em.down.the.rabbit.hole

I'm paying pretty close attention to this stuff and I've not seen it. First time I've heard about it. If you haven't done this already/exhausted all options on board, I'd fight it up to asking for a sit down with the Guest Services Department Head AND the Chief of Staff (usually a Captain in waiting). Ask them to show proof that this restriction was published and that you were notified. It may not get you anywhere right now but showing a track record of how you handled this on board could be important post cruise. Post cruise, I'd go right up the chain of command and ask for compensation in some form. This, to me, is no small matter. TBC, I rarely complain about anything. I'd be furious about this. 

Really sorry this happened to you. They pulled this when we had a B2B with unvaccinated kids in June, but we got an exemption since it was a brand new policy and they introduced it at the last minute.
I wonder if the B2B restriction for unvaccinated kids is posted anywhere.

WOW! really sad to read how your vacation has been ruined. Do you know if you are the only ones in this situation? 

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

Well I'm on my last full day onboard of Anthem OTS and about to go and get tested onboard for our back2back sailing next week...and guest services rang...their land based team informed them that unvaccinated kids cannot do back2back sailings!!!  The land based team told crew that they had already communicated this policy to us.  They hadn't and all onboard with kids doing a back2back were informed this morning that they are being kicked off tomorrow!  I booked the back2back directly with RCL ... appealing behaviour!
But apparently I can take the kids back home, where the covid rate has sky rocketed, let the kids run a higher risk of picking up the virus, and then return a week later, do a PCR test on all passengers and if negative, reboard the ship with the same unvaccinated kids.  But I'm not allowed to get off tomorrow, pop down to the testing centre near the port, take a same day pcr test, and reboard the ship later on in the day as a new passenger.  But turning up next week and doing the same is fine.  BONKERS !!!
We thought we had 2 weeks onboard so had spread out all the activities and were due to do certain activities/shows next week.  If we had known beforehand then we would have at least been able to pack everything into one week.  As it is I'm only being offered refund on next week's cruise and no compensation for this week's cruise!  Very poor behaviour so far ... all I get onboard is "we're so sorry" ...

It was only for UK passengers until Aug. 29th.  Not sure what will happen after that

One of my “sore” spots is the battles that seem to occur regarding onboard credits. With all the COVID cancellations, rebookings, lift & shifts, and using FCC’s it seems those coveted OBC have a tendency to disappear.  Depending on who you talk to, you can get any number of reasons for this happening. My travel agent, Michelle at MEI has been great in helping with the disasters of 2020 bookings including assisting me in retaining these benefits. 

Best hurry before Royal Caribbean joins the cruise line super league.
 
 
I know - too soon.

Jesus, that's a steal if it includes airfare. 

Not playing politics with the industry.

The UK document is only 20 pages and contains a lot more actionable info than the CDC's 40-page CSO

We’ve always used one device for everyone’s Set Sail Pass. You just swipe over as they scan each one, just like digital concert tickets.
I assume we’ll hear more soon whether everyone will need their own device when it comes to e-muster and contact tracing. But since kids can sail, I’m sure there will be a plan for those without a device/app of their own. 

Unfortunately, my date to rejoin a cruise ship for work has been postponed. I'm assuming it's because the CDC has still not confirmed cruising out of the US yet, and Royal are not ready for non-essential crew to return just yet.
 
 

https://www.cruisehive.com/uk-releases-framework-for-resuming-international-cruises/49543?fbclid=IwAR2YTT2U9WlAJoqhFgCUKErFtz7pT4vKGJbiEKzhJ1DJIoINuOnRpaPlJlM

CONFIRMED! #WonderOfTheSeas (海洋奇迹号) will set sail on her maiden voyage from her homeport in Shanghai on 23 March 2022 for a high seas voyage. 
Royal Caribbean International China will unveil Wonder in a live broadcast on 20 April 2021, with voyages expected to open for booking shortly after.
Source: Singapore Cruise Society

Hopefully it isn’t a flashing red light. United States needs a CDC roundabout. 

In terms of potential regret they faced the same potential in the Caribbean.  Imagine for the moment a United States where the federal government was working with the cruise industry.  The decision to move offshore would have been less obvious.  Given the uncertainty and unknowns they made the choices they have made.
As far as the UK goes, we can't really say until the date that international travel will be allowed is known.  However it is refreshing seeing a government that treats all international travel equally and one that communicates their intentions.  If April 12th comes and the UK government says nothing, provides an ambiguous or impossible answer then they aren't much better compared to the US government and the cruise lines did the right thing.

USA gets a convoluted, outdated, impossible CSO.
 
UK get a traffic light system

This morning the UK government confirmed that international cruising out of the UK will be treated exactly the same as all international travel as so will therefore be allowed to resume at the same time as international travel which could be as early as May 17th. They will make an announcement on exactly when international travel can resume on April 12th and so international cruising will be allowed resume from whatever date they announce then. They will be adopting a traffic light system, whereby each country will have different requirements based on their vaccine rollout, covid numbers, etc and international cruising will follow the same traffic light system. I wonder if Royal Caribbean and other cruise lines regret announcing UK only cruises as there is now a good chance they would have been able to offer some form of international cruises this summer. Very good news though nonetheless.