LGiannelli

P.S. It’s important to remind people that vaccinations don’t 100% prevent Covid. HOWEVER, of the 5% that may still contract it, #1. your viral load will be significantly reduced, thereby significantly reducing the likelihood that you will give it to someone else, and #2. you are much less likely to become severely ill and require hospitalization yourself. That being the case, if everyone onboard is vaccinated, then even if someone does contract Covid while onboard, this should not result in an “outbreak” or be any more cause for concern than someone coming down with the flu. The CDC should confirm this, and be an important distinction from the Covid of the past. What’s most important to me is that the cruise lines make sure there are no loopholes whereby passengers can come onboard without proof of vaccination (such as forged vaccination cards or test results), and that non-compliance to onboard rules are strictly enforced. As I’m sure you are aware, the PR effect of just one severe illness from an “outbreak” could be extremely detrimental to the industry, and affects ALL of us, cruise lines and cruise passengers alike.

IMO, people who love cruising will do whatever is necessary to cruise again, ESPECIALLY without masks. At least for the time being, proof of vaccinations AND a recent negative test should be required for all passengers and crew. Then no masks should be needed. A small price to pay so that everyone can enjoy their cruise as before. You can’t please everyone. Those who opt out will simply have to wait a bit longer to book a cruise. There are plenty of people willing to comply to fill your ships. TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION: If both vaccination AND masks are required, this to me is too much of an intrusion on the cruise experience, and I will wait to cruise. #1. This seems like overkill, and #2. I am hard of hearing and need to lip read somewhat to understand people and socialize in a noisy cruise environment.