Cruises - Are there any a 12yr old can go on unvaccinated??

[Roserunner]

We just found a really good price for a cruise for the end of the holidays in the time we have booked off work but have realised that our 12 year old wont be able to go as she hasn't been vaccinated. I didn't realise cruise ships had this requirement, I just assumed she'd just need to take a test. Is there any way around this? There isn't enough time to get her vaccinated and we're not comfortable getting it just for the sake of a holiday.

My local vaccination centre will fit in appointments if they are quiet,
maybe your centre will too? Covid is still doing the rounds in schools, if she did get vaccinated it would give her some protection for the autumn term. Is there a reason you don’t want her to have it? I presume you have been vaccinated?

Cruises are a breeding ground for Covid. My parents went on cruises recently (separately, so two different cruises at different times) and both came back with Covid!

She needs to have had both so there isn't enough time between now and end of august for both.

We've dutifully got vaccinated and boostered, just when DD turned 12 we weren't comfortable making that decision for her, she's just coming up to the age of puberty and I just couldn't justify getting the vaccine just so we could go on holiday. What if there was some side effect that would effect her fertility or something later in life.

I just find it odd that we don't need to test just because we are vaccinated but she wouldn't be allowed onboard at all even if she did a test.

@LittleMissA - I think everyone over 12 has to be vaccinated AND test (or at least you did when DS and family cruised with RC a couple of weeks ago).

DC1 isn't vaccinated for the same reason you cite. Both myself and DH are fully vaccinated and boostered but I am not comfortable making the call for DC1 (or DC2 although as they're younger, it's not a problem that stops us travelling). They're not keen as they don't see the point as they could still catch and spread it anyway. Incidentally, they're yet to catch it despite numerous cases in school over the last 2 years, nor did they catch it when I had it a couple of months ago (we live in a small house so it was impossible for me to totally isolate from the rest of the household).

Don’t think so. We’ve tried for next year. Mine cannot get their two doses in as they keep getting covid!
we’re still hoping to get to Galapagos next year….

@mrsfoof I'm glad you're of the same opinion about getting your child vaccinated. A lot of people don't seem to get it but I just feel it would be selfish to get her vaccinated just for a holiday.

I think you're right we all would need to do a test as well which isn't a problem. I've been reading requirements for so many different holidays I'm getting them confused!! The only way I think they'd accept her without being vaccinated is if she had recovered from covid in the last 6 mths but she's never caught it even though I've had it and we didn't isolate from each other!

Looks like I'll have to look at holidays elsewhere!

According to their website, passengers under 18 years of age do not need to be vaccinated on Celebrity Cruises sailings out of Southampton:

www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea/southampton-travel-requirements

It’s disappointing that some previous respondents decided to lecture you about the medical choices you have made for your family, rather than answer the question that you asked.

Enjoy your cruise.

Hi @Roserunner - You might find this page of interest Though P&O is missing from that list but their stance on their own website is the same as the majority ie all over 12's have to be fully vaccinated.