Celebrity cruises put vaccine mandate policy for kids on hold

Celebrity Cruises stated on Tuesday that effective February 1, 2022, children aged five and up would be required to be completely vaccinated to board their ships.

Celebrity Cruises said the change had been paused in the following consultants on Thursday.

"The process has been postponed until further notice while we continue to monitor worldwide events and carefully lead our industry ahead," the message wrote at the top of the email, referring to the earlier policy statement.

There was no more information or explanation given as to why the planned adjustment was put on hold.

Royal Caribbean's Senior Vice President Vicki Freed said the company was monitoring the situation but had not made any decisions during a webinar with travel agencies yesterday.

"We have not made any judgments about vaccine requirements for children aged 5 to 11 at this time."

"However, if our procedures alter and this becomes necessary, we will give you plenty of notice so that families may get their children vaccinated."

According to Royal Caribbean's current policy, all guests aged 12 and up must be properly vaccinated. Children under the age of 12 can sail with some restrictions.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States recommended that children aged 5 to 11 be vaccinated against Covid-19 last month.