A molecular biologist who has a genetic form of motor neurone disease (MND) has been denied permission to travel on a Royal Caribbean cruise due to his disability.

Key points: Justin Yerbury lodged his medical documents in November but says he was told the onboard doctor did not have them

Justin Yerbury lodged his medical documents in November but says he was told the onboard doctor did not have them He said Royal Caribbean decided he was too much of a "risk" due to his disability

He said Royal Caribbean decided he was too much of a "risk" due to his disability In a statement, the company described the incident as "regrettable" and said it was working with Professor Yerbury to arrange a refund

Justin Yerbury, a Professor in Neurodegenerative Disease at the University of Wollongong, was boarding the cruise from Sydney to New Caledonia on Sunday when he said he was informed he would not be allowed to travel due to his condition.

He said he was told the doctor onboard the ship, the Explorer of the Seas, did not have his medical documents, despite him taking steps to notify Royal Caribbean of his condition in November last year, including booking a disability room and lodging a special needs form.

"Apparently the special needs department that we were dealing with did not communicate anything to the [ship] itself, so the ship captain and doctor said they weren't equipped to look after us," he said.

"Despite the fact we brought two carers and my wife, who is trained to look after me.

"They decided I was too much of a risk, even though they knew of my condition months ago."

Professor Yerbury said he and his wife had tried "relentlessly" to get in touch with the company, but that "at no stage was there anyone who would talk to us, help us or give us any information".

'We have had such a difficult 12 months'

He said staff onboard the vessel maintained they only worked for the ship itself, and would not take any responsibility for the Royal Caribbean's "mismanagement of the situation".

"When we showed up for the cruise they [staff] did not speak to me at all," he said.

"We had 11 people including nine family members and two carers who had to turn around and go home.

"As well as the courier company with all the equipment, who had spent all morning loading up the truck and getting it to Sydney and then had to turn around and take it all home."

Professor Yerbury said he was looking forward to "important family time" on the cruise. ( Australian Story: Greg Hassall )

Professor Yerbury, who was featured on Australian Story for his work researching potential effective treatments for MND, has a genetic form of motor neurone disease and underwent a tracheostomy and laryngectomy last year.

"We have had such a difficult 12 months and were looking so forward to this important family time," he said.

Company apologises, gives full refund for cruise and expenses

Royal Caribbean described the incident as "regrettable" and said it was conducting a review into its booking procedures.

"Our processes of communicating Professor Yerbury's medical condition to our on-board staff let down Professor Yerbury and his family and friends," the company said in a statement.

"Royal Caribbean takes this issue very seriously and we apologise unreservedly for the distress, disappointment and inconvenience that this has caused.

"In addition to providing a full refund of their cruise fares, we will be reimbursing the Yerburys for all out-of-pocket expenses."