We did Cancel 2/19!

[kfields1]

My son has begun having concurrent ear infections with motion sickness/balance issues. I canceled with a doctor's note and I will receive all monies minus insurance back. Thank goodness for insurance!!!

 

[lbgraves]

Not sure if you lost your original post. I found it a page back and alot of people posted in reply to your question.

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=729755&page=1&pp=15

 

[tezb]

Taking a trip/cruise anytime of year is a risk. Sure the flu is more rampid during this time of year but you can also get sick during the summer. Same with the weather/high seas. We have always gone during the summer and have been lucky but you just never know. You're trip is so close, I would just go and hope for the best. Be positive and since you have trip insurance, you could cancel if someone was too ill to go. Think about it this way..what if you cancelled because you were afraid of the viruses, bad weather, etc and then in the summer, you encountered one or more of the same problems you were worried about? It's a gamble but go w/ your first thought and take the cruise. You must have booked in Feb for a reason anyway.


Good Luck in whatever you decide....

 

[missmulan]

i am hardly an experienced cruiser but it sounds like you're having the pre-cruise anxieties like i did and boy, did i have them bad! anyway, your cruise can be the exact opposite of what you think it might be. you sound like you're "lumping" all the bad experiences (stretched out from different weeks) from other cruisers into one week. i think you and your family will have a good time.....how can you not? it's disney!! soooo....if there's any note you plan to get from the doctor, make sure it's a prescription for antibiotics (ear infection)....HAVE FUN!!

 

[Mumph39]

We have taken 3 cruises so far in February. We are scheduled for our 4th on the 2/19 Eastern as well. The first cruise we only experienced one "rough day" and that was only in the evening. The second was perfect. Last year we had two rocky days. The good days have far outweighed the bad.

The ships doctor is wonderful. My youngest developed an ear infection on board and was given an antibiotic. The Dr. checked on him every day. I felt very comfortable with the service they gave us.

The weather changes from week to week, day to day. If you check the weather in ports now and then again next week, you will see that it is getting warmer and weather patterns are shifting.

However, you have to make the decision that is best for your family, especially your son. You know him best. Best of luck in your decision. You will not be dissapointed if you choose to go now or switch to another date in the future.

 

[kfields1]

I'm on LI too. I was on a Big Red Boat cruise in Feb. 1993 and it was a disaster with rough seas, missing ports, etc. I guess I'm having flashbacks!! That was horrible without kids. I can't imagine with kids!!!

Thanks for your info.

 

[dwkwootton]

Since you have travel insurance, it might be worth changing your date. It sounds like deep down you want to and sometimes it really is our gut instinct that is the best. As for seas and weather, it is a roll of the dice, except for warm temps. You will get warm temps in June/July and that is not a definite in Feb, especially in CC. The other big thing for you is the virus situation. If your child has been getting alot of ear infections, his immune system is probably not up to par right now. Sure, people get sick all times of the year and it only takes one person and all that good stuff, but the bottom line is that this time of year there's alot of sickness on board. Maybe no one wants to miss anything or maybe not everyone is concerned about about a hefty cold, but figure you will encounter rather active virus symptoms routinely throughout the ship.

 

[kfields1]

We talked to my son's doctor again and decided to cancel the cruise. I think the seas, weather, etc. has been a little too "iffy" to put him on a boat and risk major motion sickness. I filled out the insurance forms w/the doctor's form so I should get my refund. Thanks for all of your input!

 

[my3kids]

Did the insurance company okay the refund for ear infections with a doctor's recommendation?

 

[smchan]

We talked to my son's doctor again and decided to cancel the cruise.

Be advised that you're still going to lose money. Specifically, the cost of the insurance.

Sam

 

[ivanova]

Did the insurance company okay the refund for ear infections with a doctor's recommendation?

Good point. Insurance does not automatically cover ANY illness/medical condition. Hopefully you checked with the insurance carrier before assuming they'd cover this particular instance.

 

[kfields1]

I just spoke the the insurance company. They said it should not be a problem b/c ear infections and inner ear issues are not compatible with the motion sickness factor. Plus, they do not want sick people on the cruises!!! Did you see the article someone else posted about 85 rooms of people being quarantined on another cruise line? Yikes!

 

[budwmn]

kfields1 - I bet you're relieved now that you made the decision. I realize some people find it odd that you would cancel. I have a DS who gets sick ALL THE TIME! We've taken 5 cruises and have been lucky most of the time. However, on our 4th trip he got the Norwalk and was put in isolation for 3 days. He was so sick! It was awful. There is nothing worse than being on a ship with a miserable, sick child!

Who knows if your son would have had a problem? Yet, you have to follow your instincts and do what you think is best for him. I'm sure it's not the end result you would have wanted, but you made the right decision for your family.

Hope your son gets better soon and that you enjoy a magical DCL cruise in the near future!