Summary of Carnival's policies for July & August sailings from John Heald

[LHARTWICK]

On 7/8/2021 at 11:45 AM, wemjam said:

I have thought it a bit ridiculous to request room cleaning twice a day.  In my mind it just makes way too much work for the crew that is already working their tails off. 

 

We opt for evening cleaning so we can sleep in and get ready to move about as we wish without being disturbed.  In the evening when we go to dinner they do their magic and we come back to our turn downed bed and towel animal.

EXACT same for us!  We like to sleep in, especially on sea days.  With PM service only, we aren't in their way in the AM, and they can use that time doing something else. I like that CCL gives us the option.  

[Honolulu Blue]

UPDATE #7:  Mr. Heald had one of his coffee talks again today (one day after his return to the UK) and discussed some topics of interest.  Here's what most piqued my interest:

 

• He promised more Mardi Gras videos
• He also promised more general news
• There was a Funship Freddy sighting around minute 5 of the video
• The big news was probably the revealing that all passengers (including kids) who are not vaccinated must pay $150 for two tests - one just before embarking and one before disembarking.  He stressed that this is policy only for July and August so far.
• Those who are affected by this change in policy can move their cruise without penalty or get a full refund
• The testing charges can be put on your Sail & Sign card, so there's no need to prepay
• Vaccinated individuals don't need to test at all, except...
• Cruisers going on a back-to-back need to test at the end of their first cruise.  No charge for this.
• There's no cruise director schedule available yet; he'll release it when it's ready
• Sign ups for Mr. Heald's FFS Cruise are moved from August 1 to September 1 due to John working on the Mardi Gras at the time and being busy with that
• Mr. Heald will be on the Mardi Gras for the Sailabration
• He says the QR codes onboard will work with any digital camera if you just point and shoot - no other software needed
• He confessed that he missed the paper Fun Times and spoke to Christine and some other people in power about having full copies return somewhere (Guest Services?  Coffee shop?).  He made no promises in this regard.
• Due to hygiene issues there aren't any more tablecloths
• Mr. Heald will be flying back to Miami on July 22 and will board the Mardi Gras on the 25th, the same day it's scheduled to arrive there
• He will sail back on the Mardi Gras to Port Canaveral and will do the first cruise on that ship

There's already a thread on the announced cost for required COVID-19 tests for unvaccinated passengers:

 

Edited July 12, 2021 by Honolulu Blue

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

Thanks for the update/summary !

 

I seem to recall that he would be on the second Mardi Gras sailing as well. Did he touch upon that?

 

Tom

[Honolulu Blue]

2 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

Thanks for the update/summary !

 

I seem to recall that he would be on the second Mardi Gras sailing as well. Did he touch upon that?

 

Tom

 

You're welcome!  Glad to be of assistance!

 

I don't think he mentioned being on the second sailing of Mardi Gras.  If he did, I didn't make a note of it.

[jimbo5544]

25 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

UPDATE #7:  Mr. Heald had one of his coffee talks again today (one day after his return to the UK) and discussed some topics of interest.  Here's what most piqued my interest:

 

• He promised more Mardi Gras videos
• He also promised more general news
• There was a Funship Freddy sighting around minute 5 of the video
• The big news was probably the revealing that all passengers (including kids) who are not vaccinated must pay $150 for two tests - one just before embarking and one before disembarking.  He stressed that this is policy only for July and August so far.
• Those who are affected by this change in policy can move their cruise without penalty or get a full refund
• The testing charges can be put on your Sail & Sign card, so there's no need to prepay
• Vaccinated individuals don't need to test at all, except...
• Cruisers going on a back-to-back need to test at the end of their first cruise.  No charge for this.
• There's no cruise director schedule available yet; he'll release it when it's ready
• Sign ups for Mr. Heald's FFS Cruise are moved from August 1 to September 1 due to John working on the Mardi Gras at the time and being busy with that
• Mr. Heald will be on the Mardi Gras for the Sailabration
• He says the QR codes onboard will work with any digital camera if you just point and shoot - no other software needed
• He confessed that he missed the paper Fun Times and spoke to Christine and some other people in power about having full copies return somewhere (Guest Services?  Coffee shop?).  He made no promises in this regard.
• Due to hygiene issues there aren't any more tablecloths
• Mr. Heald will be flying back to Miami on July 22 and will board the Mardi Gras on the 25th, the same day it's scheduled to arrive there
• He will sail back on the Mardi Gras to Port Canaveral and will do the first cruise on that ship

There's already a thread on the announced cost for required COVID-19 tests for unvaccinated passengers:

 

Nice job

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

5 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

You're welcome!  Glad to be of assistance!

 

I don't think he mentioned being on the second sailing of Mardi Gras.  If he did, I didn't make a note of it.

 

It was from something I read over the last week or so. If that's the case, we'll know pretty soon anyway!

 

REALLY looking forward to him setting foot on the Mardi Gras, with camera in hand!!

 

Tom

[Honolulu Blue]

27 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

REALLY looking forward to him setting foot on the Mardi Gras, with camera in hand!!

 

In Miami or Port Canaveral?  Either way, you now know when it's supposed to happen.  Put it on your calendar.

Edited July 12, 2021 by Honolulu Blue

[jimbo5544]

1 hour ago, Honolulu Blue said:

 

In Miami or Port Canaveral?  Either way, you now know when it's supposed to happen.  Put it on your calendar.

PC

[Honolulu Blue]

It looks like John broke the news about the cruise directors on the ships launching in August.  The press release is at https://carnival-news.com/2021/07/13/carnival-cruise-line-announces-cruise-directors-for-next-round-of-ships-returning-to-service-this-summer/ .  The TL,DR is:

• Gary Blair - Carnival Magic
• Felipe Couto - Carnival Sunrise
• Lee Mason - Carnival Panorama
• Chris Williams - Mardi Gras, for now, due to Mike Pack & Emma having a baby

I started a thread on it here:  

 

[Clarabella_Baby]

I am a Canadian, hopefully, sailing from Long Beach in October.  Right now we require a negative test to get back into Canada.  As I have booked my flight for the same day the ship docks, I really don't want to be running around Los Angeles or even LAX trying to find a rapid test to get me results before I step on the plane.

 

Does anyone know if test will be available on-board, for a fee I would assume, of course, that I could take in advance before disembarking in order to be able to get home?

 

I am fully vaxxed if that matters.  

Thanks!

[toad455]

Everything is as expected. I'm just over the moon that cruising is back.

[crazy4themouse]

49 minutes ago, Clarabella_Baby said:

I am a Canadian, hopefully, sailing from Long Beach in October.  Right now we require a negative test to get back into Canada.  As I have booked my flight for the same day the ship docks, I really don't want to be running around Los Angeles or even LAX trying to find a rapid test to get me results before I step on the plane.

 

Does anyone know if test will be available on-board, for a fee I would assume, of course, that I could take in advance before disembarking in order to be able to get home?

 

I am fully vaxxed if that matters.  

Thanks!

 

John Heald just addressed that this morning. This is what he said:

 

"I have been asked a lot recently if we will provide PCR tests for Canadians before they disembark and so they have the result to return home with? Sadly the answer is no, we can't, I am sorry. Right now we are testing back to back cruisers and side to side cruisers and in July and August those who are not vaccinated.

However I know that airports in Florida and Texas have testing facilities there and you can pre book a test there which I hope helps. We really want to see our Canadian friends cruise again and if there is anything I can do please let me know."

 

[Clarabella_Baby]

10 minutes ago, crazy4themouse said:

 

John Heald just addressed that this morning. This is what he said:

 

"I have been asked a lot recently if we will provide PCR tests for Canadians before they disembark and so they have the result to return home with? Sadly the answer is no, we can't, I am sorry. Right now we are testing back to back cruisers and side to side cruisers and in July and August those who are not vaccinated.

However I know that airports in Florida and Texas have testing facilities there and you can pre book a test there which I hope helps. We really want to see our Canadian friends cruise again and if there is anything I can do please let me know."

 

Excellent thank you for your response!

 

I'll look into the testing at the airport.

[wemjam]

3 hours ago, Clarabella_Baby said:

I am a Canadian, hopefully, sailing from Long Beach in October.  Right now we require a negative test to get back into Canada.  As I have booked my flight for the same day the ship docks, I really don't want to be running around Los Angeles or even LAX trying to find a rapid test to get me results before I step on the plane.

 

Does anyone know if test will be available on-board, for a fee I would assume, of course, that I could take in advance before disembarking in order to be able to get home?

 

I am fully vaxxed if that matters.  

Thanks!

Just curious how you are cruising from a US Port?  We are in Detroit area and often would go into Canada for trips away, but I thought all non-essential travel between the US and Canada was still banned?  Has it opened back up and I missed it?

[Clarabella_Baby]

7 minutes ago, wemjam said:

Just curious how you are cruising from a US Port?  We are in Detroit area and often would go into Canada for trips away, but I thought all non-essential travel between the US and Canada was still banned?  Has it opened back up and I missed it?

It hasn't opened back up.  I'm taking a chance that it will in the next three months though.  And in the meantime I'm trying to do my homework to determine how travel might look.  To be prepared.

[wemjam]

2 minutes ago, Clarabella_Baby said:

It hasn't opened back up.  I'm taking a chance that it will in the next three months though.  And in the meantime I'm trying to do my homework to determine how travel might look.  To be prepared.

Gotcha!   I was like Woohoo!! Niagra Falls here I came lol!

[Honolulu Blue]

I watched Mr. Heald's coffee talk today.  I don't think there was much new discussed, more of an emphasis on points previously discussed.  Here's the short list:

 

• Information on ships sailing, their protocols, and final payments for September and October are due "very soon" and he'll let us know when he has information to share
• They're still working on exemptions for July and August cruises.  They are generally being handled in order of the sailings.
• The official Carnival line is that because the CDC and WHO say that vaccines are recommended for those who have already had COVID-19, they won't accept those who have had COVID-19 but no vaccine
• The official Carnival line is that according to the CDC and WHO, it's OK to mix Pfizer and Moderna doses, but not any other combination of two-dose vaccines
• They won't have PCR tests available for Canadians returning after their cruises.  John suggested getting a test at the airport if required.
• More broad hints about the IMAX movies.  They're the same two as he mentioned a week or two ago.
• There won't be any smoking in any Carnival ship casino until refueling is done (they'll announce this).  The reason given is that casinos are now routinely being used as muster stations.
• The $3 per bag charge for popcorn is only for now, and could change in the future
• They might get better popcorn now that they're charging for it
• Mr. Heald will announce a more detailed September schedule for himself when the ships sailing in September and October are officially announced

[Tom-n-Cheryl]

4 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

I watched Mr. Heald's coffee talk today.  I don't think there was much new discussed, more of an emphasis on points previously discussed.  Here's the short list:

 

• ...
• There won't be any smoking in any Carnival ship casino until refueling is done (they'll announce this).  The reason given is that casinos are now routinely being used as muster stations.
• ...

 

That seems rather odd - I'd think if there's refueling going on, that they'd be in port (and the casino would be closed).

 

Tom

[silversneakers]

On 6/23/2021 at 1:26 PM, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

Wouldn't it be easier to just scan all the vaccinated people for microchips?

 

(said just in FUN... not wanting to tempt the powers that be)!!

 

Tom

Technology is advancing. I'm hearing that everything will be done through the app from embarkation to on/off ship in Ports, to menus, to room service.  We will see.  Oh, Oh, just heard 3K passengers are quarantined in Singapore!!

[ProgRockCruiser]

2 minutes ago, Tom-n-Cheryl said:

 

That seems rather odd - I'd think if there's refueling going on, that they'd be in port (and the casino would be closed).

 

Tom

Oddly enough, people still try to congregate in the Casino for a smoke even when closed, from what I gather.  But yes, they aren't supposed to smoke there, and the outside deck smoking is shut down until refueling is complete.

[kdr69]

On 6/22/2021 at 8:13 AM, Mamott said:

I try to read everything to avoid repeating a question. I don’t see Groove for St. Jude addressed. I really just want the t-shirt….anyone heard any thing about them?

Pretty sure they had it on the Horizon and John Heald was in a video talking about the two boxing belts someone had donated that he and Christine Duffy signed for auctioning off at the event that day.

[kdr69]

18 minutes ago, Honolulu Blue said:

They won't have PCR tests available for Canadians returning after their cruises.  John suggested getting a test at the airport if required.

dammmmm it

[kdr69]

18 hours ago, wemjam said:

Just curious how you are cruising from a US Port?  We are in Detroit area and often would go into Canada for trips away, but I thought all non-essential travel between the US and Canada was still banned?  Has it opened back up and I missed it?

Non essential travel is only restricted at Land Crossings it does not apply to airline travel.

Borders with Canada

• The United States and Canada have limited non-essential travel at our shared land ports of entry.
  • “Non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. “Essential travel” still permitted includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
  • Trade and business travel will continue to operate across our borders, ensuring workers and goods are not impeded.
• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals with valid travel documents will be exempted.
• Land borders are operating at reduced capacity and with limited hours. Visit CBP and CBSA for details on land border crossings.
• In addition to restrictions on non-essential travel between the United States and Canada, a number of provinces and territories have put in place specific restrictions for travel across their borders, including for domestic travelers. Please see our COVID-19 Information Page for more details.

The following categories do not fall within the definition of “essential travel:”

• Individuals traveling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events in the United States

 

Q:  What will this mean for airline travel and other travel across the border?

A:  This action does not apply to entry into the United States from Canada via air, rail, or sea travel at this time, but does apply to commuter rail and ferry travel.

[Sam Ting]

20 hours ago, crazy4themouse said:

 

John Heald just addressed that this morning. This is what he said:

 

"I have been asked a lot recently if we will provide PCR tests for Canadians before they disembark and so they have the result to return home with? Sadly the answer is no, we can't, I am sorry. Right now we are testing back to back cruisers and side to side cruisers and in July and August those who are not vaccinated.

However I know that airports in Florida and Texas have testing facilities there and you can pre book a test there which I hope helps. We really want to see our Canadian friends cruise again and if there is anything I can do please let me know."

 

I would think they would rather not have to deal with any positive results that might come back while the passengers are still on the ship, which could cause a lot of headaches and what do we do now. 
 

if they test positive at the airport, their hands are washed of the issue. 

[ProgRockCruiser]

39 minutes ago, kdr69 said:

Non essential travel is only restricted at Land Crossings it does not apply to airline travel.

Borders with Canada

• The United States and Canada have limited non-essential travel at our shared land ports of entry.
  • “Non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered tourism or recreational in nature. “Essential travel” still permitted includes: work and study, critical infrastructure support, economic services and supply chains, health, immediate medical care, and safety and security.
  • Trade and business travel will continue to operate across our borders, ensuring workers and goods are not impeded.
• U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and individuals with valid travel documents will be exempted.
• Land borders are operating at reduced capacity and with limited hours. Visit CBP and CBSA for details on land border crossings.
• In addition to restrictions on non-essential travel between the United States and Canada, a number of provinces and territories have put in place specific restrictions for travel across their borders, including for domestic travelers. Please see our COVID-19 Information Page for more details.

The following categories do not fall within the definition of “essential travel:”

• Individuals traveling for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, recreation, gambling, or attending cultural events in the United States

 

Q:  What will this mean for airline travel and other travel across the border?

A:  This action does not apply to entry into the United States from Canada via air, rail, or sea travel at this time, but does apply to commuter rail and ferry travel.

Indeed. And fully vaxxed Canadian citizens (traveling on a Cdn passport) and permanent residents can return to Canada without having to quarantine.

 

Per the above, I believe the US doesn't have any restrictions on entering the US from Canada via air other than the negative test for COVID.

 

So Canadians going on a cruise can fly out of Canada and enter the US, cruise, return to the US port, then fly back to Canada as long as they have a negative PCR COVID test.  Just got to get the timing "just right".

 

The other current fly in the ointment is that Carnival (using WHO & CDC guidelines) does not recognize those vaccinated with mixed dosages except for Moderna+Pfizer.  So anyone with a mix of AZ and anything else is not considered fully vaxxed.