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Face masks at sea.


CHRIS WONG

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1 hour ago, twangster said:

Could I wear a mask on a cruise?  I could.  Do I want to wear a mask on a cruise?  No.

The bigger issue for me is not being able to self explore.  If I can fly somewhere and I'm allowed to be a tourist (while wearing a mask) why can't I on a cruise?  

The requirement to only take ship excursions and never leave the ship otherwise makes the mask question irrelevant to me.  That is not how I want to travel on vacation.

?  Welcome to the Hotel California.  You can check in any time you like but you can never leave.  ?

 

Do people have to leave the ship to go on ship excursions or can they stay onboard? If it's the former and you have a day structured by the cruise line, they can take a hike.

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10 hours ago, PaulRC said:

Plus if masks are so effective why is the covid number still rising. 

When I am bored, I obsess over the numbers. I observed a couple of things where I live. Mask mandates were announced in mid-September for October 1. The documented cases had been rising a little leading up to that. About three weeks after the mandate, documented cases had increased four fold. I looked a little further, and with a goal of 4,000 tests a week, they documented 40,000 (that's forty-thousand) with a positivity rate of 10%. I am cynical enough to believe strongly something else is going on, and questioning it with multiple letters and emails to elected leaders (executive and legislative) have been ignored. In terms of the rise in covid numbers...IMO, the testing in my area leads to it along with some data I saw from the CDC that among positive cases, mask wearers were the highest category. If you're bored and want to look at the table on that site that shows it, let me know, and I will send a link. I also believe we are all sick until proven healthy (uninfected, not healthy), and healthy has a short time limit, then we do it all over again. So. Tired. Of. This. Sorry for the  rant...I don't see masks ever going away.

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While the common flu has a distinct season and it becomes less prevalent in warmer months, CV-19 doesn't share this characteristic in exactly the same manner.  Nonetheless it does appear CV-19 varies so that it is more prevalent in colder months.  Whether there is a direct relationship to temperature or indirect as more people stay indoors due to colder temperatures isn't clear.  

Masks by themselves don't stop the virus in its tracks.  The unknown is where the numbers would be given the tendency for an increase in colder months had masks not been introduced or used to the degree they have been.   The same is true of other mitigation efforts.  If we had used masks but never introduced social distancing where would the numbers be?  We don't know.

Similarly we don't know where the numbers would be had no mitigation steps been taken.  No social distancing, no masks, no partial or full closures of bars and restaurants, schools unchanged, churches wide open and cruise ships sailing like there was no virus.  What would the death count be if none of that was done?  We'll never know.   

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I’m ok walking around the ship, getting from point A to point B. Not ok wearing it on the pool deck/outdoors. That’s just ridiculous, especially in the hot Caribbean. 
 

For my end of May symphony, I don’t mind doing the ship excursions. We always go to the beach so just use the excursions to get there. 
 

My October Odyssey in the Mediterranean is another story. I’ve got the excursions booked but may cancel before final payment. I want to freely explore. That’s a once in a lifetime trip. 

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5 minutes ago, Jill said:

I’m ok walking around the ship, getting from point A to point B. Not ok wearing it on the pool deck/outdoors. That’s just ridiculous, especially in the hot Caribbean. 
 

For my end of May symphony, I don’t mind doing the ship excursions. We always go to the beach so just use the excursions to get there. 
 

My October Odyssey in the Mediterranean is another story. I’ve got the excursions booked but may cancel before final payment. I want to freely explore. That’s a once in a lifetime trip. 

I think by October you should be able to do your own exploration unless RCG just would want to keep it a bit longer in order to mandate and squeeze every bit of $ from their passengers.

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22 hours ago, Joe01 said:

We've had a lot of outdoor gatherings in the UK such as protests and gatherings on beaches and they've made basically no difference to case numbers so it just seems dictatorial to make people wear them outside.

Are you being serious? No difference to case numbers? 

London = after protests and large gatherings in soho london went into a 2nd lockdown before other cities

Manchester and Newcastle : students out partying caused a rise in cases, i believe the university of Durham had over 1000 cases at one point! 

Liverpool : again when restrictions where lifted and people gathered in larger numbers in bars etc cases shot up that much they had to close everything again.

The list is endless! EVEN my own city of Aberdeen was the 1st in Scotland to be put back into lockdown due to LARGE gatherings outside bars 

All of these were reported in the press along with photographs of those involved not wearing masks

 

https://www.palatinate.org.uk/significant-reduction-in-covid-19-cases-at-durham-university/

 

https://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/news/5888540/coronavirus-aberdeen-pub-cluster-soul-hawthorn/amp/

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I believe that masks work and have no issue with wearing one while outside of the house...however...  

I had to draw the line with cruising.  Was scheduled to sail in late March and when I read that I would need to wear a mask while outside on the pool deck..NO THANKS that doesn't sound like a vacation to me!!  I was ok with the idea of wearing it inside of the ship in the public areas but not outside in the open air.

So with the numbers exploding, the outside mask rule, and the vaccine just getting going, I have pushed my sailing back to 2022.

I hope everyone that gets to sail soon has a fantastic time and that everyone everywhere stays healthy!

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On 12/11/2020 at 8:09 AM, HeWhoWaits said:

There's the rub - I would not be able to relax appropriately to justify the expense of the cruise. My relaxation doesn't come in the form of sitting around in the cabin/on the balcony or hanging out in the casino for hours on end. I am active and outside most of the time. Masks required while on deck is a 100% deal breaker for me.

Trust me I am active as well, I am a first responder as well as I work part time in the local ER, in essence I am at work well over 300 hours per month. That means that I wear a mask FAR more than the average person on this thread, and to be honest and WAY OVER THEM.  But I realize it is a necessary evil at the moment, I am not someone that sits around and just watches TV it has taken me 5 years to do it but I have dropped 120 pounds.  That being said going on a cruise and being catered to is one of the draws for me.  I would be happy not having to work, come home and get ready to head to the part time job, come home and fix dinner, help the kids with their homework, make sure they clean up after dinner, and keep twin teenage girls from killing each other. ? Being on a cruise for me means complete relaxation.  I will be active and end up in the gym, and also forgoing the elevators and taking the stairs.  All this being said this whole thing is personal and depends on your personal preference.  For me, since I have to wear a half face respirator and eye protection at work just wearing a mask is a definite downgrade! 

D6024B2C-ACE1-42FA-8A1B-3ECE5F4C0489.jpeg

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17 minutes ago, bhageerah said:

But I realize it is a necessary evil at the moment, I am not someone that sits around and just watches TV it has taken me 5 years to do it but I have dropped 120 pounds.  That being said going on a cruise and being catered to is one of the draws for me.

I know its off the mask topic but congratulations!

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6 hours ago, RickinSTL said:

If we can get over this junk by September through Vaccinations then I see no need for a mask. Or those that aren't vaccinated should have to wear a mask.. 

 

From a public health perspective, wearing a mask is important as long as COVID-19 is a serious risk.  Vaccinated persons can still be infected (we don't know how long the vaccines will be enduring, and different vaccines have different efficacy rates), and we can't really track asymptomatic people.  I expect we will have a transition period during which masks are recommended to protect both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests and staff.  There is also the hope that the virus will mutate to be more benign, but that may take many years.  I am not banking on that.

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27 minutes ago, Sushitex said:

On the other hand, this far more recent study (November 20, 2020)  shows how effective cloth face masks are: 

https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/more/masking-science-sars-cov2.html

 

 

Makes you wonder if it wasn’t effective previously, why is it now? What’s changed to make it safe...nothing!

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8 minutes ago, mworkman said:

Makes you wonder if it wasn’t effective previously, why is it now? What’s changed to make it safe...nothing!

Nothing at all has changed - governments want to look like they are doing something and it is being used as a political game at this point by many.

If anything - the moment masks were mandated in shops where I live, proper social distancing went in the bin.

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5 hours ago, mworkman said:

Here’s an article that clearly states how ineffective cloth masks are...

https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/5/4/e006577?fbclid=IwAR10n4XuIqgKFZQDEItYH73EhB0qLO78nid8PmRXeKHJ-1U2p9il5feY830

Isn’t this article referring to cloth versus medical grade masks in a medical setting?  I read nothing there that equates its findings to our current situation in regards to non-medical use of cloth masks.  Really, if you do a google search, you can come up with articles arguing both sides of this issue (or ANY ISSUE for that matter). I choose to err on what I perceive to be the side of caution.  I wear a mask.  

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16 minutes ago, Pooch said:

Isn’t this article referring to cloth versus medical grade masks in a medical setting?  I read nothing there that equates its findings to our current situation in regards to non-medical use of cloth masks.  Really, if you do a google search, you can come up with articles arguing both sides of this issue (or ANY ISSUE for that matter). I choose to err on what I perceive to be the side of caution.  I wear a mask.  

You are correct.

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31 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

 

If anything - the moment masks were mandated in shops where I live, proper social distancing went in the bin.

Agree 100% Joe ...We (The UK) like many countries are writing the rule book day by day!

Problem was and still is that no one has a bloody clue whats going on! 

We went into lockdown but you could still go to shops for food however you didnt need a mask then when lockdown was lifted we had to wear them?? Surely masks should have been implemented from the start! 

Boris and Nicola have been having a "who can P!$$ the furthest " competition since this began and its been a complete shambles!!!!

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Yes, my wife and I will gladly wear a mask. Just to be back on board a Royal Caribbean cruise is all we require. Before when the pandemic started, we thought that we would not want to do this; but now we are used to it. So yes we have changed our mind on wearing a mask. Can't wait to cruise again!

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On 12/10/2020 at 9:22 PM, bhageerah said:

At this point I really do not want to wear one while on a cruise, but if it meant that I would be able to relax on a cruise ship again, I would wear one.  I will say that the requirement would make having a balcony room far more important than before! Being able to grab some food and go back to the room (or have room service deliver it) and just sit out there and relax would be good enough for me.  I would spend some time around the ship and would wear a mask but I would also truly appreciate the time away from the public and on the balcony.  

I agree I would definitely cruise with a mask requirement but I would also definitely avail more of room service for my meals. For us we have spoiled ourselves with a Balcony so would not cruise unless we can afford one. 

I think a lot of studies have shown that the chance of infection in the open air is very limited and people would have to be inches away from you with no wind,  therefore I think that once seated outside the mask requirement should be dropped. 

Also can we keep covid posts specifically in relation to cruising if possible, otherwise it quickly descends into political arguments. 

Happy sailing everyone, when it comes. 

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On 12/12/2020 at 8:11 PM, RickinSTL said:

If we can get over this junk by September through Vaccinations then I see no need for a mask. Or those that aren't vaccinated should have to wear a mask.. 

 

 It is not yet proven that with the vaccine you can't catch or spread the virus sadly. Perhaps by September more studies will have been done. Still even with a vaccine 10% of those vaccinated will not be immune and can infect each other. It's wait and see but don't expect masks to go away this year even with mass vaccination programmes.

I'm just hoping that their use outdoors on a ship can be relaxed as I really don't want to wear one sitting outdoors. 

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#1 hurdle we will have to jump over is the 14-day quarantine when we return back to Canada.  Hopefully the pilot program for the fast-tracked quarantine rules is successful and is available throughout Canada. 

#2 is we will have to wait for the travel advisory by the Canadian Government against cruise travel to lift.  Namely to have coverage from our travel medical insurance provider to cover any medical emergency.  

My wife and I are still on the fence whether we will cruise if masks are mandatory.  We will have to explore other vacation options at the point in time.  From what we have witnessed thus far, the cruise industry will most likely be the last ones to be allowed to lift their mandatory mask rule.  

Are masks required when laying on a lounge chair at Coco Cay?

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On 12/10/2020 at 2:47 PM, HeWhoWaits said:

More relevant - will people schedule cruises while a mask is required of them.

My wife - yes.

Me - not a chance.

We will not be cruising again until no mask is required. its one thing to wear a mask to the grocery store, its another to spend thousands of dollars on a cruise and have to wear a mask, or not be able to fully enjoy the ship due to social distancing rules. 

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I will wear one on vacation.  I do not want to, but if I want to go somewhere I have to.  I have been wearing them and still ended up with covid.  I do not believe they are effective at all. I will not shame anyone for wearing or not wearing a mask.  We have been hoping, like most cruisers, for cruising to start again in the US to see what cruising will look like with the new protocols in place.  We are booked for July, here is hoping the bugs are worked out before then, and maybe masks will be optional by that time.

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Do Royal actually expect anyone (other than the most ardent cruisers - and let's be real, the majority who post on cruise forums fall into this category) to dish out thousands of pounds/dollars/whatever other currency to go on a cruise where they can't explore ports on their own, have to distance from other guests, have to wear face coverings everywhere on the ship and risk being imprisoned in a cabin if someone even tests positive for a virus?

I know it sucks for the industry big time but let's be realistic.

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22 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

Do Royal actually expect anyone (other than the most ardent cruisers) to dish out thousands of pounds/dollars/whatever other currency to go on a cruise where they can't explore ports on their own, have to distance from other guests, have to wear face coverings everywhere on the ship and risk being imprisoned in a cabin if someone even tests positive for a virus?

The Singapore Quantum of the Seas initial sailings shows there is consumer interest even with those restrictions.

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31 minutes ago, Joe01 said:

Do Royal actually expect anyone (other than the most ardent cruisers - and let's be real, the majority who post on cruise forums fall into this category) to dish out thousands of pounds/dollars/whatever other currency to go on a cruise where they can't explore ports on their own, have to distance from other guests, have to wear face coverings everywhere on the ship and risk being imprisoned in a cabin if someone even tests positive for a virus?

I know it sucks for the industry big time but let's be realistic.

It's a good question. I would say "no, they are not." The casual cruiser will come back. It just won't be during this point where we're just starting to see vaccines being delivered, and probably won't be until we start being able to walk around without masks on. 

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1 hour ago, Rose City Cruiser said:

The Singapore Quantum of the Seas initial sailings shows there is consumer interest even with those restrictions.

Many people in Asia have been wearing masks outdoors for years - it is the norm for them.

It is far from the norm for Westerners, many of whom object to being required to wear them indoors.

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1 hour ago, Joe01 said:

Do Royal actually expect anyone (other than the most ardent cruisers - and let's be real, the majority who post on cruise forums fall into this category) to dish out thousands of pounds/dollars/whatever other currency to go on a cruise where they can't explore ports on their own, have to distance from other guests, have to wear face coverings everywhere on the ship and risk being imprisoned in a cabin if someone even tests positive for a virus?

I know it sucks for the industry big time but let's be realistic.

Thing is its not just cruiseships! Like it or not facemasks will be part of the new norm for a good while yet be it on land or sea!

Right now if you want to go into town by bus or taxi facemasks must be worn, you go for something to eat you need a facemask when you enter the premises, you go for a beer or 6 you need a mask!

If you want to go abroad then Airlines will probably keep facemasks as a code of practice for a long time, well after vaccines have been given. Hotels you need to have them and if you are in your room when roomservice arrives you need to put on a facemask before they enter.

Simple fact is the world has changed forever, things will never be like they were before.

AND if this link is true its not going to get better any time soon so we may as well make the best of what we have while we can 

 

https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/breaking-london-parts-two-counties-23166009.amp?utm_source=upday&utm_medium=referral

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