel form.

TERRIFIC NEWS, finally some great news...a health note is no longer required for 70+ 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

“LATEST ALERTS
Royal Caribbean International Return to Service Safety Enhancements
Royal Caribbean International is currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts. These processes and protocols are not yet finalized, but when they are, we will be sure to let you know via e-mail.

We know that our 70+ guests and those with chronic conditions are especially eager to understand what cruising will look like in the future. While subject to change, via the Cruise Lines International Association, we have confirmed that the previous restrictions were lifted in early April after cruise lines suspended service.

Please know that every decision we make, and all of the fine-tuning we do, has your clients' well-being in mind. We'll be in touch soon! We miss you and your clients - and can't wait to welcome them back onboard!”

Does that really say that it won't be there in the future? Better read it again. 

[Covepointcruiser]

No it doesn’t say there won’t be a requirement in the future.   When they are allowed to start cruising they will receive requirement from CLIA and the CDC.    If they don’t want to follow them they will have to cruise away from the U.S.   We don’t know what restrictions the U.S. government or our state will put on us in the future.

 

I am surprised that Canada with their wonderful and “free” health care does not allow their citizens to have a assigned doctor.   Do you have to go to a clinic and see the Dr. who is next in line?   In the U.S. we have a personal doctor who has our history and who is under no liability issues for certifying you are fit to sail, at least when she saw you.

[Redtravel]

Goodbye Celebrity......over 70 with some health issues. Have never had any medical issues that need treatment while cruising. After many cruises, elite plus, we are done. We will stay home until it is safe....vaccine or cure......And will travel again someday.   Will not cruise on Celebrity or any rcl ship.  So, refund. Not fcc to all 70+. 

[rvlandandsea]

29 minutes ago, Covepointcruiser said:

No it doesn’t say there won’t be a requirement in the future.   When they are allowed to start cruising they will receive requirement from CLIA and the CDC.    If they don’t want to follow them they will have to cruise away from the U.S.   We don’t know what restrictions the U.S. government or our state will put on us in the future.

 

I am surprised that Canada with their wonderful and “free” health care does not allow their citizens to have a assigned doctor.   Do you have to go to a clinic and see the Dr. who is next in line?   In the U.S. we have a personal doctor who has our history and who is under no liability issues for certifying you are fit to sail, at least when she saw you.

My husband and I have had the same doctor for more than 25 years. And that is the case with a lot of Canadians. When using a clinic (free) you can request to see the same doctor and they will give you their clinic hours. Eventually they can take you on full time. They keep our records on computers that the clinic and your personal doctor can access. A great, free, system that anyone can access. 
 

[az_tchr]

22 minutes ago, Redtravel said:

Goodbye Celebrity......over 70 with some health issues. Have never had any medical issues that need treatment while cruising. After many cruises, elite plus, we are done. We will stay home until it is safe....vaccine or cure......And will travel again someday.   Will not cruise on Celebrity or any rcl ship.  So, refund. Not fcc to all 70+. 

Understand not wanting to cruise till a vaccine.

What I do not understand is the huge discussion about a temporary doctor's note that has not been discarded.  

[Fouremco]

17 minutes ago, Covepointcruiser said:

I am surprised that Canada with their wonderful and “free” health care does not allow their citizens to have a assigned doctor.   Do you have to go to a clinic and see the Dr. who is next in line?   In the U.S. we have a personal doctor who has our history and who is under no liability issues for certifying you are fit to sail, at least when she saw you.

Wherever did you get this idea? Other than a few years living in the UK as a child, I've had a family doctor for over 70 years. Not only a personal GP, but my own cardiologist for the past few years. When I've moved to a different city in a different province on a few occasions, I've had no difficulty acquiring a personal doctor, nor did I have any difficulty when my GP retired a few years ago. We've likewise had no difficulty having a personal gynaecologist, paediatrician, ophthalmologist or other specialists as needed.

 

The last statistic I saw was that about 19% of Canadians don't have a personal doctor, either by choice or because of a shortage of doctors in some regions, particularly in rural areas. But it most certainly isn't because they aren't allowed to have one.

[az_tchr]

Just now, rvlandandsea said:

My husband and I have had the same doctor for more than 25 years. And that is the case with a lot of Canadians. When using a clinic (free) you can request to see the same doctor and they will give you their clinic hours. Eventually they can take you on full time. They keep our records on computers that the clinic and your personal doctor can access. A great, free, system that anyone can access. 
 

Sort of.  Care is wonderful if urgent.  Aunt has Fibromyalgia.  She often waits 3 months for an appointment.  Uncle waited 4 months for cancer surgery!  Both in BC.

Prescriptions cost plenty and does dental and my relatives pay a monthly premium to BC Insurance.  Each province is different with everything.

 

[drakes2]

13 minutes ago, Fouremco said:

Wherever did you get this idea? Other than a few years living in the UK as a child, I've had a family doctor for over 70 years. Not only a personal GP, but my own cardiologist for the past few years. When I've moved to a different city in a different province on a few occasions, I've had no difficulty acquiring a personal doctor, nor did I have any difficulty when my GP retired a few years ago. We've likewise had no difficulty having a personal gynaecologist, paediatrician, ophthalmologist or other specialists as needed.

 

The last statistic I saw was that about 19% of Canadians don't have a personal doctor, either by choice or because of a shortage of doctors in some regions, particularly in rural areas. But it most certainly isn't because they aren't allowed to have one.

I've had the same GP for 37 years. If I need to see him for any issues always get appointment same or next day. In fact most of my family also go to him.  Thankfully he's not retiring anytime soon. 

[Redtravel]

21 minutes ago, az_tchr said:

Understand not wanting to cruise till a vaccine.

What I do not understand is the huge discussion about a temporary doctor's note that has not been discarded.  

Didn't know it was temporary.  It still gives you reason to wonder why restrict anyone at anytime.  Maybe, over 70 is not safe to cruise.  Will find other travel experiences.  Have traveled for years, visiting many places.  When I was younger, independent travel was my choice.  Got older, took tours until we couldn't keep up the pace.  As I got somewhat slower, cruising became an easy travel option. There were always some cruises with family and friends.  We always looked at cruising as a good choice for older people who have slowed down or have mobility issues. We always said that when we got really old, there was always cruising.  Never thought we'd be shut out because we are 70+. 

[PROCRUISE]

31 minutes ago, Redtravel said:

Didn't know it was temporary.  It still gives you reason to wonder why restrict anyone at anytime.  Maybe, over 70 is not safe to cruise.  Will find other travel experiences.  Have traveled for years, visiting many places.  When I was younger, independent travel was my choice.  Got older, took tours until we couldn't keep up the pace.  As I got somewhat slower, cruising became an easy travel option. There were always some cruises with family and friends.  We always looked at cruising as a good choice for older people who have slowed down or have mobility issues. We always said that when we got really old, there was always cruising.  Never thought we'd be shut out because we are 70+. 

 

Well, per our TA, Celebrity just announced today (4/29/20) to TA's, that a medical clearance note from physician will no longer be required for those over any age!

[JT1962]

 
Well, per our TA, Celebrity just announced today (4/29/20) to TA's, that a medical clearance note from physician will no longer be required for those over any age!

Yes, it is posted on the RC website. No specifics on what will be required.

Princess says they will be doing basic screenings and more in-depth secondary screenings, if needed, by medical personnel at the pier before allowing passengers to board. That could be better or worse than having a note from your own doctor.

From the Royal Caribbean website:

“Coronavirus (COVID-19) Health Protocols
We are currently laser-focused on additional safety enhancements for our return to service. To develop our future boarding screening process and updated health protocols, we are collaborating with government health authorities, the Cruise Lines International Association, and our own team of medical experts. These are not yet finalized, but when they are, we will be sure to let you and your Travel Advisor know via email.

We know that our 70+ guests and those with chronic conditions are especially eager to understand what cruising will look like in the future. While subject to change, via the Cruise Lines International Association, we have confirmed that the previous restrictions were lifted in early April after cruise lines suspended service. Please know that every decision we make, and all of the fine-tuning we do, has your well-being in mind. We miss you – and can’t wait to welcome you back onboard.”

[Luv2Crus40]

The 70 + crowd is a big chunk of cruisers.   They don't want lose their loyal customers.   Glad the band was lifted. 

[Redtravel]

Somebody probably realized that kissing off 70+ cruisers would be a big hit to their revenue.  Nothing has changed. Ships haven't stated sailing again.  RCL tested the waters.  Probably got hit with booked cruisers not being able to get that doctor note and asking for a refund.  Refunding money instead of collecting money could certainly send a cruise line under.  Am elite plus for all that's not worth now. 70+ and not thinking about cruising now, if ever.  Just the fact that they had required a doctor note makes you think twice if cruising is a good idea.  After all the problems with the cruise ships infected with the virus, there will be many former cruisers.  

[Content@Sea]

Indeed, the Celebrity travel alert was updated four hours ago (EDT).

https://www.celebritycruises.com/travel-alert

 

 

Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Now that cruise operations are on hold, Celebrity Cruises is concentrating all efforts on developing a cohesive return to service plan which will include enhanced health and safety protocols for all travelers. We are collaborating with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and other government and health officials to assemble new processes and standards for boarding as well as the cruise experience itself. These new processes and protocols are in the final stages of development. Once the full plan has been finalized we will be sure to share with our guests and travel partners. 

Earlier this year we announced travel restrictions for guests with chronic illness as well as a mandatory “Fit To Travel” form for guests 70 years of age and older with critical health conditions. We are now pleased to advise that, while subject to change, CLIA has confirmed these restrictions were lifted in early April after all cruise lines were required to suspend service. 

Rest assured, our number one priority has always been, and will always be, the safety and well-being of our guests and crew along with delivering amazing vacations. We look forward to sailing the world again and welcoming you back onboard soon.

We're not out of the woods, but it's looking better. 
Waiting for the definition of "new processes and protocols"... hmmm. 

I like to think that our collective voice of nearly 1000 posts has provoked their interest and response. Good job folks!
Over 70s are a powerful force, don't **** with us. We pay taxes, we pay attention.

Edited April 30, 2020 by Content@Sea
typo

[kathy49]

1 hour ago, Redtravel said:

Somebody probably realized that kissing off 70+ cruisers would be a big hit to their revenue.  Nothing has changed. Ships haven't stated sailing again.  RCL tested the waters.  Probably got hit with booked cruisers not being able to get that doctor note and asking for a refund.  Refunding money instead of collecting money could certainly send a cruise line under.  Am elite plus for all that's not worth now. 70+ and not thinking about cruising now, if ever.  Just the fact that they had required a doctor note makes you think twice if cruising is a good idea.  After all the problems with the cruise ships infected with the virus, there will be many former cruisers.  

Yes they would take such a hit...probably getting cancel after cancel...I still say with liability and the uncertainty of Covid 19 and what it does to each person...most drs not going to sign one of these.

[Redtravel]

 stupid marketing ploy?   Some "genius" likely thought up the doctor letter.  If it was a sincere safety move, why rescind it?   It's all about making money and getting the bookings.   Most likely, cruise line got many refund requests from the 70+ group. They cannot cruise, don't want fcc, and want real cash back.  Wonder how many requests it took to make RCL realize that they were losing a huge part of their potential cruise population.  Everything that is done by any cruise line sends a message.  RCL said sorry after counting the money.  It's always about the money.  

[drakes2]

11 minutes ago, Redtravel said:

 stupid marketing ploy?   Some "genius" likely thought up the doctor letter.  If it was a sincere safety move, why rescind it?   It's all about making money and getting the bookings.   Most likely, cruise line got many refund requests from the 70+ group. They cannot cruise, don't want fcc, and want real cash back.  Wonder how many requests it took to make RCL realize that they were losing a huge part of their potential cruise population.  Everything that is done by any cruise line sends a message.  RCL said sorry after counting the money.  It's always about the money.  

Then there are all the 70+ cruisers who have FCCs and cannot get their doctors to sign the Fit To Sail form.   Those monies should be refunded since the guest would not be able to sail. 

[ABoatNerd]

The health issues angle will be tricky. My brother in law has 52% lung capacity and he and my sister are totally isolated - can see no one. So would he qualify for cruising? He is 60 years old. 

 

As for the so called free Canadian health system - it is far from free - everyone in Canada pays a 13% consumption tax, significant taxes on gas and many other taxes. In Ontario there are 22% of people who have no assigned family doctor so have to rely on walk in clinics. We have 2 sayings in Canada - wait in line to die, wait in line in pain. Acquiring a specialist can take up to 1 year depending on the specialty. Which is why in Toronto many Canadians cross over at Buffalo and get care (I do) and people in Ottawa go to New York State.  In border cities like Windsor, Sault St Marie, cancer care is O in Ontario, residents are sent to the US for cancer care. There are only 2 other main line countries with the Canadian system, Cuba and North Korea. 

 

So if you have no family doctor, getting a travel assessment could be mighty tricky.