Coronavirus!!! To set the scene... Husband and I are in our mid-forties, 2 kids - eldest 6, youngest 4. First overseas trip booked as a family in July. A cruise!!! Departing Sydney for 10 nights to the South Pacific. To cancel or not to cancel?
If it were just the husband and I, of course we'd go. We have plenty of sick leave if we're quarantined but 2 young kids in a cabin??
We'll probably lose the deposit $750, but we'll re-book something in Australia.
What would you do? To be clear, I haven't panic bought toilet paper - it's not the virus that concerns me (it is after all just a minor cold for most) it's the quarantine/self isolation (with 2 young kids) and potential impacts to the Child Care Subsidy for excess absences.
5 Replies
I would not be touching a cruise right now. I would change and do another holiday, something within Australia so should quarantine happen you’re on your own doorstep
I'd cancel and reschedule for when the virus has calmed down.
The risk is really low for kids. If you're prepared to self isolate when you return then I don't see the problem. The problem right now is people are coming home from holidays and going about their lives as normal then finding out they have Corona Virus, if people still want to holiday right now that should be their choice but they should also be thinking of other people and staying home for a few weeks when they return. You should also find out if any of the places you are going to visit have any closures due to the outbreak.
I wouldn't cancel for July just yet if you're conflicted & don't have to pay the balance for a while. Only you can decide, unfortunately!
We've only just decided to cancel Japan (similar ages plus kids ages as you) and we're supposed to leave in less than four weeks.
No one really knows what's going to happen - it's expected to peak in April/May. Far too early to know July's situation now. I don't think it'll be any more risk than gastro by then as the hysteria will have passed, but, again, you don't know that right now. I doubt they'll be quarrantining as the reason for that now is to slow the onslaught on medical services & hospitals.
If you can, wait until the end of April. Research what's happening from reputable sources, keep an eye on cruise company Facebook sites etc. Pay no attention to the media as they're blowing it out of proportion for clicks.
However, If it's causing you a lot of stress, it's worth losing $750. (We'll lose between 2-6k.)
Smart traveller has been updated to recommend cancelling cruises. Australian coronavirus is predicted to peak in August