Full Vaccination Required Ages 5+ Starting 1/13/22

[Marrila]

Terrific news, we are now planning to book for Christmas 2022

It is terrific news for us too. We are looking at cruises late next year.

 

[FigmentSpark]

What I thought was odd was that I was told I have until nearly the end of Dec to cancel my March 2022 cruise with no penalties, but if I want to cancel because of the vaccine, I only have until Dec 1. Which is it?

We are all vaccinated, so that's not a problem, but we still haven't firmly decided we're sailing for other reasons (not the least of which is whether we can get covid or, heck, cruise insurance). So I'd like to know exactly how long I have before I lose my money if I cancel. This has made it confusing.

 

[lanejudy]

What I thought was odd was that I was told I have until nearly the end of Dec to cancel my March 2022 cruise with no penalties, but if I want to cancel because of the vaccine, I only have until Dec 1. Which is it?

Is the end of Dec. the regular cancellation policy? I actually thought cancellation was extended to 60 days prior, which would be in January for a March cruise. Assuming you are not booked concierge, the regular (or extended) cancellation should be in effect for you. The Dec. 1st date is for those who are booked concierge (typically non-refundable at any point) or who would already be within their cancellation period (mid- to late-January cruises).

 

[MomOTwins]

No I would not say that is fair. People have lives and families and jobs outside of a vacation and need time to handle this appropriately and 2 weeks during the holidays is not an appropriate length of time.

I think you missed my point. We all had plenty of time to plan for this—the writing was on the wall months before Disney announced it, and research, pediatrician questions etc. could all have taken place weeks ago. It’s like how when DCL announces a new season for booking—they usually only announce a week or so ahead of when they open for booking, which is not a time to prepare. But most of us on disboards already have an idea of what we want, and a super popular itinerary like Hawaii, for example, will sell out on day one. This vaccine mandate was equally capable of being planned for so those who wanted to cancel could cancel right away, and those who wanted to keep their bookings could as well without needing weeks and weeks to think it over after the announcement.

 

[DCLMP]

I mean, to be fair, the vaccine has been approved for kids for a couple of weeks already, was known to be coming for ages, and anyone not living under a rock could see was likely DCL might require it. We talked to our pediatrician a month ago.

Not everyone hangs out on the Disney cruiseline board 24\7 like most of the posters on here. People do have lives outside of Dinsey.

 

[mab2012]

In the GTA they’ve already announced the neighbourhoods that will get rolled out first and ours is not on the list. So it will be at least December and maybe January. If they go 8 weeks between shots we could be scr*Wed for a March break cruise.

How I am supposed to juggle that by December 1 is beyond me. And the thought of telling kiddo that his cruise is postponed for a third time is…

I expect you'll be fine. Remember how fast they got through (willing) adults once supply came in? In Ontario, first-dose bookings opened for under 50s around mid-May. By mid-July, you could get a shot pretty much anywhere without an appointment. Most people got first and second shots inside that two month period, and that was a much, much bigger population than the 5-12 year-olds. Given supply, they know how to get shots in arms.

I will be surprised we are not actively vaccinating kids by this time next week. If not then, by the next Monday, for sure. They've had weeks to coordinate Pfizer's shipments with Health Canada's approval. Anyone who wants their kid vaccinated will have a first shot before Christmas. Even with an 8-week interval, that's going to leave you with a couple of weeks to spare before March Break.

You should have a better idea after they announce tomorrow!

 

[mousefan73]

I wonder if more cabins for will open up for certain cruises. I just looked for Hawaii
and didn't see anything.

I’m booked on one of those cruises and in our FB group people have been canceling steadily I would say the past six months for different reasons. What we’ve noticed is that as cabins get canceled they are not being added back into inventory where people are able to book those rooms.

there’s speculation on the reasons and vary from A more positive angle That this cruise is happening but will most likely have limited capacity demands and so this is their way of reducing that. Because it did sell out when it opened up. Or negativly you DCL assumes the cruise will not happen and is Putting itself in a better position not having to give additional cruise credits for late bookers

 

[FigmentSpark]

Is the end of Dec. the regular cancellation policy? I actually thought cancellation was extended to 60 days prior, which would be in January for a March cruise. Assuming you are not booked concierge, the regular (or extended) cancellation should be in effect for you. The Dec. 1st date is for those who are booked concierge (typically non-refundable at any point) or who would already be within their cancellation period (mid- to late-January cruises).

Our cruise date is March 12. Last month, I called DCL to find out when my full refund cancellation was and they said Dec 26.

Not concierge.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

Has anyone sailed with a ‘new 12’ since reopening?

We are set to sail with a new 5 (day after her 5th birthday) and while I trust she can sail due to the window I’m wondering how much of a hassle it’ll be…

We’ve sailed twice since reopening so are very familiar with the rules but not sure on this pivot.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

What I thought was odd was that I was told I have until nearly the end of Dec to cancel my March 2022 cruise with no penalties, but if I want to cancel because of the vaccine, I only have until Dec 1. Which is it?

We are all vaccinated, so that's not a problem, but we still haven't firmly decided we're sailing for other reasons (not the least of which is whether we can get covid or, heck, cruise insurance). So I'd like to know exactly how long I have before I lose my money if I cancel. This has made it confusing.

I agree. I thought my PIF date for my cruise was 13-Jan (March cruise also). That email has made it confusing. Was going to wait it out, but we (fully vaxed) don't care for the restrictions and the gamble of a positive test after traveling to port. Not relaxing at all. And given the hoop jumping of international travel- too expensive of a risk for my Italy/Greece trip. 2 previous cancellations. Looks like 3 strikes for us and we are out. Going to focus on trips I can actually take and relax (hopefully). Looks like a wait for our family to return to cruising-sadly...

 

[lorenni]

I expect you'll be fine. Remember how fast they got through (willing) adults once supply came in? In Ontario, first-dose bookings opened for under 50s around mid-May. By mid-July, you could get a shot pretty much anywhere without an appointment. Most people got first and second shots inside that two month period, and that was a much, much bigger population than the 5-12 year-olds. Given supply, they know how to get shots in arms.

I will be surprised we are not actively vaccinating kids by this time next week. If not then, by the next Monday, for sure. They've had weeks to coordinate Pfizer's shipments with Health Canada's approval. Anyone who wants their kid vaccinated will have a first shot before Christmas. Even with an 8-week interval, that's going to leave you with a couple of weeks to spare before March Break.

You should have a better idea after they announce tomorrow!

It took months for them to get supply out. And then we had to wait months for a second shot. If I were counting on kid supplies to go the same way adults did, I’d be planning to stay home until next summer at the earliest.

I am certainly hoping they are more organized now and that we don’t have supply chain issues. But if he doesn’t get a first shot in December and a second shot before the end of Feb, he won’t have finished the series two weeks before the cruise, as required.

Realistically, if I can’t get him an appointment on the books before the Dec 1 deadline imposed by Disney for changes, we’ll have to reschedule again.

 

[lanejudy]

Our cruise date is March 12. Last month, I called DCL to find out when my full refund cancellation was and they said Dec 26.

Not concierge.

I guess that's the usual 75 days. I thought cancellations had been extended to 60 days. Anyway, then yes you have until Dec. 26th to cancel. As mentioned above, the Dec. 1st date is for those who are concierge or are already be within their penalty period. I believe DCL did similar for the Dream and Fantasy last summer/early fall -- a short window allowing those who were already within the penalty period to cancel for refund, but those with later sailings still kept their designated cancellation date to decide. It's kind of a "whichever is later" scenario.

 

[Cfudge]

we’ll have clarity for dates then.Hopefully not the 8 weeks between doses we’ve been hearing.

3 weeks apart -
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html

 

[Kwami]

I guess that's the usual 75 days. I thought cancellations had been extended to 60 days. Anyway, then yes you have until Dec. 26th to cancel. As mentioned above, the Dec. 1st date is for those who are concierge or are already be within their penalty period. I believe DCL did similar for the Dream and Fantasy last summer/early fall -- a short window allowing those who were already within the penalty period to cancel for refund, but those with later sailings still kept their designated cancellation date to decide. It's kind of a "whichever is later" scenario.

Yes, the 60-day cancelation schedule has been extended until the end of May 2022. From the DCL website:

For sailings through May 31, 2022, the cancellation fee schedule has been temporarily relaxed from beginning as early as 119 days prior to sailing to beginning 59 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in non-Suite and non-Concierge categories. For Guests booked in Suite and Concierge categories, cancellation fees in excess of the deposit amount will temporarily begin at 59 days prior to sailing.

 

[DCLMP]

Well it is something that has been discussed for years here and elsewhere. I'll give a few examples but I am in the parks 4-6 weeks a year and the percentage of adults over kids is much bigger than it was a decade ago. Yes, Disney markets to families but they keep adding more and more for adults, they do have more cash per head to spend. Disney is getting expensive too, so many reasons to focus on the adult dollars as they price out some families. I've seen very little added for kids (extras).

- Epcot Food & Wine Festival is now over 4 mos long. I remember when 6 weeks. Geared to adults.
- Epcot Flower & Garden Festival is now over 4 mos long. Mostly geared to adults.
- Epcot Art Festival is now 2 mos long. Plenty for kids but festivals are heavy with drinking.
- Four big running events geared mostly to adults.
- Alcohol added to MK restaurants
- Alcohol at all Dessert parties, now even in MK!
- Addition of more rooftop/expensive dining
- Addition of more bars (Oga's, AbraCadabar, Nomad Lounge, Jock Lindsay, Trader Sam ..) and renovation of other bars in hotels
- Restaurants that appeal to adults, tougher $ for families like Space 220
- Many events over last 5-6 years geared around drinking; Highway in Sky, Club Villain, CG 50th Celebration around alcohol, Culinary events.
- Expansion at Disney Springs with lots of bars, expensive shopping, restaurants with huge bar menus, not exactly too much kid fun there.
- Many families with young kids are feeling priced out.
- Less hours with increase in After Hours Events, too late for many families plus the price. Know many adults who bought just this ticket. I've been 3 times and seen mostly adults.
- Many of the tours (most on hold now) are geared for adults, some with minimum ages.

Again I don't think they will stop marketing (commercials etc) to families because they hope to hook kids while they are young to keep coming back for their lifetime BUT I do think they will continue to focus heavily on their offerings to adults. $$$ in the bank now.

DCL would need to make a lot of changes like drink packages, casinos adult entertainment etc.

 

[DCLMP]

I agree. I thought my PIF date for my cruise was 13-Jan (March cruise also). That email has made it confusing. Was going to wait it out, but we (fully vaxed) don't care for the restrictions and the gamble of a positive test after traveling to port. Not relaxing at all. And given the hoop jumping of international travel- too expensive of a risk for my Italy/Greece trip. 2 previous cancellations. Looks like 3 strikes for us and we are out. Going to focus on trips I can actually take and relax (hopefully). Looks like a wait for our family to return to cruising-sadly...

Greece has been pretty open to cruise ships. You probably have a better shot than a Baltic cruise.

 

[HopperFan]

DCL would need to make a lot of changes like drink packages, casinos adult entertainment etc.

Disagree - lots not needed.

MANY people cruise other lines and never step foot in the casino, myself included. There is no need for casinos.

They could offer drink packages, I've bought on half my cruises but haven't on half my cruises. Each person does the math. The nice part about those packages is they include fresh squeezed juice, smoothies, specialty coffees, bottled water .... not all involves alcohol but would have appeal. BUT they don't have to offer the packages, I remember the day they didn't exist. DCL would do just fine without them. Disney adults already pay crazy prices to drink in parks.

Disney already has a long list of alcohol tasting events on DCL. They already have lounges and nightclubs and they could expand the 21 and up requirement easily. They could expand an adult non-alcoholic menu as there are plenty of adults who don't drink.

Disney already has adult only pools, relaxation area and spa.

Disney already has plenty of areas designed for adults such as bars, lounges, nightclubs that they could limit to adults during particular hours.

Disney has been advertising their cruises to families, and they are apparently loved by many. But there is no reason they couldn't amp up the adult only areas, the adult entertainment say 10 pm on and market to the Disney adults. There are plenty who likely haven't looked because they have been made to believe by others they are only for younger families. My DH is one who was told it was about character meets and character meals, nonstop Disney in your face.

Disney's whole organization, marketing, product structure is changing under the new leadership - who clearly is income focused, no matter what the impact to the individual consumer. DCL has a real opportunity to pull in a large market in this country which can make up for losing some international customers and those who won't vaccinate their kids. And honestly their ships would only need change ups of their offerings in their already existing hard structure. Cost would be acceptable for the potential of a whole new big target market, with money to spend.

I get the younger families might not like this idea, but as we see with all things Disney ... what will generate the most income with the lowest investment is what they like, AND this is one I think could work out well - fill ships.

 

[bcwife76]

3 weeks apart -
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-can...vaccine-in-children-5-to-11-years-of-age.html

Health Canada recommends 3 weeks apart but NACI is recommending at least 8 weeks apart It will be up to each province to decide the interval. In BC they have not announced which interval they will go with but considering we were one of the first provinces to implement the 8 week interval for adults and teens....ugh.

 

[mousefan73]

Health Canada recommends 3 weeks apart but NACI is recommending at least 8 weeks apart It will be up to each province to decide the interval. In BC they have not announced which interval they will go with but considering we were one of the first provinces to implement the 8 week interval for adults and teens....ugh.

I think historically the gap between shots was driven by supply issues. I know that’s what Canada did. And then studies started popping up showing possible benefits of extending the time between shots etc. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue a week here or there etc. when it comes to being vetted as “fully vacillated” When one has plans it becomes an issue. Or in the case of the UK where they only give one dose to kids

 

[bcwife76]

I think historically the gap between shots was driven by supply issues. I know that’s what Canada did. And then studies started popping up showing possible benefits of extending the time between shots etc. Normally this wouldn’t be an issue a week here or there etc. when it comes to being vetted as “fully vacillated” When one has plans it becomes an issue. Or in the case of the UK where they only give one dose to kids

At first it was definitely driven by supply but even when we were swimming in excess vaccines, they kept with that interval. In BC we will be finding out on Tuesday all tbe details of our rollout, including intervals between shots. We have no plans to go away now til mid March so even at 8 weeks we should be ok, esp if they start administering them the week of Nov 29 as they have announced in BC.