Can you freely get off at ports without Carnival Excursion?

[BlerkOne]

BAM!!!

 

Safe Shoreside Experiences

We’re working with local authorities, destinations and tour operators so that the enhanced health and safety measures on board are maintained ashore. We will follow the health protocols for every port we visit. There may be a reduction in the capacity of excursions and tour vehicles. Only shore excursions that comply with our prescribed protocols will be permitted, with strict adherence required of all guests and denial of re-boarding for any guests who do not comply.

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, klfrodo said:

You may be mistaken.

I didn't ask anything. 😲

I apologize, as someone else pointed out, I mistook you for the OP.

[klfrodo]

2 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

I apologize, as someone else pointed out, I mistook you for the OP.

graciously accepted. Thank you for the correction.

[crewsweeper]

21 hours ago, bstel said:

 

 

Costa Maya - go past the tourist cruise port, and head to Mahawual (the real mexican city) and walk the "board walk" and sit under an umbrella drinking beer.  The ships used to port in Mahawhual or tender in, until Carnival built their own port to keep more money for themselves in the "authentic city of Costa Maya" 😉

 

 

I agree with all your points on the 3 ports.

However, let's clear up some misinformation on Costa Maya.

First, the malecon is in Mahahual, not Mahawual.  Second, it's not a city. Not even a town.  It was a tiny fishing village and then divers discovered it was near one of the largest reef systems in the world.  Up sprang a coupel of hotels to accommodate them.  Small cruise ships started to arrive in the 00s (maybe late last century) and u sprang some beach bars. Cat's Meow and Cha Chi, being the better ones.  Hurricane Dean in '07 caused a lot of ruin.  Cat's closed. Cha Chi was wrecked (still visible from north side of piers). Then the largest land owner, convinced cruise lines to help pony up for a real port with shops  and restaurants and a tram to Mahahual ie with first stop at his beach club, Tequila Beach, which had the only water toys at the time. As the port grew in destinations for itineraries', more places along the malecon opened up.  So now the malecon is one long stretch of umbrellas where lounger hawkers pester cruisers into many "clubs" serving  cheap Coronas and mediocre Tex-Mex Americanized food.  So wish it weren't so Joe.😒

[BlerkOne]

12 minutes ago, crewsweeper said:

 Cha Chi was wrecked (still visible from north side of piers). Then the largest land owner, convinced cruise lines to help pony up for a real port with shops  and restaurants and a tram to Mahahual ie with first stop at his beach club, Tequila Beach, which had the only water toys at the time.

Chac-Chi.

 

Hurricane Dean did absolutely destroy the place. I liked the sleepy little fishing village better than what was rebuilt, but if some, including the government had not stepped up, I think it would have been the end of the place as a cruise port.

 

Not sure what happened with the Hard Rock someone was building there. Maybe they didn't bribe enough people.

[Bowman1]

20 hours ago, BlerkOne said:

BAM!!!

 

Safe Shoreside Experiences

We’re working with local authorities, destinations and tour operators so that the enhanced health and safety measures on board are maintained ashore. We will follow the health protocols for every port we visit. There may be a reduction in the capacity of excursions and tour vehicles. Only shore excursions that comply with our prescribed protocols will be permitted, with strict adherence required of all guests and denial of re-boarding for any guests who do not comply.

The direct link to this is as follows

 

Covid-19 Legal Notices - Guest Protocols 

https://www.carnival.com/Legal/covid-19-legal-notices?icid=ccl_c19legal_040621_footer

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Nothing stays the same - unfortunately, time marches on !!

 

[bstel]

1 hour ago, crewsweeper said:

I agree with all your points on the 3 ports.

However, let's clear up some misinformation on Costa Maya.

First, the malecon is in Mahahual, not Mahawual.  Second, it's not a city. Not even a town.  It was a tiny fishing village and then divers discovered it was near one of the largest reef systems in the world.  Up sprang a coupel of hotels to accommodate them.  Small cruise ships started to arrive in the 00s (maybe late last century) and u sprang some beach bars. Cat's Meow and Cha Chi, being the better ones.  Hurricane Dean in '07 caused a lot of ruin.  Cat's closed. Cha Chi was wrecked (still visible from north side of piers). Then the largest land owner, convinced cruise lines to help pony up for a real port with shops  and restaurants and a tram to Mahahual ie with first stop at his beach club, Tequila Beach, which had the only water toys at the time. As the port grew in destinations for itineraries', more places along the malecon opened up.  So now the malecon is one long stretch of umbrellas where lounger hawkers pester cruisers into many "clubs" serving  cheap Coronas and mediocre Tex-Mex Americanized food.  So wish it weren't so Joe.😒

current MahaHual is still more "authentic" than the Carnival cruise port hidden behind the security wall.

[TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail]

On 5/3/2021 at 7:14 AM, kleibo said:

Anyone know for sure?

No one here knows for sure anything about cruising at this point (well

maybe that there won’t be any domestic cruises this month at a minimum).  
 

Even during more certain times you get a lot of speculation here.  Sorry if the above replies offend you but they are trying to help.  My hope (along with most here) is that we are given some latitude on going to a nearby beach or restaurant at a minimum than being being stuck on an overpriced tour.

Edited May 4, 2021 by TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

5 minutes ago, TooManyWakeUpsTilWeSail said:

...  My hope (along with most here) is that we are given some latitude on going to a nearby beach or restaurant at a minimum than being being stuck on an overpriced tour.

If it's a choice between A) Carnival tour and B) Stay on the ship...

 

I'll choose B - and just consider it a seven night CTN. Though, when in port, often there's places on the ship that are shut down. I hope that they'd modify that to some degree if they're doing something which causes more people to stay onboard. I could see them keep the casino open or have more bingo -- something to generate $'s.

 

Tom

[BlerkOne]

2 hours ago, Bowman1 said:

The direct link to this is as follows

 

Covid-19 Legal Notices - Guest Protocols 

https://www.carnival.com/Legal/covid-19-legal-notices?icid=ccl_c19legal_040621_footer

also mask protocol

 

Masks

When physical distancing can’t be maintained, or when mandated by public health authorities, masks will be required on board, at private islands, and during shore excursions. Masks must be worn in terminals, during embarkation and disembarkation.

[BlerkOne]

46 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

If it's a choice between A) Carnival tour and B) Stay on the ship...

 

I'll choose B - and just consider it a seven night CTN. Though, when in port, often there's places on the ship that are shut down. I hope that they'd modify that to some degree if they're doing something which causes more people to stay onboard. I could see them keep the casino open or have more bingo -- something to generate $'s.

 

Tom

I think casino and shop hours would be under the jurisdiction of whatever the port/country the ship is in.

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

26 minutes ago, BlerkOne said:

I think casino and shop hours would be under the jurisdiction of whatever the port/country the ship is in.

 

That is generally the case, but I've seen exceptions. For example, when the Sensation used to overnight in Nassau they'd open up the casino at 7 pm. One time we had to overnight in Key West on a Celebrity cruise (as the winds were literally so strong that they could not pull safely away from the pier - after perhaps 3 attempts). We were not able to leave the ship (Navy pier - and no after hours procedures in place/security) - but lo and behold, the casino opened up that evening. I never discovered if that was a matter of them receiving permission, or "It’s Easier To Ask Forgiveness Than To Get Permission"!

 

And, given extraordinary times - no telling what might come to pass.

 

Tom

[kleibo]

On 5/3/2021 at 1:52 PM, marshhawk said:

Right now in Nassau, masks are mandatory unless you are in the water.  The best way to enforce that is with a Carnival excursion.  (the fine is 200 or 30 days in jail).  Most of the islands that cruise ships visit are not vaccinated because they cannot afford the vaccine.  Not because they dont want it.  We get it for free and look at the folks who wont take it.  

 

When cruising happens, cruise happy (and educated about where you are going).

 

According to their website - masks are not required to be worn on the beach.

 

Once on Island:

Wear a face mask and physical distance when in public places:

• When travelling in a taxi or on a bus, when standing in lines, when entering any establishment, while entering or exiting a restaurant.
• When entering and exiting beaches (not required on the beach).

https://www.bahamas.com/travelupdates 

[asalligo]

16 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

That is generally the case, but I've seen exceptions. For example, when the Sensation used to overnight in Nassau they'd open up the casino at 7 pm. One time we had to overnight in Key West on a Celebrity cruise (as the winds were literally so strong that they could not pull safely away from the pier - after perhaps 3 attempts). We were not able to leave the ship (Navy pier - and no after hours procedures in place/security) - but lo and behold, the casino opened up that evening. I never discovered if that was a matter of them receiving permission, or "It’s Easier To Ask Forgiveness Than To Get Permission"!

 

And, given extraordinary times - no telling what might come to pass.

 

Tom

Now that is interesting. It was certainly not legal in Florida waters. 

[asalligo]

17 hours ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

If it's a choice between A) Carnival tour and B) Stay on the ship...

 

I'll choose B - and just consider it a seven night CTN. Though, when in port, often there's places on the ship that are shut down. I hope that they'd modify that to some degree if they're doing something which causes more people to stay onboard. I could see them keep the casino open or have more bingo -- something to generate $'s.

 

Tom

Same here, I could have a great time cruising and never get off the ship. These days even when we do get off the ship, we only walk around for a while and then get back on. Not much on excursions anymore. A person could easily spend the same amount they spent on the entire cruise just for excursions at a couple of ports through Carnival.  

[teknoge3k]

I just read that NCL isn't requiring passengers to do shore excursions through the cruise line. They mentioned they initially thought they were going to have to create that bubble for pax but now have relaxed that policy. Passengers are free to do as they choose once they debark the ship. This is great news!!  Hopefully Carnival does the same. 

Edited May 5, 2021 by teknoge3k

[serene56]

When this mess just started CLIA posted guidelines of what to be expected.    Cruiseline sponsered excursions was one of those guidelines.     You will not going to be off and seeing stuff alone.   Keeps people together--   Not knowing where people were venturing was to keep a lid of containment   Kind of makes me wonder if certain ports will not be visited--   Jamaica   Grand Cayman.

 

 

[BlerkOne]

1 hour ago, teknoge3k said:

I just read that NCL isn't requiring passengers to do shore excursions through the cruise line. They mentioned they initially thought they were going to have to create that bubble for pax but now have relaxed that policy. Passengers are free to do as they choose once they debark the ship. This is great news!!  Hopefully Carnival does the same. 

NCL requires vaccinations. Hopefully Carnival will, too! Bubbles protect not only passengers, but island residents, too.

[ontheweb]

27 minutes ago, serene56 said:

When this mess just started CLIA posted guidelines of what to be expected.    Cruiseline sponsered excursions was one of those guidelines.     You will not going to be off and seeing stuff alone.   Keeps people together--   Not knowing where people were venturing was to keep a lid of containment   Kind of makes me wonder if certain ports will not be visited--   Jamaica   Grand Cayman.

 

 

The key words there is when this mess just got started. Much has changed, especially vaccinations.

[serene56]

2 hours ago, ontheweb said:

The key words there is when this mess just got started. Much has changed, especially vaccinations.

   the protocols are now on carnival web site that we will only be using their excursions 

[Trueblueky]

On 5/3/2021 at 8:50 AM, asalligo said:

My own personal opinion is that Carnival will restrict everyone cruising to Carnival only excursions for as long as they feel they can get away with it and not lose customers to other brands. Carnival always said, please only take Carnival excursions for your own safety and to not miss the ship. One might say they even harped on this. Were Carnival endorsed excursions safer, maybe, but the real reason was profit and as long as they can use Covid as a reason, they will restrict excursions.

 

I expect no one gets off the ship without an excursion in places that there are no secured cruiser areas with vendors like Nassau, but I hope places like Cozumel and Freeport allow wandering in the secure area. I think the days of getting off the ship and just catching a cab to the beach will be gone for the first year of our return to cruising.

 

I really cruise for the ship, but I had become accustomed to getting off the ship and bartering for excursions for a quarter of the onboard price. In Cozumel I liked to go outside the secure area and shop. 

With all the OBC we have accumulated, I'm ok with Carnival only excursions on the next cruise.  Just don't want that to become permanent.  

[asalligo]

6 minutes ago, Trueblueky said:

With all the OBC we have accumulated, I'm ok with Carnival only excursions on the next cruise.  Just don't want that to become permanent.  

Exactly, cool for a while.

[bdever]

NCL is NOT requiring cruise line sponsored excursions as announced today.... BUT still vaxx only cruises. The take home being, vaxx only cruises = less restrictions.

 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/norwegian-cruise-line-no-more-controlled-shore-excursions

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, serene56 said:

   the protocols are now on carnival web site that we will only be using their excursions 

🤦‍♂️😢😒