Health Waivers on ShoreEx?

[Nauga146]

Oh knowledgeable CC members ... We are on the Noordam, Dec. 13th and we're looking at the Shore Excursions. There are some that aren't that physical (only 2 people on the icon) that have this disclaimer: "Guests with heart problems, epilepsy, diabetes or asthma are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed." This specific tour is for a Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel to St. John. In contrast, the Turtle Encounter in Barbados says nothing.

I guess maybe I just haven't looked before, but I was a little surprised. I normally shop in St. Thomas (not good for the budget), but thought we'd do something different this trip. Is this new or am just a little slow? Thanks!

[CtheW0rld]

there have been disclaimers as long as there have been lawyers...

ever read your cruise contract? in short it says they are responsible for nothing at any time.

[IRL_Joanie]

Oh knowledgeable CC members ... We are on the Noordam, Dec. 13th and we're looking at the Shore Excursions. There are some that aren't that physical (only 2 people on the icon) that have this disclaimer: "Guests with heart problems, epilepsy, diabetes or asthma are not allowed to participate. Waiver must be signed and medical conditions disclosed." This specific tour is for a Champagne Catamaran Sail & Snorkel to St. John. In contrast, the Turtle Encounter in Barbados says nothing.

I guess maybe I just haven't looked before, but I was a little surprised. I normally shop in St. Thomas (not good for the budget), but thought we'd do something different this trip. Is this new or am just a little slow? Thanks!

You are less likely to have a heart attack, stroke brought on by embolism or drowning, while seeing the turtles as opposed to while snorkeling. That is the reason, I presume....

Joanie

[CtheW0rld]

You are less likely to have a heart attack, stroke brought on by embolism or drowning, while seeing the turtles as opposed to while snorkeling. That is the reason, I presume....

Joanie

not if the turtle looked like this:

http://photoshopcontest.com/images/fullsize/19613911b621ebd74fae62ad4f3a6a3935d03391220879.jpg

[IRL_Joanie]

ROFLMFAQ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You are 100% correct!! I'D DEFINITELY Have a Heart Attack with that turtle!!!:D:D:D

Joanie

not if the turtle looked like this:

http://photoshopcontest.com/images/fullsize/19613911b621ebd74fae62ad4f3a6a3935d03391220879.jpg

[Krazy Kruizers]

With the world is now -- people wanting to sue overthing -- HAL is taking no chances on certain excursions. We didn't see all this signing of waivers years ago. Some tour operators did have their waivers -- but the trend is spreading.

[Nauga146]

I needed that turtle pic today. It's been quite a Monday!!! Thanks! I figured that I was just a little dense and I knew that someone here could straighten me out.

[lka1012]

I had wondered the same thing. In fact I was getting ready to post something. I have recently been diagnoised with diabetes. There are several excursions on my upcoming cruise I want to take, but now have diabetes as an exclusion. Currently my blood sugars are down and staying down with medication. I wonder if you can sign a waiver saying you won't sue.

I probably contact HAL since these restrictions seem to be recent.

[Starr Mtn]

IKA...

Suggest you get a written approval letter from your
Personal Physician that you are able to take _______ (x, y, z)
excursions. And bring a few copies with you.

[Jemima]

Several excursion for our next cruise have these statements. These are all active excursions or excursions with jeeps, very small boats and similar transportation. Previously I've seen "not recommended for...". Perhaps those recommendatios were ignored and so they are now insisting on signed waivers and medical disclosures.
I'm not interested in those excursions, but think I'd been fine on them with my currently very mild diabetes. It's controled with diet alone.

[peaches from georgia]

Of course HAL is protecting itself from a lawsuit with these waivers. However, there are valid medical reasons that certain health conditions may put the pax with those conditions in jeopardy, so one should have second thoughts about doing these excursions even if HAL allows it with a signed waiver of liability. There is a reason for the health questions asked when it comes to certain excursions. One of the questions asked of my husband for snorkeling was 'Have you had abdominal/intestinal surgery?'. Asked my son who is a doctor about that one when we got home and he agreed- the underwater pressure may cause a potential problem

[Harry1954]

we generally take a HAL Caribbean cruise each January and sign up for all of the catamaran/snorkel type excursions. just this year was the first time we had to stand in line to sign waivers at two of the port stops before the folks who were handling the excursion let us get on the bus to go to the catamaran. must indeed be the trend.
love those lawyers ..
harry

[meterman2]

I believe any snorkeling and scuba diving trigger the waiver.