A few weeks ago Princess announced Alaska itineraries on Majestic Princess. At the time Princess was tight lipped about what the requirements might be leaving guests who want to experience Alaska with more questions than answers. As of today the headline is: Princess requiring children to be vaccinated on 2021 Alaska cruises.
We have made the difficult decision to modify our policy in relation to children 11 and under who are currently booked on the Majestic Princess for Alaska later this summer. We had originally intended to allow a limited number of these children onboard (who are not yet able to receive the vaccine), since they would fall under the 5% threshold allowed by the CDC and still qualify as a “fully vaccinated” voyage. However, due to the complexities of requirements by the CDC in relation to how this would be supported onboard, it will not be possible to provide the same exceptional experience for all guests. As a result, we’ve made the decision to not sail with unvaccinated children on Alaska cruises for Majestic Princess when she begins sailing July 25, 2021.
Princess
Princess requiring children to be vaccinated to ensure an exceptional guest experience follows other cruise lines making similar decisions. in the name of keeping the guest experience the same. Depending how the lawsuits end up, there may be changes to this policy — and all the others.
Related: Find the best deals on all Alaska cruises
Princess requiring children to be vaccinated shouldn’t have much of an impact on the number of guests sailing to Alaska this Summer. Although there are people of all ages aboard every cruise, there are better options for families with young children.
There are three options for guests who were planning to sail with young, unvaccinated children:
There are three options for clients with children 11 and under who have impacted bookings:
- Option 1 – Move to a 2022 booking
- Guests can elect to move their existing booking to any 2022 Alaska voyage that sails from Seattle with the added benefit of not incurring any additional increase to the fare already paid.
- In addition, as a gesture of appreciation, Princess is also including a free White Pass Scenic Railway shore excursion in Skagway for everyone in their immediate travel group (valued at $139.95 for adults; $89.95 for children).
- This option is available to guests in the same family group that rebook together.
- Guests must choose a 2022 sailing by June 30 or the booking will be automatically cancelled and the FCC option defined below applied.
- Future Cruise Credit (FCC):
- Guests can choose to accept an FCC equivalent to 100% of the cruise fare paid plus an additional non-refundable bonus FCC equal to 10% of the cruise fare paid (minimum $25 USD*).
- FCCs can be used on any cruises booked by and sailing by December 31, 2022.
- The shore excursion offer does not apply to this option.
- FCCs can be used toward a deposit on a future booking, in Alaska or another destination. However, they cannot be applied toward air or hotel.
- FCCs in lieu of refund (limited to up to 100% of cruise fare) are refundable, but bonus FCCs are not. If the guest changes their mind and later requests a refund, the initial FCC will be refunded and the Bonus FCC will be cancelled.
- Refund
- Guests can choose to receive a refund of monies paid toward the booking to the original form of payment. The shore excursion offer does not apply to this option.
If you have questions or would like assistance booking your next vacation call Joel at 844-483-6669.