Just when I thought covid testing was over…

[ironz]

Hope home tests don't have false positives. We arrive in Honolulu on Oct. 11th and plan to do tests at our hotel on the 12th.

Without driving this thread off the rails, I am pretty sure that home tests don't have a high false positive rate. Can be false negative (or you haven't developed enough reaction in an early exposure to test positive--yet). But yeah, we're in the same boat (lol, literally). We'll be bringing some with us.

 

[ironz]

We are incredibly disappointed in DCL here, for not making note of this earlier. I realize that it is an Australian requirement, but DCL clearly was caught a bit off guard since they are allowing the flexible cancellation again. I don’t know if they were hoping it would be lifted or not, but they obviously allowed people to book who weren’t vaxxed. We have so many questions and not a lot of time before August 8 to decide. We are fully vaxxed and nobody under 12, but the document lists all sorts of masking requirements too, plus we are doing ABD Sydney on the other end, which begs the question about any testing required there. It’s all a big cluster and has me questioning bothering with this cruise at all this year.

We figured there would be some requirement, and yes, DCL just said "check the country you're traveling to"...
When the document they finally referenced from the Australian officials says this (italics mine):

1.2 Cruise lines should provide up to date and tailored information (specific to the cruise type and duration) to their passengers in the lead up to the cruise, noting that passengers are likely to book the cruise some time in advance of boarding.

So, yeah, they could have been more specific earlier rather than later. I looked at requirements up and down a while back, and you have to really dig to find it. Agreeing with our neighbors in the Southern Hemisphere that we needed to look further, but here in the U.S., if you just look at stuff like the embassy websites, it's not obvious.

The fact that DCL has decided to allow late cancellations shows that they either missed all this or thought it was going away before the cruise. Which is not the first 'speed bump' with this cruise and the information put out there. I honestly think they need to have just a focus team for new itineraries like this that do a deep dive into the information available/website/port info, etc., sort of like a defined specialist who can catch the mistakes and omissions.

Fingers crossed it all goes well!

 

[soniam]

It doesn't have to be. I received my first three shots from the same nurse at the same vaccine clinic. By the time of the second boosters, that large, purpose-made clinic was closed and a new, smaller one had opened at the local hospital. They wrote the information for the fourth shot on the same card as the first three. All of that information was transmitted to my doctor and to the state records so that I can retrieve it as needed. I've had three primary care doctors in the last 30 years. I left the first one when I moved about 80 miles away, the second retired, and the third is still my doctor.

So, medical care in the US doesn't have to be a haphazard joke. I guess some states are just bad at this. They don't have to be.

The problem is that it’s state-based. Texas doesn’t allow that information to be saved at the state level, only individual doctor’s offices. If the doc quits, moves, or retires without notifying you, the info is gone. I wish there was a choice to save it nationally, but there isn’t.

 

[Kwami]

The problem is that it’s state-based. Texas doesn’t allow that information to be saved at the state level, only individual doctor’s offices. If the doc quits, moves, or retires without notifying you, the info is gone. I wish there was a choice to save it nationally, but there isn’t.

Like I said, some states are just bad. They don't have to be. It's an unfortunate situation for the people who have to live under such ridiculous governments. But, it's not "the US" that's a joke. It's Texas and other states like Texas.

 

[ironz]

For Texas, there are 3 ways to try to find your vaccine info: My Chart, TexasHealth dot org, or ImmTrac
Almost all of the vaccines distributed in Texas were via the Texas Dept of Health Services.

https://www.texashealth.org/about-t...n=covid19&utm_content=vaccine#vaccinationcard

 

[Sykes]

Hope home tests don't have false positives. We arrive in Honolulu on Oct. 11th and plan to do tests at our hotel on the 12th.

False positives are exceptionally rare, but if you get a positive and genuinely believe it is a false positive then you don't have to report it--you can always re-test on your own and hope for the best.

 

[tvguy]

False positives are exceptionally rare, but if you get a positive and genuinely believe it is a false positive then you don't have to report it--you can always re-test on your own and hope for the best.

No, the risk with home tests is a false Negative result.

 

[Mommb]

The fact that DCL has decided to allow late cancellations shows that they either missed all this or thought it was going away before the cruise. Which is not the first 'speed bump' with this cruise and the information put out there.

I strongly doubt DCL were unaware of the requirements -- they have consistently said that guests should check local requirements in each port. Given that many other countries have eased restrictions over the past year, I think it's more likely that DCL expected these restrictions to have been lifted before final payments began.

Suppose DCL had emphasized these requirements at the time the Australian cruises were released, dissuading people who were unable or unwilling to meet them from booking. Then suppose the Australian Cruise Protocols changed so that vaccinations, testing, and masking weren't required. Some people would have complained that they couldn't book on opening day because DCL provided "incorrect" information.

Now that the Protocols are still in place and the cruise date is approaching, DCL is providing accomodations for people who didn't research the requirements when they booked (which DCL didn't need to do, because they have consistently said that guests are responsible for checking requirements). This way, anyone who is unable or unwilling to cruise with these requirements can cancel without penalty, while those who are still willing and able to cruise are not affected.

 

[Flea]

I strongly doubt DCL were unaware of the requirements -- they have consistently said that guests should check local requirements in each port. Given that many other countries have eased restrictions over the past year, I think it's more likely that DCL expected these restrictions to have been lifted before final payments began.

Suppose DCL had emphasized these requirements at the time the Australian cruises were released, dissuading people who were unable or unwilling to meet them from booking. Then suppose the Australian Cruise Protocols changed so that vaccinations, testing, and masking weren't required. Some people would have complained that they couldn't book on opening day because DCL provided "incorrect" information.

Now that the Protocols are still in place and the cruise date is approaching, DCL is providing accomodations for people who didn't research the requirements when they booked (which DCL didn't need to do, because they have consistently said that guests are responsible for checking requirements). This way, anyone who is unable or unwilling to cruise with these requirements can cancel without penalty, while those who are still willing and able to cruise are not affected.

They definitely were not clear as when people called or emailed they said "Australia has no current requirements"and then referred them to the Australia Government one not the cruise protocol one, despite people sending them this info repeatedly for the past year.
Part of the protcol is that the cruiselines needed to advise people at time of booking and Disney didn't. So if you weren't aware and the information took a bit of digging, many were caught out. Other cruiselines have it clear but if you told others that they dismissed it as a cruiseline specific rule.

 

[Flea]

The issue is now Disney have said it's for sailing only until 16 November 2023, which is very risky, because if they aren't lifted by then then they'll have to cover refunds still.

They should not be giving a date (like other cruiselines) and then just advise once the protocols are lifted instead of leaving it so close with specific dates. Many people will lose out on flights etc.

 

[lanejudy]

The issue is now Disney have said it's for sailing only until 16 November 2023, which is very risky, because if they aren't lifted by then then they'll have to cover refunds still.

I haven’t seen the DCL communication, but does it actually state the protocols are only in place until 11/16/23? Or does it state Wonder cruises with departures through 11/16/23 are eligible for the no-penalty refund? That might be because departures past that date are not in the penalty phase yet. I would not expect DCL to offer another “free refund” if folks don’t cancel before PIF now that protocols have been announced.

 

[Flea]

I haven’t seen the DCL communication, but does it actually state the protocols are only in place until 11/16/23? Or does it state Wonder cruises with departures through 11/16/23 are eligible for the no-penalty refund? That might be because departures past that date are not in the penalty phase yet. I would not expect DCL to offer another “free refund” if folks don’t cancel before PIF now that protocols have been announced.

that the vaccination rules only apply to cruises to 11/16/23 and that they will advise on cruises after that date - which is still under review. This leaves such a tight time frame, and there are the cruises to NZ in that time so international flights involved. I think the cruise leaves NZ on the 4th December to head back to Australia.

What they should have done is had the blanket rule like the other cruiselines THEN IF the protocols changed adjust from there. The way they've done it means they aren't clear enough with the protocols which is part of the conditions.

To be fair they needed to be clear at time of booking which they weren't so people can argue they didn't meet their obligations, it doesn't help for those with non refundable airfares though.

 

[Flea]

that the vaccination rules only apply to cruises to 11/16/23 and that they will advise on cruises after that date - which is still under review. This leaves such a tight time frame, and there are the cruises to NZ in that time so international flights involved. I think the cruise leaves NZ on the 4th December to head back to Australia.

What they should have done is had the blanket rule like the other cruiselines THEN IF the protocols changed adjust from there. The way they've done it means they aren't clear enough with the protocols which is part of the conditions.

To be fair they needed to be clear at time of booking which they weren't so people can argue they didn't meet their obligations, it doesn't help for those with non refundable airfares though.

adding that this is only when people contact them that they advise.

 

[lanejudy]

that the vaccination rules only apply to cruises to 11/16/23

No, it doesn’t. It does say DCL will update protocols.

From DisneyCruiseLineBlog:

For sailings aboard the Disney Wonder from October 13, 2023, through November 16, 2023, we are temporarily extending final payment until 60 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in unrestricted stateroom categories. This means that those Guests who have not yet reached their final payment due date can wait until up to 60 days prior to sailing to pay any remaining balance due for their cruise vacation. …
Guests booked on the Disney Wonder October 13, 2023, through November 16, 2023, may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting our reservations team before August 8, 2023. …

This is exactly how DCL has handled any itineraries with covid protocols. Disney has no control over what another vendor (airline, hotel, car rental, etc.) may charge. There have been numerous posts here about it, though admittedly not much in the past 6 months or so. I’m sorry it caught you unaware.

 

[Flea]

No, it doesn’t. It does say DCL will update protocols.

From DisneyCruiseLineBlog:

For sailings aboard the Disney Wonder from October 13, 2023, through November 16, 2023, we are temporarily extending final payment until 60 days prior to sailing for Guests booked in unrestricted stateroom categories. This means that those Guests who have not yet reached their final payment due date can wait until up to 60 days prior to sailing to pay any remaining balance due for their cruise vacation. …
Guests booked on the Disney Wonder October 13, 2023, through November 16, 2023, may modify their sail date or cancel their sailing without any Disney-imposed cancellation fees by contacting our reservations team before August 8, 2023. …

This is exactly how DCL has handled any itineraries with covid protocols. Disney has no control over what another vendor (airline, hotel, car rental, etc.) may charge. There have been numerous posts here about it, though admittedly not much in the past 6 months or so. I’m sorry it caught you unaware.

not sure if I can attach screenshots - this is different to what Disney are emailing to passengers

 

[Flea]

not sure if I can attach screenshots - this is different to what Disney are emailing to passengers

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!
I would be happy to assist you.
Those requirements were only announced for Disney Wonder sailings commencing 10/13/23-11/16/23 which travel to, or leave from, Australia.
Please note, cruise health and safety protocols vary among countries and continue to evolve. There is a possibility that COVID-19
vaccination and testing requirements may change or be eliminated by the Australian government before any impacted sailings
commence.
Requirements for sailings beginning 11/21/23 and beyond are still under review. If necessary, additional information will be communicated at a later time.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/
Please be sure to periodically check the link above for any updated information.
At this time for those not sailing within the above timeframe, you would need to cancel or modify the reservation prior to the final payment due date as per the traditional cancelation policy.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further assistance with any other inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Kind regards,
Pete
Email Communications Agent
Disney Cruise Line
*If applicable, please include your full name, reservation number, and phone number in all correspondence.
PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your sailing.

 

[Flea]

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!
I would be happy to assist you.
Those requirements were only announced for Disney Wonder sailings commencing 10/13/23-11/16/23 which travel to, or leave from, Australia.
Please note, cruise health and safety protocols vary among countries and continue to evolve. There is a possibility that COVID-19
vaccination and testing requirements may change or be eliminated by the Australian government before any impacted sailings
commence.
Requirements for sailings beginning 11/21/23 and beyond are still under review. If necessary, additional information will be communicated at a later time.
https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/why-cruise-disney/experience-updates/
Please be sure to periodically check the link above for any updated information.
At this time for those not sailing within the above timeframe, you would need to cancel or modify the reservation prior to the final payment due date as per the traditional cancelation policy.
I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further assistance with any other inquiries, please feel free to contact us.
Kind regards,
Pete
Email Communications Agent
Disney Cruise Line
*If applicable, please include your full name, reservation number, and phone number in all correspondence.
PLEASE NOTE: All information is subject to change without notice and should be confirmed just prior to your sailing.

The issue with this is that it doesn't actually meet the protocol rules which state that all clients must be advised at time of booking of the vaccination requirements. By emailing people saying it may not apply for their cruise and then it does (if it does) mean Disney have not followed that part of the protocol.

This is the part they aren't communicating 2.1.3

2.1 All passengers (12 years and older) must be ‘fully vaccinated’ to board a cruise ship.3 Cruise lines should ensure this is clearlycommunicated to customers prior to booking.

 

[Flea]

This is exactly how DCL has handled any itineraries with covid protocols. Disney has no control over what another vendor (airline, hotel, car rental, etc.) may charge. There have been numerous posts here about it, though admittedly not much in the past 6 months or so. I’m sorry it caught you unaware.

also it has not caught me unaware - I was one of the people trying to advise others for months that they need to be vaccinated if their cruise is in/from/to Australia . It doesn't effect me in any way. I'm fully vaxxed and it doesn't actually impact my cruise because they are both within NZ.

I'm just stating the information that Disney are advising people when they contact directly.

 

[lanejudy]

So the email that is shared in full on the Blog is the email guests booked for itineraries to or from Australia, and that is what I copied above. If you aren't booked on one that is closed loop within NZ you would not have received the same email. It looks as though the email you received was in direct response to a question you sent to DCL, not the official communication. Unfortunately, like calling, there can be misinformation from a CM answering a one-off question. DCL's official information -- both in the email to those on impacted itineraries and on the website -- does not indicate the rules are only for certain dates. As to DCL's responsibility to inform...at the time those itineraries were first released I believe DCL was still doing covid protocols on all itineraries, and if the information was on the website they are probably covered.

Again, I'm sorry for anyone who got caught off-guard. It's stressful, I'm sure. I think most people expected covid protocols to be a thing of the past by this point. DCL is offering an out and I recommend anyone take advantage of that if they have concerns about the protocols.

 

[DCLMP]

I would cancel. It wouldn't be worth the headache. I'm so over all that nonsense. Anyway, I hope it works out for you whatever you decide.