For those who sailed with masking indoors...

[Joe817]

7 minutes ago, BenjiRodney said:

Crew had on N95 in the lido areas.

Are you sure it wasn't the KN95 masks? That's the ONLY kind of masks I saw on the Vista cruise week before last. I took particular notice as the KN95 mask is the only mask I have ever worn through this nightmare of a pandemic. 

[nwcruiselover]

41 minutes ago, Joe817 said:

Are you sure it wasn't the KN95 masks? That's the ONLY kind of masks I saw on the Vista cruise week before last. I took particular notice as the KN95 mask is the only mask I have ever worn through this nightmare of a pandemic. 

When I was on the Miracle last week the majority of the staff were wearing KN95.  Some had surgical-type masks.  I didn’t see any N95’s.

[SNJCruisers]

2 hours ago, happy cruzer said:

So is anyone wearing a N95 mask?  They work and they have to be tight which most find uncomfortable for very long.  All other masks work to various limited degrees.  Some areas of the world are requiring the N95s which might make a difference in a vacation decision.

Just bought a pack of 20 3M N95 for 20 bucks on Ebay.  Will use them on our flights to and from Orlando next month.  Have other masks for the ship.

[Jasonsterling]

On 9/2/2021 at 7:03 PM, 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.

Honestly I didn't find it to be a big deal. It was depend for everybody but outdoors it wasn't required and indoors it was mostly around food, like the buffet, tight areas like the comedy club/elevators. Walking around hallways, stair wells, sitting and drinking at the bars, sitting at a table and eating, the spa, ect. was all mask free. I found the pre-testing to be a bigger deal due to the stress, lol. The mask never bothered me and several of us played it up with fun adaptations- the picture here I wore a typical disposable mask underneath. It was actually fun and can be if you take it in the right frame of mind. Not only would I go again but I am going again on NYE in a couple of months and I expect largely the same policies in place as now. 

[Saint Greg]

On 9/2/2021 at 7:03 PM, 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.

 

I was on Mardi Gras last week. There's a sign saying masks are "recommended indoors." I didn't wear a mask walking around the ship. I had it on a lanyard and I put it on in the elevator and walking into restaurants. There will be someone there to make sure you put it on in the buffet. Comedy Club...you have to wear it walking in. I think you're supposed wear it in there. Most of the time I probably took it off or pulled it down around my chin. I always sat in the back and wasn't always crowded. Sometimes if I had it on and it wasn't bothering me or it was really crowded and the people next to me were wearing them, I'd keep it on. Piano bar one night they were handing out masks at the door. But it looked optional inside. For the most part elevators and walking into restaurants entertainment venues. If you can handle wearing a mask at those times it'll be fine. If you can't put it on for two minutes while you're in the elevator, don't go.

[SeeJennyCruise]

On 9/5/2021 at 1:12 PM, CruisinWithDLS said:

Just got off Vista.  Booked a spa cabin and spent a good amount of time in spa.  I was not bothered by the masking as much as I thought I would be.  Cruised very different than normal for us.  We avoided crowds and masked areas for the most part. Still had a very relaxing and enjoyable cruise and would do it again in a heartbeat!

Did you have to wear the mask in the spa areas?  Did you get a massage? 

[MrMarc]

As I read many of the answers in this thread, I am totally amazed at how people justify their own version of reality.  Only follow rules you agree with unless you are forced to.  I sure hope there are no nudists with the same philosophy onboard, that could get uncomfortable.  But at least I know how these people park and where they leave their shopping carts, respectfully of course.

[B4RK3R]

On 9/2/2021 at 8:52 PM, gbearcruiser said:

I just returned from the Mardi Gras sailing, I had an awesome time!  Most adhered to the mask policy, there is always some that do not, there were the same ones that we saw.  I still had a great time even with all the protocols in place, I appreciate Carnvial doing all it can do to keep us safe and healthy.

 

Mexico was hot, but if you are on the beach, out on the deck, drinking or eating, mask is not required.  

The pre testing now two days ahead for vaccinated does not bother me, CVS has a turnaround time of 1 hour for results.  

I am just glad to help with safely getting back to cruising!

 

 

Cvs has an hour turn around for which test? PCR?

[gbearcruiser]

26 minutes ago, B4RK3R said:

Cvs has an hour turn around for which test? PCR?

Hi there, the rapid antigen test which is ok for vaccinated.  

[tallnthensome]

14 hours ago, SeeJennyCruise said:

Did you have to wear the mask in the spa areas?  Did you get a massage? 

You don't need a mask in the spa area. 

[AnitaVacation]

We would be getting on the Mardi Gras today, but we canceled.  When we booked, the numbers were going down down down...and then they said all the vaccinated people didn't have to wear a face mask anymore (in most places)...and apparently that opened the door for 'everyone' to remove their masks and look what happened.  So, when CCL came back with 'masks indoor', we canceled...wearing a mask is not fun for us....then CCL extended the policy, so we canceled our Nov cruise as well.  Reading some of the posts in this thread makes me wonder....how long before the first fight breaks out when a masked cruiser tells an unmasked cruiser to mask up??  It really shouldn't happen, but then again, CCL should be enforcing their guidelines for all....it appears they are not...which will open the door for more people to disregard the rules...

Someone pass the popcorn 😎

 

Edited September 11, 2021 by AnitaVacation

[DGNewton]

On 9/2/2021 at 8:03 PM, 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.

if you go Disney you will be masked up - we just got off the Disney Fantasy and everyone was masked indoors.  Some wore mask outdoors just used to having them on.  Some outdoor crew wear them too.

 

It is a way of Covid life.

 

Fun is what you make it - ask yourself how "do I handle wearing mask now in what I partake in".....there's your answer......

 

We did not wear mask outside

 

Also sailed july 24th on Carnival and we chose to mask on on our own.....we cruise again on Carnival Oct 30th......

 

again, it is what we make our cruises - pure R&R at our own pace.....

[TNcruising02]

On 9/7/2021 at 6:04 PM, SNJCruisers said:

Just bought a pack of 20 3M N95 for 20 bucks on Ebay.  Will use them on our flights to and from Orlando next month.  Have other masks for the ship.

That's a good move.  I am pretty sure my husband and I got covid flying back from Orlando and we are fully vaccinated.  While we were in Florida, we rented a house in central Florida and did not attend any indoor events.  Thankfully, because we were fully vaccinated the symptoms were mild. Anyway, vaccinated people are getting covid and traveling is high risk. I think breakthrough cases are a myth and that everyone is vulnerable.  It's a good move to wear a mask that actually works while traveling.  Those cloth masks do nothing and they don't require any testing before people sit for hours on a plane next to other people.

[AnitaVacation]

On 9/2/2021 at 8:03 PM, 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.

We canceled two CCL cruises this fall, with full refund.  Bookings were made before the 'mask indoor rule' so they let me cancel without penalty.  I booked an October cruise on NCL...everyone must be fully vaxxed (so, no children, sorry), everyone gets a covid test at the terminal before boarding and NO MASKS once onboard!!  Of course we will still keep our distance and avoid crowds as much as possible (and probably avoid the buffet as well), and when we arrive in Bermuda, those wishing to get off the ship will need another covid test (and a Bermuda travel authorization)...this is no problem for us. I just can't be on a ship that says 'masks indoor' and then doesn't even enforce it.... 

Edited September 11, 2021 by AnitaVacation

[jetsfan58]

Just plain and simple; Follow The Rules!!

[jetsfan58]

5 hours ago, DGNewton said:

if you go Disney you will be masked up - we just got off the Disney Fantasy and everyone was masked indoors.  Some wore mask outdoors just used to having them on.  Some outdoor crew wear them too.

 

It is a way of Covid life.

 

Fun is what you make it - ask yourself how "do I handle wearing mask now in what I partake in".....there's your answer......

 

We did not wear mask outside

 

Also sailed july 24th on Carnival and we chose to mask on on our own.....we cruise again on Carnival Oct 30th......

 

again, it is what we make our cruises - pure R&R at our own pace.....

Applaud Disney for Their Efforts to Allow everyone to continue to Cruise Safely.

[nwcruiselover]

40 minutes ago, AnitaVacation said:

 I just can't be on a ship that says 'masks indoor' and then doesn't even enforce it.... 

I totally agree with you.  Having been on the Miracle two weeks ago and seeing no enforcement whatsoever, I’m not in a hurry to return.  I bought into the masking requirement and didn’t like seeing so many on the ship who apparently thought the requirement didn’t apply to them.  

Edited September 11, 2021 by nwcruiselover

[grumpyjr88]

The problem with vaxed not wearing masks is you have an even greater chance of becoming an asymptomatic super spreader. Until people start getting vaxed so we can get hers immunity, masks really need to stay on everyone. 😢

[jfchvatal]

On 9/2/2021 at 7:03 PM, 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.

We sailed on the Magic a few weeks ago and had a wonderful time.  We had planned to wear our masks when indoors anyway, so it didn't bother us at all.  We sail again on the Freedom next month and are not worried at all about having to wear masks.  

[evandbob]

We were on the Mardi Gras 9/4 to 9/11 sailing, and I'll estimate that 90% of the guests and all the staff wore masks inside.  A few exceptions here and there, but vast majority complied.  Probably thought like us, using several layers of prevention to stay COVID free.

 

If anyone doesn't want to comply, please stay home or weigh the slight inconvenience of mask wearing versus a case of COVID?  Don't think it's okay to walk around the inside areas of the ship maskless if you are carrying a drink or even worse, an empty can of soda.  Come on, it's not the end of the world, it's like seat belt wearing in a car.

Edited September 13, 2021 by evandbob

[ProgRockCruiser]

We sailed on Magic last week (4-9 Sept).  We had received an email a couple days before sailing asking us to please wear masks at all times when indoors due to some recent cases amongst the crew.

 

The cruise was very enjoyable, and wearing a mask as requested was not a big deal to us - I'll probably write up a thread on it shortly.  If I have to wear a cruise for my next cruise (December), I will still go and I will have a good time!

 

For the most part, pax wore masks almost all of the time when just walking around indoors, and when first seated at a bar to order a drink.  But once the drink arrived, I rarely saw anyone put the mask back on between sips.  Similar for eating at Lido etc - once at a table, the masks came off.

 

But when someone started moving again, they generally did mask up.  So the overall intent was followed while mobile, but the practicality of drinking, socializing, chatting, etc, especially at places like Alchemy, meant the masks were pretty well off most of the time.

 

At the Piano Bar, they had the papers blocking every second chair at the piano.  If you were a couple/group, you could sit together, but you were supposed to leave a gap of one chair to the next couple/group.  That often didn't last too long.

 

I don't recall seeing a (non-entertainment) crew member ever without a mask on, except when using a microphone for announcements, etc, like the Maitre D' in the MDR.

[ninjacat123]

14 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

We sailed on Magic last week (4-9 Sept).  We had received an email a couple days before sailing asking us to please wear masks at all times when indoors due to some recent cases amongst the crew.

 

The cruise was very enjoyable, and wearing a mask as requested was not a big deal to us - I'll probably write up a thread on it shortly.  If I have to wear a cruise for my next cruise (December), I will still go and I will have a good time!

 

For the most part, pax wore masks almost all of the time when just walking around indoors, and when first seated at a bar to order a drink.  But once the drink arrived, I rarely saw anyone put the mask back on between sips.  Similar for eating at Lido etc - once at a table, the masks came off.

 

But when someone started moving again, they generally did mask up.  So the overall intent was followed while mobile, but the practicality of drinking, socializing, chatting, etc, especially at places like Alchemy, meant the masks were pretty well off most of the time.

 

At the Piano Bar, they had the papers blocking every second chair at the piano.  If you were a couple/group, you could sit together, but you were supposed to leave a gap of one chair to the next couple/group.  That often didn't last too long.

 

I don't recall seeing a (non-entertainment) crew member ever without a mask on, except when using a microphone for announcements, etc, like the Maitre D' in the MDR.

I was on the same Magic cruise!  We spent much of our time on Serenity (maskless), walking outdoors (maskless) and a little time each day at the spa (maskless).  Indoors we would mask up although like you said, at Alchemy I wasn't wearing a mask and neither were the other patrons.  I did play roulette a couple nights, sipping on a cocktail and the last night the dealer said to "sip and cover".  I decided to take my winnings and go do something else.  I thought it was a bit odd since that morning we were seated at a table for 8 in MDR and the other people were very close and no "sip and cover" there.  There were plenty of empty tables near by but having all eight strangers at one table was their protocol.  

We are scheduled to cruise in January.  I wonder if it will be more restrictive or less...

[cruiseracer]

3 hours ago, ninjacat123 said:

I was on the same Magic cruise!  We spent much of our time on Serenity (maskless), walking outdoors (maskless) and a little time each day at the spa (maskless).  Indoors we would mask up although like you said, at Alchemy I wasn't wearing a mask and neither were the other patrons.  I did play roulette a couple nights, sipping on a cocktail and the last night the dealer said to "sip and cover".  I decided to take my winnings and go do something else.  I thought it was a bit odd since that morning we were seated at a table for 8 in MDR and the other people were very close and no "sip and cover" there.  There were plenty of empty tables near by but having all eight strangers at one table was their protocol.  

We are scheduled to cruise in January.  I wonder if it will be more restrictive or less...

Sailing on the Magic in November. Great info for our well being! So relieved to know that there are no particles on serenity, the spa, Alchemy, on some nights in the casino at the big wheel and mornings in the MDR. It looks like we're winning this war... Let's keep it up! Thank you for the heads-up. 

[40yearcruiser]

I was on the Mardi Gras last week. Although I saw nobody directly approached to be asked to put on a mask, there were numerous signs and announcements. All elevators had a "mask up" sign and nearly everyone complied. In Grand Central when there was a performance we were asked to keep masks on and "lift and sip" when drinking. The dining areas had signs that masks were required until seated and at most inside areas there were signs that it was a mask required area. Outside most people were not wearing masks, although it was fine if you chose to wear one. The mask was required whenever leaving or entering the ship while in port. Personally, I didn't mind wearing the mask and still had a wonderful time. This ship is beautiful and since was at reduced capacity nothing seemed crowded (except the casino in the evening). I avoided the casino because of the smoke--there's another health issue. If wearing a mask keeps the the passengers and crew safe and the ships cruising I think it's a small price to pay. 

[MasterMason]

Just off Horizon Sunday 9/13/21. Masks indoors, your choice outside. We are both vaccinated, and we comply with rules. We only took ours off outside when we could social distance, and that was pretty easy since the ship only felt around 60% full. Inside, we masked up while walking around, but when we sat at the Alchemy bar, we had the same peopl every night, and even hung out with them at the ports off ship, so we took them off when there. But, WE HAD A BALL!!! This was my 13th? cruise, and even though things are a little different, it was still great to be back to cruising. We never felt like the masks subtracted from any of our fun. It was just "different" not being to see everyones expression.