New Vaccination policy on RCL

[erinsmom03]

2 minutes ago, davekathy said:

Yes there will be. Anyone under 12 isn't required to be vaccinated. 

 

Agreed.... that's what I've been saying. It seems that other people believe that the line about the negative covid test could be applied to a percentage of people on board who are over 12 and not vaccinated.

[RoyalC]

2 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said:

I didn't miss that. The point is that you don't have to be vaccinated if they are offering to let you board with a negative covid test.

RCI should say age 2-11 as I believe they are requiring vaccines for all guests over 11. Poor wording. Bad policy too. Either everyone should have it or not. Kids go to schools. Remember, those are "super-spreaders." 

They could pass it on. This policy will draw lawsuits too for many reasons.

[davekathy]

5 minutes ago, erinsmom03 said:

 

Agreed.... that's what I've been saying. It seems that other people believe that the line about the negative covid test could be applied to a percentage of people on board who are over 12 and not vaccinated.

The only reason I commented was you said in post #147, " It says all guests must be vaccinated if they are over 16, then over 12 after August 1. So there won't be unvaccinated people on board".

 

IMO, I was hoping the policy would be all must be vaccinated no matter their age or medical condition. 

Edited May 22, 2021 by davekathy

[erinsmom03]

3 minutes ago, RoyalC said:

RCI should say age 2-11 as I believe they are requiring vaccines for all guests over 11. Poor wording. Bad policy too. Either everyone should have it or not. Kids go to schools. Remember, those are "super-spreaders." 

They could pass it on. This policy will draw lawsuits too for many reasons.

 

I don't see "under the age of this requirement" as poor wording...

 

My biggest concerns regarding allowing kids on board who can't be vaccinated is that it could mean safety protocols such as masks, that could otherwise be lifted. Otherwise, my whole family s vaccinated and we are ready to cruise.

[erinsmom03]

3 minutes ago, davekathy said:

The only reason I commented was you said in post #147, " It says all guests must be vaccinated if they are over 16, then over 12 after August 1. So there won't be unvaccinated people on board".

 

IMO, I was hoping the policy would be all must be vaccinated no matter their age or medical condition. 

 

Ah, I see what you mean. I should have said there won't be unvaccinated people over the age of 16, or then 12, on board.

 

I agree... if everyone is vaccinated, then we could hopefully see relaxed safety protocols, I'd especially like to see no masks on board. It won't stop me from cruising, but I'd love to be able to cruise without a mask. 

[BrewStef]

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

Edited May 22, 2021 by BrewStef

[Blauelini]

Florida law prohibits vaccine passports or any business or government entity from asking for it. See Senate Bill 2006 signed into law earlier this month. Real curious what RCCL is gonna do. People will start calling Tallahassee in this one.

 

"Additionally, the legislation codifies the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine passports. Governor DeSantis enacted this prohibition through an executive order last month, blocking any business or government entity from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination."

Edited May 22, 2021 by Blauelini

[RFerrington]

7 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

I'm waiting to see how Royal will handle the medical exemption/contradiction issue.  I have a doctor's verification on my International Certification of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) form as well as documentation of a COVID-19 Prophylaxis.  I can't believe that there won't be some provisions for us...but it might not be right away.  If we are denied boarding, I will expect a full cash refund. No more FCC's for me.  So my recommendation is to have your physician document your medical exemption/contradiction as I suspect it will be required in the future.

[erinsmom03]

18 minutes ago, Blauelini said:

Florida law prohibits vaccine passports or any business or government entity from asking for it. See Senate Bill 2006 signed into law earlier this month. Real curious what RCCL is gonna do. People will start calling Tallahassee in this one.

 

"Additionally, the legislation codifies the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine passports. Governor DeSantis enacted this prohibition through an executive order last month, blocking any business or government entity from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination."

 

Everything has been changing quickly these days... it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.

[erinsmom03]

22 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

 

10 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

I'm waiting to see how Royal will handle the medical exemption/contradiction issue.  I have a doctor's verification on my International Certification of Vaccination or Prophylaxis (ICVP) form as well as documentation of a COVID-19 Prophylaxis.  I can't believe that there won't be some provisions for us...but it might not be right away.  If we are denied boarding, I will expect a full cash refund. No more FCC's for me.  So my recommendation is to have your physician document your medical exemption/contradiction as I suspect it will be required in the future.

 

I understand that some people can't get the vaccine. I personally know two people who have had life threatening reactions to the flu shot, and aren't allowed to get the Covid vaccine. I don't know how this will be handled, I don't think they've had time to address it yet. My guess would be no exceptions in the beginning, with some changes down the road. Of course, this is just my guess. I feel bad for those of you in this position. 

[BrewStef]

Just now, erinsmom03 said:

 

 

I understand that some people can't get the vaccine. I personally know two people who have had life threatening reactions to the flu shot, and aren't allowed to get the Covid vaccine. I don't know how this will be handled, I don't think they've had time to address it yet. My guess would be no exceptions in the beginning, with some changes down the road. Of course, this is just my guess. I feel bad for those of you in this position. 

That makes sense.  I am ok with not going right now.  I definitely understand the cruise lines need (and OUR need) to restart as soon as possible.  I just want a refund or the ability to lift and shift further forward since vaccination is a new requirement imposed on us after we paid.   

[RFerrington]

8 minutes ago, erinsmom03 said:

I don't think they've had time to address it yet. My guess would be no exceptions in the beginning, with some changes down the road. 

This is also my guess.  I think they are desperate to get the great masses back to cruising and will worry about we "one-offs" later.  I'm fine with that - as long as they refund my money in the meantime.

 

6 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

 I just want a refund or the ability to lift and shift further forward since vaccination is a new requirement imposed on us after we paid.   

I fear that the days of L&S are over.  They may offer refunds but I'm very doubtful that they are going to let L&S continue once sailings restart.  L&S was a deal with the devil that they were forced into but I don't think it's something that they are going to allow, going forward.  I'm probably wrong.  I often am !

[erinsmom03]

11 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

That makes sense.  I am ok with not going right now.  I definitely understand the cruise lines need (and OUR need) to restart as soon as possible.  I just want a refund or the ability to lift and shift further forward since vaccination is a new requirement imposed on us after we paid.   

 

I hope that they do the right thing by you. I think they would want to keep you as future cruiser. If at first you don't get the resolution you'd like, keep trying until you find someone who works with you.

[erinsmom03]

2 minutes ago, RFerrington said:

This is also my guess.  I think they are desperate to get the great masses back to cruising and will worry about we "one-offs" later.  I'm fine with that - as long as they refund my money in the meantime.

 

I fear that the days of L&S are over.  They may offer refunds but I'm very doubtful that they are going to let L&S continue once sailings restart.  L&S was a deal with the devil that they were forced into but I don't think it's something that they are going to allow, going forward.  I'm probably wrong.  I often am !

 

I think you may be right. I hope that they do the right thing and refund your money if you can't cruise.

[TiiiSailor]

On 5/21/2021 at 11:10 AM, mavo68 said:

.

 

On 5/21/2021 at 11:07 AM, newcruzer2 said:

What worries me about ambiguously saying in first sentence "all fully vaccinated" and then immediately saying "if not vaccinated you will need a negative test"  IS,

all of the rule breakers who will see this as an opportunity to not vaccinate .

Because as we know RCCL didn't use to enforce the rules well, on other matters.

The statement should have been .... Those under 12 need a negative test.

They'll still be trying to "lawyer" their way onto the ship as it sails out of the harbor.  

Wonder how this will affect future sailings out of Florida?

 

[orville99]

50 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

The best practices statements I've seen is that after 90 days from recovery, you can get vaccinated with any of the approved vaccines. Underlying medical conditions that would put you at risk of an adverse reaction to the vaccines are fairly well known by the FDA at this point, so I'd make sure I was armed with all the facts before I'd take a single MD's recommendation - I'd get a second opinion.

 

DW has an autoimmune disease, and her GP recommended against the vaccine for her as well. She consulted a local specialist in her disease, and his recommendation was that the vaccine should not adversely interact with the meds she was taking or the condition she was taking them for. She got both doses of the Moderna vaccine in January, and had no side effects other than a sore arm. Her blood work before and after the vaccines was identical - no change whatsoever in her underlying condition.

[zekekelso]

58 minutes ago, BrewStef said:

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

I’d double check with your doctor. It’s one thing to say “all things being equal, I’d recommend you skip the vaccine.” But they might be fine with you taking the vaccine if you have a good reason (I.e.you want to cruise.)

[livingonthebeach]

The Florida law that bans vaccine passports, has several exemptions, namely for hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, ambulatory surgical centers, physician offices and ambulance providers, among many other health care providers.

 

Since there are already several exemptions, and although cruise ships are not health care facilities, but are considered a health risk according to the CDC, I see no reason why cruise lines can not be exempt -- especially since the governor desperately wants cruising to restart in the state.  

[mmcgann11]

1 hour ago, Blauelini said:

Florida law prohibits vaccine passports or any business or government entity from asking for it. See Senate Bill 2006 signed into law earlier this month. Real curious what RCCL is gonna do. People will start calling Tallahassee in this one.

 

"Additionally, the legislation codifies the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine passports. Governor DeSantis enacted this prohibition through an executive order last month, blocking any business or government entity from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination."

Since DeSantis has no right to regulate interstate commerce (you know, the Commerce clause in the U.S. Constitution) or International Maritime Law, which in this case involves ships registered in the Bahamas, it isn't going to stick in the courts. (I don't have dog in this fight as my next three cruises are out of Bayonne or Baltimore). While the Texas law will likely withstand challenge, Florida's is an extra-legal disaster.

[jrapps]

1 hour ago, Blauelini said:

Florida law prohibits vaccine passports or any business or government entity from asking for it. See Senate Bill 2006 signed into law earlier this month. Real curious what RCCL is gonna do. People will start calling Tallahassee in this one.

 

"Additionally, the legislation codifies the prohibition of COVID-19 vaccine passports. Governor DeSantis enacted this prohibition through an executive order last month, blocking any business or government entity from requiring proof of COVID-19 vaccination."

My guess is that Royal will announce cruises from FL last of all the restarts, but my opinion here is that ultimately they will be advised by their lawyers that the FL law has no jurisdiction over the ports and they will retain the same vaccination rules everywhere.

 

What the state will decide to do at that point is anyone's guess. If Royal, NCL, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, and Disney all restart around the same time and all require vaccines in some capacity, it will get very interesting to see if any lawsuits are filed.

[firefly333]

1 hour ago, BrewStef said:

Sooo.... My doctor has advised me to not take the vaccine since I have already had COVID (and have the antibodies)  and have other medical conditions which makes it more likely that I would have adverse affects from taking it anyway. 

 

I have multiple cruises lifted and shifted with the next one in November.  Does this mean that I wont be able to cruise?  Will I get a refund if I can't?  Ugh...

Here is a thread on the very same thing, host jacquelyn lives in canada and wouldnt be fully vaccinated by her August cruise date and wants a refund. .. so far no good replies. I'm sure it will be asked again as we resume.

[not-enough-cruising]

11 hours ago, PhoenixCruiser said:

Great information! We will not cruise unless everyone over 16 is vaccinated.

Everyone over 12

[molly361]

1 hour ago, RFerrington said:

 

 

I fear that the days of L&S are over.  They may offer refunds but I'm very doubtful that they are going to let L&S continue once sailings restart.  L&S was a deal with the devil that they were forced into but I don't think it's something that they are going to allow, going forward.  I'm probably wrong.  I often am !

I was just telling my TA this morning that I was also thinking that L and S might be over.  Hoping to be able to shift a July cruise if/when it gets cancelled but if I can't no biggie

[BOOKBOOKBOOK]

6 hours ago, Iamcruzin said:

CDC hasn't lifted the no sail order for cruises to start out of US so there is still time to cancel. If you booked with a non refundable deposit and are that concerned about sailing with the unvaccinated than taking an FCC shouldn't be a problem  Bermuda and Nassau itineraries were scheduled after the vaccine was out so no excuse there. Again they had to know that not everyone would have access or would be willing to get the vaccine.

 

There is still time to cancel, but this is financially disadvantageous for many people who either have nonrefundable deposits or don't want to take a 100% FCC that would end up making them pay additional out-of-pocket to cover the spread of a more expensive cruise/itinerary in the future, especially if they already booked a great deal 1-2 years prior.

 

The Bermuda itinerary has been cancelled, and consumers were offered a full refund or 125% FCC, so no issues there. The Nassau itinerary is committing to all guests 16 and over fully vaccinated (12 and over starting Aug. 1) plus limited capacity, so risk of outbreak is super low.

 

People who don't have access to the vaccine or not willing to get it who are under the age of 16 won't be on the Nassau itineraries, and this is precisely why vaccinated people booked. The science suggests that vaccines are the way to go in terms of getting us back to cruising quickly, safely, and normally.

 

I think people who are complaining about unvaccinated people being on the ship are the people booked for US July cruises that still haven't received word about what kind of health protocols will be followed. Everyone who has booked a cruise for US July wants to minimize the chance of any mishaps pertaining to the virus, and I would very much like to see protocols similar to the ones Royal and Celebrity are already doing out of the Caribbean in June. If Royal suddenly announced that vaccines were optional for US July sailings, people would want to cancel in droves, but they would be losing out on a nonrefundable deposit or taking a suboptimal 100% FCC that isn't super flexible.

[Sunshine3601]

15 hours ago, Iamcruzin said:

I don't know why so many who are concerned about the unvaccinated halting the cruise because of a break out are even booking cruises? You had to know that this would be a possibility. There was plenty of opportunity to cancel or get a refund instead of Lifting and Shifting into the unknown.

As per royals email all adults must be fully vaccinated.  Those that have not yet been able to get vaccinated or refuse to get vaccinated will just have to wait till things change.  

Royal doesn't want to take any chance and have cdc shut them down again, that would be devastating.

Edited May 22, 2021 by Sunshine3601