Norwegian Cruises in Europe - masks required outside or not?

[podgeandrodge]

Rather than derail the "just off Epic" thread, which is for another discussion, just wondering what the experiences of people is with regard to NCL and wearing masks onboard - both inside and outdoors.   A poster on another thread just off Epic said it was mandated outdoors too.

 

However, NCL's own communications and website state:  "Guests will be required to wear masks outdoors when social distancing is not possible." (attached)

 

So, for those of you who have just got off Europe sailings, what was your experience on this?

 

(There's always people ignoring rules, but I am not asking about that. What did NCL actually required people to do?)

Norwegian Epic Embarkation Information.pdf

[elbarney]

NCL didn't require mask even inside.

They politely told on PA system, but I think that only twice I saw specific calling to someone maskless, and one was totaly ignored by the passenger.....

You could see some people maskless even on elevators and nobody batted an eye.

What I think they mean to wear masks outside is you should wear them when moving even outside, as you can't distance, but many people didn't.

Also there were only 2 spaces for smokers, so it was impossible to social distance in an activity that by design is impossible to use a mask.... Smokers were sharing ashtrays and tables by necessity.

 

[podgeandrodge]

Holland America are a bit clearer on their requirements:

 

We strongly encourage guests wear face masks when in public spaces indoors. ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators and in designated indoor entertainment areas, all retail shops, and in the casino except when eating or drinking. Guests will also be required to wear face masks prior to being seated in our main dining rooms and in the buffet area, and occasionally in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate. As a reminder, masks are required during embark and debark in the terminal, and masks should also be worn during the debarkation process on board. This currently applies to sailings through December 31, 2021, however, guidance will be re-evaluated on an ongoing basis.

[classy_cruiser]

On the Jade last week pretty much everyone wore a mask indoors and on the bus/tenders. No masks in the restaurants and bars. Also no need to wear one outside anywhere on the ship or in Greece. 

[podgeandrodge]

good to hear thanks!

[Longsx3]

What is the situation like in Greece like right now, we are looking at cruising on the Getaway in late Nov from Athens & Rome, do you have to do NCL shore excursions in Greece?

[roxette]

Did not want to start a new thread. But, as of right now, I think NCL is the only major Cruise Line that forces the passengers in Europe to wear face masks. Even on the Getaway, which does not visit a single port that requires face masks. 

 

I find that very weird. And it probably will cost them costumers.

[Bowmanvilletravel]

I was just on the Epic in Spain and we were not required to wear masks. 

 

[bdl729]

We were just on the Star and even though they said face masks were required inside, it was not enforced. Only the crew wore masks at all times. 

[erin21497]

10 hours ago, Bowmanvilletravel said:

I was just on the Epic in Spain and we were not required to wear masks. 

 

On the ship?  Or in port?

[Bowmanvilletravel]

We were not required to wear them on the ship and off the boat you sometimes needed to wear them in the terminal and in cabs but other than that fairly mask free

[dohboy43]

Just off the Star...a few times in Italy on excursions we were required to wear KN95s, but onboard and in most ports mask wearing was not enforced at all. I believe Italy also dropped its mask mandate on May 1. The crew did wear them at all times.

 

[The Traveling Man]

We are on the Getaway in Europe right now, and masks have not been required anywhere, either on the ship or on land.