An autumn update and vaccine policy change

[Official Autopost]

We are delighted that we are now cruising internationally. We work hand-in-hand with our partners in the destinations we visit and with the evolving guidance and entry requirements, we have had to update our vaccine and testing policies. Here’s P&O Cruises president, Paul Ludlow, to tell you more:

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[Stephen]

Great bit of video . Paul Ludlow is obviously not looking his best.

[Kendhni]

Also got another update from P&O about next years cruise and it looks the "fully vaccinated" message is being retained.

[david63]

The bit that I find confusing is

all guests of all ages will need to be fully vaccinated

Does this mean that all children will need to be vaccinated? If so how?

[Whynd1]

It seems P and O are out if step will government guidelines. Facebook posts saying parents with young children having their cruises cancelled. Not just the Caribbean fly cruises.
I thought children could have flow tests etc.

Lindsey

[Mervyn and Trish]

It's very clear. The everyone vaccinated including children only applies to Carribean cruises. And has nothing to do with either our government or P&O, but destination rules. Sadly for those booked it effectively means young children cannot travel in those trips. But that's no excuse for some of the vile comments on Facebook groups.

[towny44]

It's very clear. The everyone vaccinated including children only applies to Carribean cruises. And has nothing to do with either our government or P&O, but destination rules. Sadly for those booked it effectively means young children cannot travel in those trips. But that's no excuse for some of the vile comments on Facebook groups.

Why is it only you and I seem to be able read and understand these protocols Merv?

[Kendhni]

The full text of the message I received was

We cannot wait to welcome you on board. As the global situation continues to evolve, we regularly review our protocols and policies. Now that we are sailing internationally, it's imperative that we work hand-in-hand with our regional partners and comply with their local protocols. As such, we've updated our vaccination and testing policy up to and including 27 March 2022 and it affects your holiday.

Given the long-haul destinations and the number of different countries visited combined with the current health protocols and entry requirements in the Caribbean, all guests (irrespective of age) must have completed their vaccination course at least 14 days prior to travel. This can either be two doses of the currently approved COVID-19 vaccines or the approved single-dose Janssen COVID-19 vaccine (approved by the MHRA). A single dose of any other vaccine will not be accepted. All guests of all ages must meet the requirements of the COVID-19 vaccination policy.

If this update has any bearing on your booking, don’t forget we’ve our free flexible transfer policy which gives you the option of changing your booking as many times as you like, free of charge, up to 90 days before your holiday departs.

[Whynd1]

I'm don't mind saying I'm a bit confused why are some families with small children having their half term cruises on Iona cancelled by P and O then. Is it down to the country they will be travelling to ie Spain.

[towny44]

I'm don't mind saying I'm a bit confused why are some families with small children having their half term cruises on Iona cancelled by P and O then. Is it down to the country they will be travelling to ie Spain.

P&O have set a limit of unvaccinated passengers on each cruise, so some bookings are being cancelled. But they dont seem to have asked the chosen ones if in fact their children will have been fully vaccinated.

[Mervyn and Trish]

I'm don't mind saying I'm a bit confused why are some families with small children having their half term cruises on Iona cancelled by P and O then. Is it down to the country they will be travelling to ie Spain.

P&O have set a limit of unvaccinated passengers on each cruise, so some bookings are being cancelled. But they dont seem to have asked the chosen ones if in fact their children will have been fully vaccinated.

If they're below a certain age (I don't know what that is because I don't need to) they won't have been vaccinated because they're outside the guidelines. So no need to ask.

[towny44]

I'm don't mind saying I'm a bit confused why are some families with small children having their half term cruises on Iona cancelled by P and O then. Is it down to the country they will be travelling to ie Spain.

P&O have set a limit of unvaccinated passengers on each cruise, so some bookings are being cancelled. But they dont seem to have asked the chosen ones if in fact their children will have been fully vaccinated.

If they're below a certain age (I don't know what that is because I don't need to) they won't have been vaccinated because they're outside the guidelines. So no need to ask.

For Caribbean cruises everyone needs to be fully vaccinated, due to the protocols of the ports visited.
For european cruises over 18s need to be fully vaccinated under 18s need full vaccination or, or negative PCR test within 120 hrs of cruise.

[Ray B]

It's very clear. The everyone vaccinated including children only applies to Carribean cruises.
Why is it only you and I seem to be able read and understand these protocols Merv?

Because those on face cloth only see what they want to see..
And then blame P&O.

[Mervyn and Trish]

P&O have set a limit of unvaccinated passengers on each cruise, so some bookings are being cancelled. But they dont seem to have asked the chosen ones if in fact their children will have been fully vaccinated.

If they're below a certain age (I don't know what that is because I don't need to) they won't have been vaccinated because they're outside the guidelines. So no need to ask.

For Caribbean cruises everyone needs to be fully vaccinated, due to the protocols of the ports visited.
For european cruises over 18s need to be fully vaccinated under 18s need full vaccination or, or negative PCR test within 120 hrs of cruise.

Yes I fully understand that. My point was that P&O don't need to ask parents of young children if they've been vaccinated because under current guidelines/rules they can't have been. I imagine it's these who have been selected for the chop. I assume they will be reminding those with children of an age eligible for the vaccine of their options. I.e. Jab or cancel.

[towny44]

If they're below a certain age (I don't know what that is because I don't need to) they won't have been vaccinated because they're outside the guidelines. So no need to ask.

For Caribbean cruises everyone needs to be fully vaccinated, due to the protocols of the ports visited.
For european cruises over 18s need to be fully vaccinated under 18s need full vaccination or, or negative PCR test within 120 hrs of cruise.

Yes I fully understand that. My point was that P&O don't need to ask parents of young children if they've been vaccinated because under current guidelines/rules they can't have been. I imagine it's these who have been selected for the chop. I assume they will be reminding those with children of an age eligible for the vaccine of their options. I.e. Jab or cancel.

You're assuming that P&O actually check the ages of children before they bounce them off the cruise, apparently they don't even check if any children have had their jabs before sending the cancellation e-mails.

[Mervyn and Trish]

John you're still missing my point. They know the ages of the children because you have to put it on your booking. And they know the young ones haven't been vaccinated because it's currently impossible.

[Jan Rosser]

John you're still missing my point. They know the ages of the children because you have to put it on your booking. And they know the young ones haven't been vaccinated because it's currently impossible.

You are right Merv - you have to state kids ages when booking - P&O only allow so many children in each age group. Three and four berth family cabins are very popular especially during school holidays. Sounds as if the Christmas cruises will be virtually child free this year in the Caribbean - such a shame.

[Kendhni]

Just received notification from my employer that ALL staff must be fully vaccinated before the end of the month (except under medical or religious grounds). It is made clear that there is no other option if you wish to stay with the company..

[towny44]

Just received notification from my employer that ALL staff must be fully vaccinated before the end of the month (except under medical or religious grounds). It is made clear that there is no other option if you wish to stay with the company..

Your company is not headquartered in Florida then Ken!

[Kendhni]

No. They used to have an office in Florida, near Panama City beach, which I visited several times - lovely area.