Cancellations due to Zika?

[MakiraMarlena]

Some lines are allowing cancellation refunds (apparently past the point where refunds are typically not given and penalties would apply) for pregnant passengers who are concerned about Zika. In general, they are only allowing this for passengers who are already pregnant. In some cases, they are allowing it only for the pregnant passenger and guests in her stateroom, and not for anyone accompanying her who is booked in a different stateroom. So if you think you might cancel due to Zika, it would be best to call DCL and ask what their policy is, and if you are still not sure, to get your cancellation in before your paid in full date (the time at which cancellation penalties kick in).

Or in the OP's case, she has the opportunity to choose somewhere else for her honeymoon as it appears she hasn't actually booked anything yet.

 

[Dug720]

Some lines are allowing cancellation refunds (apparently past the point where refunds are typically not given and penalties would apply) for pregnant passengers who are concerned about Zika. In general, they are only allowing this for passengers who are already pregnant. In some cases, they are allowing it only for the pregnant passenger and guests in her stateroom, and not for anyone accompanying her who is booked in a different stateroom. So if you think you might cancel due to Zika, it would be best to call DCL and ask what their policy is, and if you are still not sure, to get your cancellation in before your paid in full date (the time at which cancellation penalties kick in).

Or in the OP's case, she has the opportunity to choose somewhere else for her honeymoon as it appears she hasn't actually booked anything yet.

My guess - and this is just a guess - is that as the cruises that were already past the cancellation date when Zika really hit the news with warnings sail, we may see a big drop in cruiselines allowing for exceptions. I can easily see them saying "We understand, however your cruise was not past the cancellation point OR was booked after Zika hit the news, so you chose to keep/make the reservation. We're sorry, but no refund."

I mean, at this point, the word and warnings are out there. If you choose to keep a reservation or book a reservation, it's really on you IMHO. And I could see the cruiselines seeing it that way as well.

eta: Just to clarify... I'm referring to allowing people to cancel and get refunds or future cruise credits when they are within the cancellation period being curtailed now that the information about Zika is out there.

 

[Paula Sedley-Burke]

Unless there was a risk I might be trying for a family I wouldn't worry. Good advice that you can always cancel from Princessshamoo. We are going on a b2b this September and I have a compromised immune system. It's not stopping me we have done many cruises I never have been bitten let alone then the chances of it being Zika infected. I am more likely to fall on the deck knowing me! I hope you enjoy your honeymoon. But if it worries you at all then is it worth it? Do something that doesn't worry you as much. Me I will be in the conceiege lounge if you want me lol...

 

[MakiraMarlena]

I agree, at some point it may be considered a risk that guests may be expected to know about before booking a cruise. Possibly an exception for guests who booked a cruise and then became pregnant.

 

[RedSox68]

I am cruising in October 2017 and have no concerns about Zika. I have no plans to get pregnant which is really the only horrible thing about it is the birth defects it causes. For anyone else who contracts it the symptoms are like getting the flu.

Yes -- and I think even if you are thinking of getting pregnant, they suggest you wait 6 months after returning from an area with Zika. I would not worry about it since it is so far away.

 

[disneyholic family]

If you're planning to become pregnant, or would keep the baby if you became pregnant by accident, it's not worth the risk. Most people with Zika have no symptoms, so the fact that you haven't heard about people getting sick doesn't mean anything.

If your husband gets infected (& again, you likely wouldn't even know), it wouldn't be safe to get pregnant from him for several months, according to health department recommendations. And if you were 3 weeks pregnant on the cruise, didn't know & got the virus...

There are a lot of die-hard travel/cruise types on these boards who will tell you to stick to your vacation plans no matter what, & downplay the risk. As the mother of an autistic child (he is now high-functioning after spending tens of thousands of dollars and almost as many hours on therapists, doctors, medical tests, medications, supplements, private school, etc., etc.), I have a different perspective and will tell you that the trip just isn't worth the risk, not only to the baby, but also to what having a severely disabled child would do to you and your husband's lives.

Zika can cause your child to be born with severe, irreversable brain damage just from you or your husband getting one mosquito bite. No trip is worth that. Just go somewhere else where the virus isn't spread. Disney has cruises to Alaska & Europe, too- just skip the Caribbean during your baby-making years.

your first line is the most important one!
if you're planning on becoming pregnant, or would keep the baby if you accidentally became pregnant...
that's the key...would you abort if the worst case scenario happens?
if not, don't go, even if you're not planning on getting pregnant....
all contraceptives have failures (including the pill)....
if you think you might not be willing to end the pregnancy, choose another destination...