Costa releases new safety protocols...

[Fredric22]

If this is the future of cruising.. I am going to have to re-think my favorite vacation choice.  😞

 

http://www.sailcosta.com/8115_Safety/8115.03_FAQs.pdf

[Joe817]

Wow. They sure are taking the fun out of cruising. Thanks for posting. 

[MzOhioLady]

2 minutes ago, Joe817 said:

They sure are taking the fun out of cruising.

That's and understatement for sure!

[helene109]

Carnival owns them? When do they cruise again? Thanks 

[Fredric22]

1 minute ago, Joe817 said:

Wow. They sure are taking the fun out of cruising. Thanks for posting. 

Agreed.  It is really sad to see this.  I would think that other Carnival Corp. brands will be implementing similar procedures.  I find it hard to believe that different brands would have drastically different protocols.  The most surprising aspects to me are the mandatory face masks in public places, not being able to go to a bar to get a drink, not being able to dance(!!!!), and not being able to go to a casual all-you-care-to-eat restaurant (even if it is served to guests by crew).  I can't imagine a vacation with these restrictions would appeal to a broad demographic.  Honestly, it is pretty sad that it has taken them 4 months to come up with THIS. 

[Joe817]

2 minutes ago, Fredric22 said:

Agreed.  It is really sad to see this.  I would think that other Carnival Corp. brands will be implementing similar procedures.  I find it hard to believe that different brands would have drastically different protocols.  The most surprising aspects to me are the mandatory face masks in public places, not being able to go to a bar to get a drink, not being able to dance(!!!!), and not being able to go to a casual all-you-care-to-eat restaurant (even if it is served to guests by crew).  I can't imagine a vacation with these restrictions would appeal to a broad demographic.  Honestly, it is pretty sad that it has taken them 4 months to come up with THIS. 

I totally agree Fredric. As part of the family of Carnival Corp, I would bet strongly that all the cruise lines in the family will follow suit. If not exactly, VERY similar. No more pool parties. You can go up to the bar and order a drink, but strict social distancing will be enforced. Like you say, no dancing anywhere on the ship. Bllaaccchhhhhhh.

[Chief93]

The only negative for me is no more buffet.

 

It doesn't say you can't order a drink at the bar, it says you can order from the counter but not drink at the counter.  So you have to order a drink and then take it someplace else.

 

While Costa is owned by Carnival's parent company, the passenger demographic is different.  I expect Carnival's changes to be similar, but not exactly the same.

[Fredric22]

Just now, Chief93 said:

The only negative for me is no more buffet.

 

It doesn't say you can't order a drink at the bar, it says you can order from the counter but not drink at the counter.  So you have to order a drink and then take it someplace else.

 

While Costa is owned by Carnival's parent company, the passenger demographic is different.  I expect Carnival's changes to be similar, but not exactly the same.

The interesting thing is in some European countries, masks are not being worn at all.  So if anything I would have thought the requirements for masks, at least, would be less strict in Europe than in the US.  I think the CDC is going to be quite tight with restrictions when cruising resumes.  

[glrounds]

After 35 cruises, maybe I've had enough if this is the "new" standard.

 

[Roz]

God help you if you have any breathing problems with all that sanitizing and disinfecting.  

 

No thanks, think I'll stay at home.

[cscurlock]

All these precautions are great but still the elephant is still in the room.  What happens when crew, passengers get the disease while on the ship?  What are the specific protocols for those people and the rest of the ship?  Do they go back to port?  Do they get abandoned in the next port of call to fend for themselves?   Do they get quarantine in their room for the rest of the cruise? Do they have the SS mercy sailing behind the ship just in case of an outbreak?  What happens when you are not allowed to board in jamaica and the government won't let you stay on the island and you can't fly due to having covid? 

Edited June 17, 2020 by cscurlock

[outdoors27]

Yes, things are pretty strict but it could be worse. This isn't enough for us not to sail if this is the plan carnival will adopt for now. Maybe once we sail my opinion will change but for now a week on a cruise is better than work or being home.

[Don Kehote]

Well, either people will wear masks and go along with these guidelines (including the fewer people on board)...or the business will fall through the bottom because people don't want to.  Either way, I don't see it as being something that will last long.

[FabFam4]

On a positive note, I love all the increased cleaning protocols and the reduced number of passengers!  

[TNcruising02]

I think all of the requirements are reasonable given where everything is at with the virus.  The crew will have to work twice as hard.  At least a mask isn't required outside on deck!  That was my biggest concern.  It looks like no drinking in the casinos or at the comedy club if Carnival's ships go with the same requirements.  No buffet, but Carnival might decide to do a cafeteria style with social distancing.  

 

The medical services will be free, so that's good.  The way they will deal with possible covid cases is good.  All in all, it looks like a good plan for the cruise ship, but not great for the passengers.  It is what it is.  I would rather have the option to rebook my September cruise than cruise like this.  The social distancing, decreased passengers, and cleaning are fine with me.  Wearing a mask while watching a show, not fine.  My husband would not like going to sit down restaurants for every meal.

 

"It will not, however, be required in outdoor areas, on sun loungers, in the swimming pool and during the meal and bar service, once seated at the table; instead, it will be mandatory to wear a mask at the terminal and during the boarding process and in all other public areas of the ship."

 

"What happens if a guest experiences Covid-19 symptoms? If a guest experiences symptoms similar to Covid-19, he/she will be immediately transferred to a dedicated area and isolated in the Medical Center on board the ship; subsequently he/she will be moved to quarantine in specifically equipped cabins with balconies. Also, those who have been in close and direct contact with any symptomatic subjects, will be treated in the Medical Center and, if necessary, isolated in dedicated cabins"

Edited June 17, 2020 by TNcruising02

[BlerkOne]

If it get me back on a cruise ship, I'm good with it. All seem reasonable. I wish they would have had something similar on land, earlier.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

We will keep cruising. however, the masks will not make it any fun. Very uncomfortable.

[Butterbean1000]

Since Costa is owned by Carnival,  I'm guessing these guidelines will be fleet wide. Face masks are a deal breaker for us.  I hope they will have a penalty free opt out.

[UPNYGuy]

This = no go for me. 

Edited June 17, 2020 by UPNYGuy

[jordanaire]

2 hours ago, Joe817 said:

Wow. They sure are taking the fun out of cruising. Thanks for posting. 

 

Let's see here...fun or safety? Which would I choose? Wear a mask to Kroger or WalMart? Yes. Wear a mask to cruise? If I have to, then yes.

Edited June 17, 2020 by jordanaire

[MsTabbyKats]

The masks, no buffet, no dancing, social distancing, I can only imagine the elevators....I assume no "meeting new people".....call me a "gloom and doomer"...but even I think this is overkill.  Look on the bright side; gloves aren't mandatory!

 

I have a "6 nighter" booked for 9/2021.  If it's still like this I'll probably go (assuming NYC is still not functional) out of boredom and a low rate.  But, I can't see spending a lot of money for "this kind of cruise".

 

[d9704011]

6 minutes ago, jordanaire said:

 

Let's see here...fun or safety? Which would I choose?

I’ll choose safety and forego the cruise.

[Chief93]

9 minutes ago, jordanaire said:

 

Let's see here...fun or safety? Which would I choose?

 

I just want the right to choose.  Unfortunately I am being denied the right by others who "know what's best for me."

 

And like you, I am willing to wear a mask in public areas if it means I can go on my October cruise.

[MsTabbyKats]

3 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

I’ll choose safety and forego the cruise.

It's kind of funny.  I live in NYC...and this is how life's been for the past 3 months, and may be until forever (that's how it feels), so for me it wouldn't be any worse than staying home.

 

But, I wonder how "people from open states", where they can sit down in a restaurant, go shopping etc...how they'll adapt to this?  Especially....because the "early cruises" will be from those "open areas" that aren't restrictive.

[bingomamma19]

I am fine with most of these, and it will be interesting to see how carnival adapts these to their ships (i know costa is a carnival brand, but they do serve a different population).      

 

One thing we really like is the lido deck parties (the dances, drink mixology, ice carving etc).    I really hope there is a way to keep these during this covid time.    I also hope the buffet can at least be served to us...i would assume guys burgers and the mexican place on the lido deck will be open..they are also served to us.     With less passengers, hopefully this will be possible.

 

My next one is August 15th on the Breeze, if that gets cancelled,  i am hoping to find an October one, but with limited capacity it may be harder to find one.   

 

The other one we already have scheduled is next March on the Radiance.  With the uncertainly of what is going on with the re do of that ship, i am getting a bit nervous on that cruise too....i really miss my cruises!!    I am just going to pray this all gets worked out and we are onboard ASAP---still praying for  the august one at this point ..if not..our backup is las vegas!!🙂

Edited June 17, 2020 by bingomamma19