If you have to wear a mask while cruising .... would you?

[SOCACRUISEGUY]

I for one will happily cruise with a mask. There are a few reasons.

1) It doesn't bother me in the least. I wear one all day at work. It isn't a big deal or an inconvenience.

2) The sooner that we, the paying passengers, can get back on board, the sooner the cruise lines can generate revenue. 

3) With so many people refusing to cruise with masks, just means more room for the rest of us. 

[cruisemom42]

I think there are two different issues:

 

-- Will I cruise if masks are required? -- I would say probably not. But I would "never say never";  I wouldn't do it just for some random Caribbean cruise that I could take any time. However, if it was a special cruise or itinerary that was not likely to be repeated often, I might consider it.

 

-- If masks are required and I decide to take a cruise -- Yes, I would of course follow all rules and if the rules were not enforced, I would not be at ALL happy to be on board.

 

[rjrice1]

Working as a nurse in a long term facility (dementia) I chose to work in their isolation/unit;  aka covid/observation

and extra long hours/shift  (money is good for cruising) I had to wear mask. googles, face shields .. and other PPE

Being a now covid free place we still have to use our mask/googles and face shields.

I do not think I will cruise where mask are mandatory;   Actually hoping they cancel our Feb 2021 cruise with some OBC

 

[rjrice1]

13 hours ago, v3cruiser said:

Nope. Wont be cruising with restrictions in port either.

totally agree.  

Even the "locals" aren't following guidelines.  

[cbr663]

13 hours ago, ChrisCJR said:

I don't really see how it could be safe.

 

On lower decks, somewhat.  No way would people wear them around the pool or eating.  Also, it's next to impossible to walk through those areas without being near people doing those activities.  Thus, it's a bit pointless and better to wait until it's no longer necessary at all.

 

Even on the lower decks, there are lots of eating and drinking going on. 

 

Simply put, cruising isn't designed for masks.  It would require big changes that would defeat the entire concept and point, IMO. 

 

It's easier to think of where people would be wearing masks.  To/From staterooms and watching performances.  Almost all other activities would have excuses for people to remove their masks from eating to drinking to exercising to swimming.  

 

You got it.  There are so many instances not to wear masks on a cruise ship - and many of these instances like dining and drinking involve crowds who will not physically distance, that cruising isn't designed for masks.

[cbr663]

5 hours ago, ontheweb said:

Will they really enforce it, that is truly the question.

 

You cannot enter a store here without a mask. Yet, I often see people who wear their mask without their nose covered. And some of them by the time they are at checkout have their masks only covering their chin. Would it be any different on a ship even if mask wearing was mandatory?

I see the same thing in my community.

 

Does anyone really have faith that the cruise lines will ensure compliance with health restrictions when these same cruise lines cannot ensure compliance with dining room dress codes?

[sverigecruiser]

46 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

I think there are two different issues:

 

-- Will I cruise if masks are required? -- I would say probably not. But I would "never say never";  I wouldn't do it just for some random Caribbean cruise that I could take any time. However, if it was a special cruise or itinerary that was not likely to be repeated often, I might consider it.

 

-- If masks are required and I decide to take a cruise -- Yes, I would of course follow all rules and if the rules were not enforced, I would not be at ALL happy to be on board.

 

 

I absolutely agree with you. If masks are required everyone shall use them!

 

It's the same at home. If masks should be required in grocery stores I should defenitely wear one if I had to go there but I should do what I could to avoid to go there. If masks were required in public places I should NOT be in a public place without a mask, I should stay at home. If masks were required at work I should not be there without a mask, I should be at home at least for awhile.

[ChrisCJR]

11 hours ago, chipmaster said:

I guess flying, getting about indoors, sports events and all groups are all activities that weren't meant for mask, but OMG they are fine with masks.

 

Maybe if no one sweats.  A wet mask is a useless mask.  It would defeat the point of wearing it since vapor would go right through it, which is how the virus spreads.  

 

Forget about all the eating and drinking that makes a cruise a cruise.  Kind of hard to do that with a mask on.

 

It's just not safe and people would end up getting the virus about as easy as no mask at all.  On a cruise ship with limited resources too.  

 

5 hours ago, K32682 said:

In the absence of a vaccine or the virus dying out I would expect masks would be mandatory in any public area and only allowed to be removed when swimming or eating and drinking. 

 

Swimming, eating, drinking is what a cruise is.  There's very little on a ship that wouldn't involve those things.  Maybe dancing at the clubs, but isn't drinking a thing there too?  Or, catching a show or the casino, but people definitely drink there.  Not hard to change that, but the point is there is a good portion of public areas where people will be maskless.  Then, will people still be interested in those activities without alcohol?  Will the cruise line want those activities without alcohol sales?  No need for masks in staterooms, so for some people, that's like 80-90% of their cruise without a mask.

 

It's very hard to pass by those areas without being within six feet of someone eating a burger or running out of a pool.  Even if you're wearing a mask, get too close to the wrong person without one on and that's all it'd take.  Especially on a windy day, IMO.

[Luckiestmanonearth]

14 hours ago, arby70 said:

Nope.  I really enjoy cruising, but I would rather wait until covid is under control.  

Ditto as well. I try to physical distance now and avoid crowds for safety sake so why would I purposely go into a situstion where crowds are unavoidable for an entire week.

 

Of course I could hide out in my cabin but what’s the point.  I could do that at home

[CateW]

No

[evandbob]

Let me phrase the OP's question a little differently: 

 

Would I subject myself to a voluntary pleasurable activity like cruising if there was a chance it could be hazardous to my health?

 

My answer is absolutely not!

 

I don't mind wearing a mask and will do so in my Florida city for essential activities, no problem at all.  But why alter that calculus by remaining in a potentially dangerous habitat for a week or more under conditions that I could not escape?

 

Wearing a mask for shopping, doctors, and other essential activities is so different than wearing one on a cruise.

[mnocket]

Here's a surprising finding about those fleece gaiter masks I see so many people wearing.....

 

Neck fleeces, also called gaiter masks and often used by runners, were the least effective. In fact, wearing a fleece mask resulted in a higher number of respiratory droplets because the material seemed to break down larger droplets into smaller particles that are more easily carried away with air.

 

In other words....  wearing a gaiter mask actually makes you more dangerous to others than wearing no mask at all.  Given how many people wear theses, plus all of those people I see with their masks pulled down below their noses, I'd say if masks are required somewhere - it's not really safe to be there.

 

source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/08/us/duke-university-face-mask-test-trnd/index.html

Edited August 10, 2020 by mnocket

[ldubs]

1 hour ago, cbr663 said:

I see the same thing in my community.

 

Does anyone really have faith that the cruise lines will ensure compliance with health restrictions when these same cruise lines cannot ensure compliance with dining room dress codes?

 

I have serious doubts.  Mask threads will be replacing dress code and chair hogs as one of the most contentious subjects on CC.  😄

[ldubs]

1 hour ago, mnocket said:

Here's a surprising finding about those fleece gaiter masks I see so many people wearing.....

 

Neck fleeces, also called gaiter masks and often used by runners, were the least effective. In fact, wearing a fleece mask resulted in a higher number of respiratory droplets because the material seemed to break down larger droplets into smaller particles that are more easily carried away with air.

 

In other words....  wearing a gaiter mask actually makes you more dangerous to others than wearing no mask at all.  Given how many people wear theses, plus all of those people I see with their masks pulled down below their noses, I'd say if masks are required somewhere - it's not really safe to be there.

 

source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/08/us/duke-university-face-mask-test-trnd/index.html

 

For all anti-mask people reading this.  This does not mean you are OK avoiding a mask.  Be part of the solution and wear a mask.    

[SelectSys]

My answer is yes if the onboard experience is worthwhile.  I think masks may be required in public spaces like cruises well after the COVID crisis passes.

[K32682]

4 hours ago, cbr663 said:

Does anyone really have faith that the cruise lines will ensure compliance with health restrictions when these same cruise lines cannot ensure compliance with dining room dress codes?

 

Not complete faith but the cruise lines would be more diligent enforcing masks than dining room dress codes. The worst result of not enforcing dress codes would be fancy pants people in a snit.  The worst result of not enforcing a mask requirement would be a passenger or crew member falling ill and dying not to mention having to explain to the CDC or other health authorities why they weren't meeting appropriate pandemic standards. 

 

 

Edited August 10, 2020 by K32682

[chipmaster]

4 hours ago, evandbob said:

Let me phrase the OP's question a little differently: 

 

Would I subject myself to a voluntary pleasurable activity like cruising if there was a chance it could be hazardous to my health?

 

My answer is absolutely not!

 

I don't mind wearing a mask and will do so in my Florida city for essential activities, no problem at all.  But why alter that calculus by remaining in a potentially dangerous habitat for a week or more under conditions that I could not escape?

 

Wearing a mask for shopping, doctors, and other essential activities is so different than wearing one on a cruise.

 

This is an interesting topic about pleasurable and hazardous.

 

Today going out to eat, vacation, socializing is viewed as high risk to ones immediate health ( death ).

 

But I could argue I make a choice almost daily about the eggs/bacon, or the steak or the additional alcohol I'm consuming during this pandemic or on a cruise and eating that I know for certain is also detrimental to my long term health, but.. I still eat those things and some other excesses that are unquestionably causing us all shorter lives, LOL

[chipmaster]

1 hour ago, K32682 said:

 

Not complete faith but the cruise lines would be more diligent enforcing masks than dining room dress codes. The worst result of not enforcing dress codes would be fancy pants people in a snit.  The worst result of not enforcing a mask requirement would be a passenger or crew member falling ill and dying not to mention having to explain to the CDC or other health authorities why they weren't meeting appropriate pandemic standards. 

 

 

 

They will do it to the letter of the law that they don't get caught or fined or impact the good will of their passengers.

 

Find balance, customer is most important and they/we will be lazy with our social distancing, mask wearing, and other sanitation habits, that is how vacationing humans are mostly, LOL

[Laurie S.]

Nope, they are ineffective and I don't wear them now unless a store requires it.

[evandbob]

1 hour ago, chipmaster said:

 

This is an interesting topic about pleasurable and hazardous.

 

Today going out to eat, vacation, socializing is viewed as high risk to ones immediate health ( death ).

 

But I could argue I make a choice almost daily about the eggs/bacon, or the steak or the additional alcohol I'm consuming during this pandemic or on a cruise and eating that I know for certain is also detrimental to my long term health, but.. I still eat those things and some other excesses that are unquestionably causing us all shorter lives, LOL

 

Your eggs/bacon example can be long term hazardous while not using a mask and socializing can be considered a short term hazard.  Bacon/eggs/obesity/diabetes and heart disease can elevate to short term hazards if one contracts covid due to increased susceptibility caused by these factors.

 

For the 160,000 Americans already killed by COVID, this is of little consolation.  Our overall health in this country is frankly pathetic.

[K32682]

 

5 hours ago, chipmaster said:

This is an interesting topic about pleasurable and hazardous.

 

Today going out to eat, vacation, socializing is viewed as high risk to ones immediate health ( death ).

 

But I could argue I make a choice almost daily about the eggs/bacon, or the steak or the additional alcohol I'm consuming during this pandemic or on a cruise and eating that I know for certain is also detrimental to my long term health, but.. I still eat those things and some other excesses that are unquestionably causing us all shorter lives, LOL

 

The person who eats bacon and eggs presents no risk to me.  The person who doesn't wear a mask might.

 

 

[chipmaster]

1 hour ago, K32682 said:

 

 

The person who eats bacon and eggs presents no risk to me.  The person who doesn't wear a mask might.

 

 

 

Couldn't agree more, the recent pictures of parties, church gatherings and American's throwing temper tantrums like little kids when asked to wear masks is astounding in how leaders, media and the false narrative that individual freedom and choice is the path to a greater society.

 

I wear a mask pretty much everywhere that I might encounter people, be it on a hike outside or in a store.  Of course when I eat out that is an exception.   

 

Now will I create a scene when I see others, not ready yet, just amazing at the lack of caring.  But surprisingly recently it took about 6 months and mandates for people to be near 99% compliance.    

 

 

[chipmaster]

5 hours ago, evandbob said:

 

Your eggs/bacon example can be long term hazardous while not using a mask and socializing can be considered a short term hazard.  Bacon/eggs/obesity/diabetes and heart disease can elevate to short term hazards if one contracts covid due to increased susceptibility caused by these factors.

 

For the 160,000 Americans already killed by COVID, this is of little consolation.  Our overall health in this country is frankly pathetic.

 

1 American dies every 4 seconds from heart disease ( diet/exercise and obesity .... ) the tune is what > 640,000

 

This year Covid may make a run to second place in the 300,000K range sadly, and I think total deaths across the board will be higher for every category as people are afraid to go see their doctors or go to the hospital.

 

The good, I see a lot more people walking around then I every did, eat your vegetables, and if you have NETFLIX take a look at  Game Changers 

 

https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/facts.htm#:~:text=Heart disease is the leading,1 in every 4 deaths.

[chipmaster]

11 hours ago, mnocket said:

Here's a surprising finding about those fleece gaiter masks I see so many people wearing.....

 

Neck fleeces, also called gaiter masks and often used by runners, were the least effective. In fact, wearing a fleece mask resulted in a higher number of respiratory droplets because the material seemed to break down larger droplets into smaller particles that are more easily carried away with air.

 

In other words....  wearing a gaiter mask actually makes you more dangerous to others than wearing no mask at all.  Given how many people wear theses, plus all of those people I see with their masks pulled down below their noses, I'd say if masks are required somewhere - it's not really safe to be there.

 

source: https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/08/us/duke-university-face-mask-test-trnd/index.html

 

It is interesting how this one is ranked, of course N95 is pretty good, and the valved N95 ranks middle of the pack for safety to others, so I feel better wearing it in my impact to others, comfort to me, and most important protection to myself.    

 

When I fly now or maybe go to Disney World, I'll have to put a surgical around it, LOL

[mnocket]

36 minutes ago, chipmaster said:

 

It is interesting how this one is ranked, of course N95 is pretty good, and the valved N95 ranks middle of the pack for safety to others, so I feel better wearing it in my impact to others, comfort to me, and most important protection to myself.    

 

When I fly now or maybe go to Disney World, I'll have to put a surgical around it, LOL

I agree.  Those of us in the high risk category should wear a mask to protect ourselves - and this means a high quality (e.g. N95) mask.  I think the government is really missing the boat in not having a program to provide N95 masks to the most vulnerable.