Exemptions from the vaccination on Royal Caribbean Cruise Line

[beshears]

There are 8 of us that are booked for early January 2022 cruising. My d-i-l has several health issues and at this point, has not had her vaccination. I called RCL today and spoke to a representative and ask what the protocol was on this issue. He said things can change by January, but at this time everyone, other than those under 12, and those with exemptions have to be vaccinated or have a doctors "explanation", to be exempt. If you have been on RCL "this year," and had an exemption, what was it, and were there things you could and could not do on the ship? They said they would refund the money back, but we don't want the money back, just want her to be able to go with us. 🙂

[RFerrington]

I got information from special needs regarding the medical exemption.  We have not yet submitted our medical contradiction to vaccine letters b/c even if they allow us to sail, they will still not allow us into the casino so we are still not interested in sailing.  Below is the information that was sent to me:

 

Hello,

 

Thank you for contacting the Access Department.

 

Vaccine accommodation requests are only being considered for active reservations. Please send us your reservation number and a doctor's letter on the office letterhead with the following information:

 

•    Name and DOB of the guests who are requesting an accommodation

•    Medical reason that the guests are unable to be vaccinated

•    Confirmation that they are medically fit to travel

 

Best Regards,

 

Patrick Burden

Access Advocate

[leisuretraveler223]

1 hour ago, beshears said:

There are 8 of us that are booked for early January 2022 cruising. My d-i-l has several health issues and at this point, has not had her vaccination. I called RCL today and spoke to a representative and ask what the protocol was on this issue. He said things can change by January, but at this time everyone, other than those under 12, and those with exemptions have to be vaccinated or have a doctors "explanation", to be exempt.

 

Per guidelines, the ONLY exemptions are documented severe allergic reaction to a previous dose of Covid vaccine, or a documented severe allergic reaction to a previous administration of a Covid vaccine component.  The second one is basically nonexistent.

 

Any provider who has provided an exemption outside of these criteria should be subject to public and professional ridicule.  Hundreds of millions of people have been immunized. Your DIL should not be exempt. If she can't handle the thought of getting immunized, then cruising is not for her.

[JMKreno]

The experience for unvaccinated ADULTS would definitely be subpar, it's a non-issue for unvaxxed kids. There are a lot of places they would not be able to go (from the Casino, to Solarium, Nightclubs, many/most lounges). The areas blocked off really are any areas that KIDS wouldn't normally go. So if you think "kids probably wouldn't likely be in this area" then likely assume that's also where that person would not be able to go. I would not recommend they go at this time as the experience WOULD NOT be good. 

[WindinmySails]

I chose a vaccinated cruise as my husband has stage 4 cancer. This was quite important to me. I honestly think if someone in your party remained unvaccinated, which is their choice, for what ever reason, I would look into another cruise that doesn't require vaccinations so you can all enjoy your vacation.

[beshears]

Thank you all for your replies to my question, and all your comments will be taken into consideration.

[smplybcause]

She wouldn't be allowed in any vax only place. Varies by ship, but pretty much the casino, most bars, night club, and certain performances. 

 

Though I think it's slim that a doctor would be willing to sign their name to a letter that says a person can't medically be vaccinated but it's medically fit to sail - especially since most of the Caribbean is flagged by the cdc as do not visit.