Mixed vaccines could keep British Columbians from cruise travel
Chilliwack retirees Della and Rob Jansen have been on 23 cruises, and number 24 is scheduled for November.
“This is what we do, we cruise. And we cruise because this is a way for us to relax, it takes away our anxieties,” said Della.
But the couple may have to cancel the 13-day Royal Caribbean cruise out of Florida, because Rob had two different mRNA vaccines. The cruise line only allows for that if the doses are between 28 and 42 days apart, but Canada’s interval is longer than that.
“Mine was done within seven weeks so that’s 49 days. So I’m just out of that time frame, which means I would be considered not fully vaccinated,” said Rob.
The 59-year-old could still sail, but large parts of the ship would be off limits.
“You can’t enjoy yourself or relax. You always wonder, 'What is my protocol based on me being unvaccinated?' Which really, he is vaccinated,” said Della.
The couple wants the federal government to advocate for Canadians who had mixed vaccines.
“It’s our health professionals that told us it was OK to do something different than what the CDC put on their website. I think the onus is on them to rectify this,” said Della.
Sanjay Goel, the president of Vancouver-based Cruise Connections, believes discussions are already happening, pointing out the prime minister had two different vaccines.
Currently rules about sailing with mixed vaccines vary depending on the cruise company and the destination of the cruise.
“There is no question the uncertainty creates confusion, and that creates anxiety and so forth for guests,” said Goel. “It has rapidly changed a few times back and forth -- flips-flops so to speak --over the last 10 days or so, which hasn’t helped.”
Goel does think the industry will become more consistent as cruises resume around the world.
“I’m pretty confident much of this will iron itself out, but it’s going to take some time,” Goel said.
The Jansens are hoping the rules will change before their November cruise, or they will once again be stuck on dry land this winter.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.