mz-s

I doubt they'll add decks to the Spirit class like they did the Sunshine, but I could definitely see them rip out some lounges and part of the theater for more staterooms. And partially de-Farcus them at the same time.

The "mask police" stationed in high-crowd areas carrying bags of masks are gone as you surmised. They appear to still be providing two masks per cabin, I got two in my cabin earlier this month on Sunshine, but who knows when they'll end this practice. They don't seem to be used much, at least they weren't on my sailing. They're not KN95's or anything special, just those regular light blue masks that are everywhere nowadays.

Since you live in Florida you're probably able to drive to the port and can pack whatever you need for your cruise. Those of us who fly have to pack light. It's much easier to pack maybe two or three outfits for a week and just have them washed as needed. My wife and I both share a carryon sized piece of luggage when we fly.

The answer to your questions is yes - as of today - Carnival's COVID policies change often and it is up to you to understand their policies as you get closer to your cruise. Two days for an antigen test is OK for now, but who knows what will be the rule by September. I'm sure Carnival would prefer that by September, no testing or even proof of vaccination would be required at all. Their protocols are here and this page is continuously updated as the protocols change. https://www.carnival.com/Legal/covid-19-legal-notices/covid-19-guest-protocols?icid=advisory_cruisehealth_040122

Carnival has announced the Spirit will be homeported in Mobile after the Ecstasy leaves the fleet. They could certainly change their mind and switch to the Sunshine if they wanted, but the Sunshine will be in Charleston until I presume December 2024. The Ecstasy is leaving the fleet in October 2022, not March 2024.

FWIW In my area, the only way to get tested at CVS is to make an appointment with the Minute Clinic. I don't know if there is a charge or not. Walgreens for the time being is still offering rapid antigen testing via drive-though.

But you just said you're willing to pay more for better steak...bizarre argumentation. Anyway, I used to be able to fill up my truck for $25 or less. Now I'm paying closer to $100. A lot of things are different in this "post COVID" society. Like it or lump it as they say.

Yes, some of the strip loins I got were very grissly and tough. Others were delicious and I ate every single bite. I think if they'd just improve the consistency somehow, they'd do well. The prime rib is consistently good, so if they can apply that to the strip loin they'd be in good shape.

You can eat bacon every day in the dining room. And you can order a decent steak in the dining room every evening under the Steakhouse Selections menu. FWIW I've eaten the strip loin at least once every cruise since the restart (3 so far...) and some are certainly better than others - but when they're good, they're just as good as the steak that it replaced.