Jump to content

Masks during the whole cruise? Vaccines Required? Limited Ports/Excursions? What would be too much?


markinct

Recommended Posts

9 hours ago, L454S said:

Agree with this. The mask police wandering around the ship sounds like a ball, as well as the elevator police. Sounds like a prison.

Anti maskers wandering around sounds like a ball as well.... it was hard enough to get people to wash their damn hands before entering the buffet or MDR, they gotta be strict or just not sail.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, danv3 said:

The "must purchase a cruiseline-provided excursion to leave the ship" rule is a lot more concerning to me than the mask requirement.  I have a hard time imagining taking a cruise (especially to Caribbean ports you can easily do yourself) under that kind of requirement.  

Good point. No more walking around the port for shopping exc? What’s the point?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

Good point. No more walking around the port for shopping exc? What’s the point?

Am I understating this correctly? Once at a port we cannot just get off the ship and explore on our own? We have to book an excursion through cruise line to leave the ship when docked?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/4/2021 at 6:43 PM, Dan Curtis said:

We just canceled yet again, not wearing a mask in 90 degree weather on top deck, hate to say it, after 20 cruises, we might have to find a new favorite vacation. I have the first shot, if the shots are not good enough, we’re holding off.

Cancun is our getaway vacation now.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

16 hours ago, CruisinForABruisin said:

Anti maskers wandering around sounds like a ball as well.... it was hard enough to get people to wash their damn hands before entering the buffet or MDR, they gotta be strict or just not sail.

Sound like sailing with the Gestapo to me.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Jolly Ogre said:

 I have been tested and have been vaccinated and since i do not have the virus there is no way I can pass on the virus. I will not wear a mask anymore.

According to our health minister you can still get covid and give coivd even when vaccinated..hence no let up in lock downs or social distancing for months or years in Canada.....

 

Crazy and silly I know....will be interesting to hear what the CDC or Fauci says about that.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

According to our health minister you can still get covid and give coivd even when vaccinated..hence no let up in lock downs or social distancing for months or years in Canada.....

Crazy and silly I know....will be interesting to hear what the CDC or Fauci says about that.

I don't think transmission was tested for the Phizer vaccine but I thought AsrtraZeneca was claiming their vaccine was effective at reducing spread.  That claim is in question because there is no proof for any current vaccine (that they reduce spread) but there is hope that will be proven now that they are being used in the real world.  

So if the health minister has proof they don't reduce spread that would be interesting to see.  I suspect officials are saying it so people don't let their guard down and stop other protocols which could cause the unvaccinated to follow suit.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 minutes ago, monctonguy said:

According to our health minister you can still get covid and give coivd even when vaccinated..hence no let up in lock downs or social distancing for months or years in Canada.....

 

Crazy and silly I know....will be interesting to hear what the CDC or Fauci says about that.

I can win the lottery, I can become president, I can get a seat on space x, all very unlikely. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, twangster said:

I don't think transmission was tested for the Phizer vaccine but I thought AsrtraZeneca was claiming their vaccine was effective at reducing spread.  That claim is in question because there is no proof for any current vaccine (that they reduce spread) but there is hope that will be proven now that they are being used in the real world.  

So if the health minister has proof they don't reduce spread that would be interesting to see.  I suspect officials are saying it so people don't let their guard down and stop other protocols which could cause the unvaccinated to follow suit.  

Yeah, seems to be conflicting reports and studies..but as of Friday, Feb5 she stated that when asking about options for travelers who are vaccinated......and we all have to listen to her in Canada so it aint promising for anything changing anytime soon north of the border...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, monctonguy said:

Yeah, seems to be conflicting reports and studies..but as of Friday, Feb5 she stated that when asking about options for travelers who are vaccinated......and we all have to listen to her in Canada so it aint promising for anything changing anytime soon north of the border...

I did have an interesting discussion on this topic the other day ... apparently this is related to the fact that the vaccine doesnt claim to be 90+ percent effective in blocking you from catching the virus, but instead claims that it is that effective at keeping you from catching it OR reducing your symptoms to the point that you wouldnt know you had caught it.

That then implies that you can still catch it and spread it, you would just be in the asymptomatic crowd rather than the symptomatic group.

I believe that the one shot that is more of a traditional vaccine is supposed to work more like a traditional vaccine where you cant/shouldnt catch it at all rather than just having limited symptoms but thats my understanding from articles not something i know to be fact.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

It’s sad to say but early 2020 was the grand finale to cruising as we all know it. I know there are plenty of people that will get on a cruise with all the stipulations but IMHO this is hardly a vacation. This may never change. I’m thankful for YouTube and the RC Blog to serve as a look back at what cruising once was. I can’t imagine being on vacation and having to reserve a day/time to sit by the pool with my mask on or have a drink while playing slots in the casino. At some point it’s just not a vacation anymore. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Perspective is important.  I mean we’re talking about a leisure activity here.

The Spanish Flu pandemic lasted from one to two+ years depending on the source.  By the early 1920s, life was back to normal. 
 

That pandemic ended and so will the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Covid will always be around just like the flu, but as time goes on, things will get better. 

It’s hard to see the end when we feel that we’re stuck in the middle. 
 


 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Feb 7 was a terrible anniversary for us.  It was the date of our last cruise (Anthem Feb 7, 2020).  Of course, that is the cruise that ended up being delayed by 3 days due to an erroneous COVID scare...so the true anniversary of our last boarding will be on Wednesday(Feb 10).  Hard to believe it's been a whole year.  This truly sucks.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

10 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Feb 7 was a terrible anniversary for us.  It was the date of our last cruise (Anthem Feb 7, 2020).  Of course, that is the cruise that ended up being delayed by 3 days due to an erroneous COVID scare...so the true anniversary of our last boarding will be on Wednesday(Feb 10).  Hard to believe it's been a whole year.  This truly sucks.

This is so tone deaf when you look at what else has happened in the last calendar year. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

3 hours ago, Jolly Ogre said:

Will we get a discount on our fares?

Nope

3 hours ago, Jolly Ogre said:

I will not wear a mask anymore.

You likely will not be going on the cruise then.

Between the Quantum of the Seas rules and Carnival's sort-of released protocols, expect masks onboard.

Based on your signature, I see your cruise is in December 2021. If masks are a deal breaker for you, why not cancel before final payment date?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

28 minutes ago, teddy said:

Perspective is important.  I mean we’re talking about a leisure activity here.

The Spanish Flu pandemic lasted from one to two+ years depending on the source.  By the early 1920s, life was back to normal. 
 

That pandemic ended and so will the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Covid will always be around just like the flu, but as time goes on, things will get better. 

It’s hard to see the end when we feel that we’re stuck in the middle. 
 


 

Excellent points.

I'd also add that wearing a mask for me isn't all bad, either. It helps to hide my little double-chin and lets me grimace at folks who try to do me wrong in public spaces. ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

19 minutes ago, CruisinForABruisin said:

This is so tone deaf when you look at what else has happened in the last calendar year. 

Considering this forum is about Royal Caribbean cruises, I'd say it's spot on.

I certainly noticed and lamented my "one year since my last cruise" anniversary.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

33 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Feb 7 was a terrible anniversary for us.  It was the date of our last cruise (Anthem Feb 7, 2020).  Of course, that is the cruise that ended up being delayed by 3 days due to an erroneous COVID scare...so the true anniversary of our last boarding will be on Wednesday(Feb 10).  Hard to believe it's been a whole year.  This truly sucks.

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was following along on your live blog. Happy anniversary ? and I am sending good vibes for your future cruises. I can’t wait to follow along on your cruising adventures; there are always so many good laughs along the way! 

 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Jax said:

I can’t believe it’s been a year since I was following along on your live blog. Happy anniversary ? and I am sending good vibes for your future cruises. I can’t wait to follow along on your cruising adventures; there are always so many good laughs along the way! 

 

 

Thank you !  I can't wait to get back to it ! ....and I might add, returns to you.  I enjoyed your last SC live blog so much !

Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, Matt said:

Nope

You likely will not be going on the cruise then.

Between the Quantum of the Seas rules and Carnival's sort-of released protocols, expect masks onboard.

Based on your signature, I see your cruise is in December 2021. If masks are a deal breaker for you, why not cancel before final payment date?

The Dec cruise was already paid for then lifted and shifted. If I could cancel and the get another similar cruise booked at the same price that I have already paid for then sure I would willing to do that should the need arise. I have already paid for an Oasis class 7 day cruise without wearing a mask and that is what I expect to receive, I don't want a refund, I want my cruise for which I have already paid for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 minutes ago, Jolly Ogre said:

The Dec cruise was already paid for then lifted and shifted. If I could cancel and the get another similar cruise booked at the same price that I have already paid for then sure I would willing to do that should the need arise. I have already paid for an Oasis class 7 day cruise without wearing a mask and that is what I expect to receive, I don't want a refund, I want my cruise for which I have already paid for.

If I'm understanding you correctly, the fact you paid it off shouldn't matter.

You're before the final payment date of your new sailing in December, so you should be able to cancel the sailing per the standard cancellation terms before the 90 day mark of your December cruise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

6 minutes ago, Matt said:

If I'm understanding you correctly, the fact you paid it off shouldn't matter.

You're before the final payment date of your new sailing in December, so you should be able to cancel the sailing per the standard cancellation terms before the 90 day mark of your December cruise.

True, but you are not understanding the financial impact. I would only get the refund of what I have already paid. Cruise fares have gone up since then I booked this cruise Feb of 2019 and it was a very very good deal. I would get a refund, but would not be able to rebook a similar cruise now for the same cost as I did then.  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, Jolly Ogre said:

I would get a refund, but would not be able to rebook a similar cruise now for the same cost as I did then.  

That's true. However, if you're against wearing a mask anywhere on the ship, what's your alternative? Pay for a cruise you don't want to go on?  

Or are you holding out hope that mask mandate is gone by the time your cruise rolls around?

Apologies if I'm overstepping here. It's impossible to determine tone from a written post. I got the sense you absolutely don't want to cruise with masks, so it seems the natural solution is to cancel and get a refund, and then come back to cruises when masks aren't mandatory.

Or I'm completely wrong about your sentiment ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 hours ago, twangster said:

I don't think transmission was tested for the Phizer vaccine but I thought AsrtraZeneca was claiming their vaccine was effective at reducing spread.  That claim is in question because there is no proof for any current vaccine (that they reduce spread) but there is hope that will be proven now that they are being used in the real world.  

So if the health minister has proof they don't reduce spread that would be interesting to see.  I suspect officials are saying it so people don't let their guard down and stop other protocols which could cause the unvaccinated to follow suit.  

https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2021-02-05/covid-19-vaccines-do-they-prevent-coronavirus-transmission/13121348

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I can't wait to cruise again. I got my vaccine and I really don't care if I have to wear mask. Everywhere you go now , you have to wear mask. Hotels are same . I just don't understand people why are complaining . If you like cruising that will be same like going for dinner, hotels etc. At least it is so much more fun on cruise. I hope my July cruise will happened  

Link to comment
Share on other sites

7 hours ago, Cile said:

I can't wait to cruise again. I got my vaccine and I really don't care if I have to wear mask. Everywhere you go now , you have to wear mask. Hotels are same . I just don't understand people why are complaining . If you like cruising that will be same like going for dinner, hotels etc. At least it is so much more fun on cruise. I hope my July cruise will happened  

Not entirely true. The issue isn’t solely the fact that you will be required to wear a mask. What about the fact that you could be stuck in your room awaiting your next reservation time slot for the pool or for your kids to ride the carousel? Personally my issue is hardly the masks. When I’m on vacation I expect total freedom in my decisions regarding how my family spends their day. I cannot imagine being forced into an excursion just to get off the ship for the day. I enjoy walking around the ports especially in St Maartin where we enjoy walking to the beach next to the ship and enjoying the day. I’m hopeful the protocol evolves into something less stringent before the masses set sail otherwise RC or any cruise line for that matter will be sailing w/o my family.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

12 hours ago, Cile said:

Everywhere you go now , you have to wear mask. Hotels are same . I just don't understand people why are complaining . If you like cruising that will be same like going for dinner, hotels etc.

The difference for me is if the cruise lines are going to be treating the entire cruise ship as an enclosed space, including open decks.  I don't mind wearing a mask to go inside public places but when the open decks will be treated the same as the interior of the ship, that's when the value of the vacation diminishes for me.  I view visiting theme parks currently the same way.  I appreciate that the choice is there and that no one is forcing me to spend my vacation dollars on something I don't feel is worth the value paid.  

5 hours ago, tonyfsu21 said:

When I’m on vacation I expect total freedom in my decisions regarding how my family spends their day. I cannot imagine being forced into an excursion just to get off the ship for the day.

This is another factor that I will take into consideration before making a choice.  I completely understand why the cruiselines and ports would restrict cruise passengers to ship-sponsored excursions only.  I think it's the best way they can think of to effectively maintain the bubble of the cruise ship as much they can.  Part of the reasons I've enjoyed cruising in the past is to have the freedom to do as I pleased in the ports. 

I don't choose to vacation at all inclusive resorts because I don't really want to be in a bubble and I want to make up my own excursion and trips.  I chose cruising over land vacations because it offered me the freedom and the convenience of being my transportation and accommodations while I got to visit other places.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

9 minutes ago, HeWhoWaits said:

This is SO not true. I can currently go anywhere outdoors without a mask. The deck of a ship is OUTDOORS, but a mask will be required on deck. Not happening.

Disney World, outdoors or not, requires a mask.

Beech Mountain ski resort in NC requires masks outdoors.

Ski mountains in VT require masks outdoors.

I could go on, but you get the picture. I think @HeWhoWaits means in your hometown? Yes, that's true.  But in terms of vacation, there are absolutely many vacation places requiring masks outdoors as well.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here in Ontario, many of our public health units have been recommending a mask outdoors for quite a while now. Kids even have to wear a mask outside for recess here in Ontario. 
 

The idea behind that is if you are outdoors and standing close to someone, you can still breathe in their respiratory secretions. I can see that same logic being applied to the pool deck of a ship as well. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

29 minutes ago, Matt said:

Disney World, outdoors or not, requires a mask.

Beech Mountain ski resort in NC requires masks outdoors.

Ski mountains in VT require masks outdoors.

I could go on, but you get the picture. I think @HeWhoWaits means in your hometown? Yes, that's true.  But in terms of vacation, there are absolutely many vacation places requiring masks outdoors as well.

Disney waterparks though are different than Disney regular parks ?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 2/8/2021 at 1:06 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

Feb 7 was a terrible anniversary for us.  It was the date of our last cruise (Anthem Feb 7, 2020).  Of course, that is the cruise that ended up being delayed by 3 days due to an erroneous COVID scare...so the true anniversary of our last boarding will be on Wednesday(Feb 10).  Hard to believe it's been a whole year.  This truly sucks.

We was a week before you all, we was out of San Juan, I agree, so hard to believe, we thought by now we would have been on two more, it’s just hard to imagine, something so many of us truly love, just can’t cruise, we’re not getting any younger, I hope we can get sailing soon, we have canceled two now, hoping for November, we just need 14 more days to diamond plus, we’ll keep trying.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

Loading...
×
×
  • Create New...