For those who sailed with masking indoors...

[Fredric22]

9 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

Carnival is increasing the requirement to wear masks indoors.  Specifically, for my cruise on Magic tomorrow (finally!) they sent out an email that noted there had been a few cases of COVID amongst the crew, and as a result they are "asking" that pax wears masks at all times when indoors, except when actively eating/drinking or in your cabin.

 

So...my wife and I will be spending a lot of time on the Lido deck and at Serenity, I guess!

This logic from Carnival (if this is actually the reason) makes no sense.  They have cases among the crew, so they are requiring guests to wear a mask more often? Umm.. gees Carnival needs to get it together.  I would politely so no thanks to this and cancel. Many other cruise lines like NCL and Celebrity have more guest friendly protocols in place.  Testing + vaccination is enough. 

[bucfan2]

35 minutes ago, leela8 said:

Florida wouldn't be in the situation it's in if people would wear masks.

Thanks for your opinion on masking in general, but not really interested in it....not what I'm on here for.  Interested in cruising protocols and experiences though.  

Edited September 3, 2021 by bucfan2

[Fredric22]

36 minutes ago, leela8 said:

Florida wouldn't be in the situation it's in if people would wear masks.

What a silly and inaccurate thing to say.  I do hope this comment gets moderated as it has nothing to do with cruising and it is also blatantly false. 

[jfunk138]

13 hours ago, naxer said:

Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?

I suggest you look at the comments on this thread.  People seem to be demanding more enforcement.  Assuming the mask rules stay in place until November, enforcement will almost certainly be increased, as folks are demanding it and "The rules are the rules, don't like it, don't sail"™.  

Read the comments and ask yourself if you think it will be pleasant to sail with these folks demanding increased enforcement before you make your final payment.

[ProgRockCruiser]

28 minutes ago, jfunk138 said:

Read the comments and ask yourself if you think it will be pleasant to sail with these folks demanding increased enforcement before you make your final payment.

So...just out of curiosity, you are suggesting that it would be better if the mask rules were not enforced, and no-one cared, so that when cases do have a random outbreak or two the CDC or other authorities can say "OK, shut it down!  No more cruising!"?

 

I would like the rules to go away, but for the right reasons.

[naxer]

27 minutes ago, jfunk138 said:

...before you make your final payment.

 

With three cancelled cruises behind me, final payment was made a while ago with the FCC, and I even have OBC for this one in November.  (And I have two more cruises booked for 2022.)

 

I am one of those who prefer that masking be done indoors.  I just want to know if that lessens the fun for people? Perhaps the contention about it plays into it too?  It's mostly about the music venues in the evening. The reason I'm asking now is that they've given a 14 day window to easily cancel or change.

[Embem]

For what it's worth, I got an email yesterday from Carnival (regarding my Breeze sailing in December). Here's what it said on masks:

 

MASKS

Masks are required in the terminal during the embarkation and debarkation process, on any transportation, including water shuttles, at indoor venues where people congregate, including the dining rooms and Lido Buffet prior to being seated, lounges and theaters, retail shops and elevators.  Children under 2 are exempt from mask wearing requirements.  There will be signage on board, and we ask all guests to follow this request.

[grumpyjr88]

11 minutes ago, naxer said:

 

With three cancelled cruises behind me, final payment was made a while ago with the FCC, and I even have OBC for this one in November.  (And I have two more cruises booked for 2022.)

 

I am one of those who prefer that masking be done indoors.  I just want to know if that lessens the fun for people? Perhaps the contention about it plays into it too?  It's mostly about the music venues in the evening. The reason I'm asking now is that they've given a 14 day window to easily cancel or change.

TBH i don't see how wearing a mask is any different than wearing clothes. If wearing a shirt and pants restricts your ability to have fun in public then i suppose wearing a mask would too. 😂

[grumpyjr88]

1 hour ago, EngIceDave said:

I know I am weird, but I don't really feel comfortable around people without a mask right now.

 

Gotten kind of used to it. Gotten picky about mask comfort too.

 

 

 

 

Ditto!

[ProgRockCruiser]

1 minute ago, grumpyjr88 said:

TBH i don't see how wearing a mask is any different than wearing clothes. If wearing a shirt and pants restricts your ability to have fun in public then i suppose wearing a mask would too. 😂

Well, it does restrict me from having fun, but I have come to terms with that restriction after several warnings...

 

I kid!

 

A better analogy might be swimwear and swimming: we have accepted that covering certain body parts to some minimal standard is appropriate, but in general we do not require people to wear shirts and pants when in a pool (in western societies).  So to some, the mask is like a t-shirt in a pool - yeah, it doesn't kill me to wear it, but I'd rather not.

 

And singing along in the piano bar has got to be more fun without a mask, but I will abide and wear mine!

[grumpyjr88]

Masks might actually help all of us who can't sing on key. 😜

 

Your bathing suit analogy is a good one. But even at a nude beach i wear my bathing suit... For YOUR protection (just like a mask.) 😂

[Anung Un Rama]

Actively eating or drinking is kind of vague.  I'm curious about how thing are at the Alchemy Bar where my wife and I spend a lot of time.  Will I need a mask on until I take a sip of my drink or is sitting at a bar considered actively drinking?  

[gbearcruiser]

2 hours ago, Fredric22 said:

This information is not correct.  You are not required to wear a mask while "strolling around" the ship.  Masks are required only in certain areas (lounges, casino, restaurant, elevators, etc.) where you will see a sign posted outside.  You can walk around the ship mask free and still be following the rules. 

If you are inside and not drinking or eating, you are to wear your masks, inside can be crowded at times, you are passing other passengers, crews members.  I asked and was told on ship by the staff that you are to wear your mask unless you are eating or drinking inside.   Now we have several crew members who are sick, not sure what ship, but respectfully masks should be worn if you are not eating or drinking.  I spent a lot of time outside on the lido deck, but for the atrium shows, there are people constantly passing you by, it is close quarters.  As Andy the comedy show host said, please wear your mask so that the staff can continue to work and support thier families, and so that cruising does not stop.

 

 

Edited September 3, 2021 by gbearcruiser

[jfunk138]

53 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

So...just out of curiosity, you are suggesting that it would be better if the mask rules were not enforced, and no-one cared, so that when cases do have a random outbreak or two the CDC or other authorities can say "OK, shut it down!  No more cruising!"?

 

I would like the rules to go away, but for the right reasons.

Is there any evidence that the CDC will actually "shut it down"?  Back in June many here claimed that "a single case of Covid" would shutdown the industry.  Then August arrived with the Vista reporting ~30 cases and 1 Covid death on a single sailing, yet despite the numbers putting it above the CDC's own 1.5% threshold for shutdown, we get crickets from the CDC.  The threat of "shutdowns" is clearly an idle threat at this point.

 

There are going to be outbreaks.  The presence of the mask police will not change this.

[ProgRockCruiser]

5 minutes ago, Anung Un Rama said:

Actively eating or drinking is kind of vague.  I'm curious about how thing are at the Alchemy Bar where my wife and I spend a lot of time.  Will I need a mask on until I take a sip of my drink or is sitting at a bar considered actively drinking?  

In general, it is desired you wear your mask unless active taking a sip.  How firmly that is enforced may vary, but with some recent upticks in cases on board with the crew, I would bet they will feel better if you keep the mask on as much as possible.

[tallnthensome]

6 minutes ago, Anung Un Rama said:

Actively eating or drinking is kind of vague.  I'm curious about how thing are at the Alchemy Bar where my wife and I spend a lot of time.  Will I need a mask on until I take a sip of my drink or is sitting at a bar considered actively drinking?  

I was at the alchemy bar last night. You don’t need a mask. 

[ProgRockCruiser]

1 minute ago, jfunk138 said:

The threat of "shutdowns" is clearly an idle threat at this point.

The thing with threats is that by definition, they are inaction until there is action, and the action is usually what we are trying to avoid.

 

If everybody took the attitude that masking was to be ignored, I would hazard a guess that cases would increase significantly, and once that hits the fan, there will be no takebacks.

[tallnthensome]

For those who feel inconvenienced by a mask I will tell you this. I too wasn’t thrilled with the required masking. Currently aboard the Panorama and there are plenty of people coughing and such. Watched an old guy at the lido buffet with his mask around his chin cough all over he food while leaning over. Me and another guy just looked at each other in disbelief. You might or might not be surprised at how dumb people are . Masking is necessary because of the people I just mentioned and those hacking their lung up. Two medical emergency calls on the PA since after midnight. Not sure for sure what though. 

[gbearcruiser]

15 hours ago, naxer said:

OK, got the announcement from  Carnival today.  It's all getting real.  We're scheduled to cruise on the Mardi Gras, leaving Thanksgiving weekend.  With the testing, and wearing masks indoors, I'm questioning how enjoyable it will be.  I like the Playlist Production type entertainment, and the live music at the bars in the evening.  

 

For those who sailed with the masking policy, was it as fun?  Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?  The alternative would be going to Disney.

Disney has I believe implemented masks again at their parks in Florida.  I had a great time and enjoyed my cruise a lot, even with having to wear my mask, it did not bother me, in fact, it made me feel more comfortable if that makes sense.  I did not get in elevators unless they all had their masks on.  Some individuals would carry a glass/drink in their hand just so they did not have to put their masks on, to pretend they were drinking, so they did not have to wear their mask.  I passed the same guy so many times, his drink did not go any lower in his glass, he never wore his mask, it just hung off his ear, I saw staff ask him to mask up between drinking and he would say sure, put his mask on then as soon as they left take it off.   The islands now require masks everywhere, so if masking is not for you, then don't cruise.  Hawaii, when I was there,  had a full mask mandate, and I still enjoyed myself a lot.   These are choices, I want the cruise industry to continue to recover and still have the option to cruise, so I will do my part to help.  If more and more people/crew members get sick, we will not have the option to cruise.  

[gbearcruiser]

15 hours ago, naxer said:

OK, got the announcement from  Carnival today.  It's all getting real.  We're scheduled to cruise on the Mardi Gras, leaving Thanksgiving weekend.  With the testing, and wearing masks indoors, I'm questioning how enjoyable it will be.  I like the Playlist Production type entertainment, and the live music at the bars in the evening.  

 

For those who sailed with the masking policy, was it as fun?  Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?  The alternative would be going to Disney.

Disney has I believe implemented masks again at their parks in Florida.  I had a great time and enjoyed my cruise a lot, even with having to wear my mask, it did not bother me, in fact, it made me feel more comfortable if that makes sense.  I did not get in elevators unless they all had their masks on.  Some individuals would carry a glass/drink in their hand just so they did not have to put their masks on, to pretend they were drinking, so they did not have to wear their mask.  I passed the same guy so many times, his drink did not go any lower in his glass, he never wore his mask, it just hung off his ear, I saw staff ask him to mask up between drinking and he would say sure, put his mask on then as soon as they left take it off.   The islands now require masks everywhere, so if masking is not for you, then don't cruise.  Hawaii, when I was there,  had a full mask mandate, and I still enjoyed myself a lot.   These are choices, I want the cruise industry to continue to recover and still have the option to cruise, so I will do my part to help.  If more and more people/crew members get sick, we will not have the option to cruise.  

[gbearcruiser]

15 hours ago, naxer said:

OK, got the announcement from  Carnival today.  It's all getting real.  We're scheduled to cruise on the Mardi Gras, leaving Thanksgiving weekend.  With the testing, and wearing masks indoors, I'm questioning how enjoyable it will be.  I like the Playlist Production type entertainment, and the live music at the bars in the evening.  

 

For those who sailed with the masking policy, was it as fun?  Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?  The alternative would be going to Disney.

Disney has I believe implemented masks again at their parks in Florida.  I had a great time and enjoyed my cruise a lot, even with having to wear my mask, it did not bother me, in fact, it made me feel more comfortable if that makes sense.  I did not get in elevators unless they all had their masks on.  Some individuals would carry a glass/drink in their hand just so they did not have to put their masks on, to pretend they were drinking, so they did not have to wear their mask.  I passed the same guy so many times, his drink did not go any lower in his glass, he never wore his mask, it just hung off his ear, I saw staff ask him to mask up between drinking and he would say sure, put his mask on then as soon as they left take it off.   The islands now require masks everywhere, so if masking is not for you, then don't cruise.  Hawaii, when I was there,  had a full mask mandate, and I still enjoyed myself a lot.   These are choices, I want the cruise industry to continue to recover and still have the option to cruise, so I will do my part to help.  If more and more people/crew members get sick, we will not have the option to cruise.  

[gbearcruiser]

15 hours ago, naxer said:

OK, got the announcement from  Carnival today.  It's all getting real.  We're scheduled to cruise on the Mardi Gras, leaving Thanksgiving weekend.  With the testing, and wearing masks indoors, I'm questioning how enjoyable it will be.  I like the Playlist Production type entertainment, and the live music at the bars in the evening.  

 

For those who sailed with the masking policy, was it as fun?  Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?  The alternative would be going to Disney.

Disney has I believe implemented masks again at their parks in Florida.  I had a great time and enjoyed my cruise a lot, even with having to wear my mask, it did not bother me, in fact, it made me feel more comfortable if that makes sense.  I did not get in elevators unless they all had their masks on.  Some individuals would carry a glass/drink in their hand just so they did not have to put their masks on, to pretend they were drinking, so they did not have to wear their mask.  I passed the same guy so many times, his drink did not go any lower in his glass, he never wore his mask, it just hung off his ear, I saw staff ask him to mask up between drinking and he would say sure, put his mask on then as soon as they left take it off.   The islands now require masks everywhere, so if masking is not for you, then don't cruise.  Hawaii, when I was there,  had a full mask mandate, and I still enjoyed myself a lot.   These are choices, I want the cruise industry to continue to recover and still have the option to cruise, so I will do my part to help.  If more and more people/crew members get sick, we will not have the option to cruise.  

[gbearcruiser]

15 hours ago, naxer said:

OK, got the announcement from  Carnival today.  It's all getting real.  We're scheduled to cruise on the Mardi Gras, leaving Thanksgiving weekend.  With the testing, and wearing masks indoors, I'm questioning how enjoyable it will be.  I like the Playlist Production type entertainment, and the live music at the bars in the evening.  

 

For those who sailed with the masking policy, was it as fun?  Originally, I didn't think it would bother me, but now I'm wondering if sailing in November with these guidelines might be like a death by 1000 cuts.  Would you sail again with the masking?  The alternative would be going to Disney.

Disney has I believe implemented masks again at their parks in Florida.  I had a great time and enjoyed my cruise a lot, even with having to wear my mask, it did not bother me, in fact, it made me feel more comfortable if that makes sense.  I did not get in elevators unless they all had their masks on.  Some individuals would carry a glass/drink in their hand just so they did not have to put their masks on, to pretend they were drinking, so they did not have to wear their mask.  I passed the same guy so many times, his drink did not go any lower in his glass, he never wore his mask, it just hung off his ear, I saw staff ask him to mask up between drinking and he would say sure, put his mask on then as soon as they left take it off.   The islands now require masks everywhere, so if masking is not for you, then don't cruise.  Hawaii, when I was there,  had a full mask mandate, and I still enjoyed myself a lot.   These are choices, I want the cruise industry to continue to recover and still have the option to cruise, so I will do my part to help.  If more and more people/crew members get sick, we will not have the option to cruise.  

[csm5986142]

11 hours ago, wkucrprez said:

If you order a drink at the Atrium Bar, what is the protocol regarding drinking and masking? Can you carry it around and drink it? Do you have to sit and drink it? Can you stand at the bar and drink it?

I'm so anxious to get on board Saturday and find out what the protocols are.  If I can't enjoy having a drink I'll lose my mind. 

 

If I'm not mistaken, I think the Atrium Bar is also called Grand Central on Mardi Gras?  If so, I noticed most people were not wearing a mask.  The area has stadium type seating for the stage, and also little tables closer to the bar (and then of course the seating at the bar).  Nearly everyone removed their masks once they sat down (drink or not).  Yes, people stood/walked around the area with their drinks (and mask off).  

Same thing with places like Pig & Anchor.  People would wander in to watch the big screens and take masks off once seated.

At the casino, I heard multiple announcements to replace masks after sipping drinks, but I didn't see them approach anyone specifically.

The only "mask enforcement" I saw was a staff person from the lido standing at the doorway to the lido buffet with a small drawstring backpack containing masks, but I never saw them have to hand any out. 

I'm sure it varies by cruise, but I felt like most of the people on our ship were concerned about the increased virus cases and wanted to wear masks while walking around indoors.

We were on the Breeze in July (no masks required yet) and then Mardi Gras in August (with masks) and both cruises were equally enjoyable.  The worst part for me, was leaving my stateroom, getting half way to my destination, realizing I forgot my mask and having to run back looking/feeling guilty. 🙂

Or on the last day, when I forgot to bring the cash tip to the dining room, I jumped up and raced back to the room (accidentally leaving my mask on the table).  Nobody ever said anything to me.

[jfunk138]

1 minute ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

The thing with threats is that by definition, they are inaction until there is action, and the action is usually what we are trying to avoid.

 

If everybody took the attitude that masking was to be ignored, I would hazard a guess that cases would increase significantly, and once that hits the fan, there will be no takebacks.

The CDC drew a red line with actual numbers.  Vista exceeded the CDC's numbers.  CDC did nothing, not even mark it RED on the color status board, let alone shut it down.

Just like your "guess", my personal guess is that we could never hit a level that would cross whatever CDC's unspoken "now we actually do something" line on a 7 day cruise no matter what passenger restrictions were in place, Covid's incubation period is just too long.  The only people on the ship long enough is the crew, who already wear masks everywhere, all the time.