Sky Princess implements new mask wearing rule … sip and cover!

[caribill]

1 hour ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

In the day and age of "me first" I can hardly wait to see what happens if there is ever a ship emergency on Princess and everyone is expected to comply to evacuate a ship......I suspect it will not go well because of the entitled and selfish attitudes that are so pervasive now in society.

 

I have paid for my vacation and it is a violation of my rights to force me to leave the ship mid-cruise if I do not want to.

[awhcruiser]

2 hours ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

Princess should not have to enforce a basic protocol that they have established for public safety.  It should be up to each passenger to comply with what is expected of them to do for the safety of all.  It just is not that big a deal and it is done on airlines all the time.

 

In the day and age of "me first" I can hardly wait to see what happens if there is ever a ship emergency on Princess and everyone is expected to comply to evacuate a ship......I suspect it will not go well because of the entitled and selfish attitudes that are so pervasive now in society.  

Some people just appear like they cannot handle much of what life throws at them.....it is just too much to deal with!   There is only one thing worse then wearing a mask and that is hearing someone complain about having to wear a mask.

I totally agree with everything in your post.  If Princess were to have an eat and cover and/or sip and cover policy I would comply.  The mask is for the safety of others, and if its inconvenient for some so be it.  I would much rather wear a mask and cruise, then have to stay at home.  

[Cruise Raider]

15 hours ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

Thanks for complying with the "rules" even when you don't necessarily agree.  I was told on the last cruise we were on in September that they were making more stringent rules as it was difficult to enforce protocols with some, so that more people would comply with what was considered acceptable.  There are always those that test the limits and it is difficult for crew to enforce without fear of retaliation.  By increasing the bar, it is easier to ask for "minimal" compliance.  They are just trying to keep their jobs and stay in business.  The vast majority on our cruise were totally compliant, but the few who weren't put everyone at risk.  

 

On point!  I think we saw this coming as we noticed people that would order a drink just to be out in public without having to mask.  They wouldn't even necessarily drink it ... they just wanted to have it in front of them so they wouldn't have to mask.  Then, they would carry it around with them ... say it was ok because they were carrying a drink.  We saw this happen in Vegas as well ... people would light up a cigarette just so they didn't have to mask.  It would burn all the way down without being smoked and then another one was lit.  For every rule, there will always be people that try to skirt it.  We sailed on a B2B and the first leg, the passengers were mostly compliant, the second leg, there was a big decrease in effort to be compliant.  Signs were posted at the entrances to the lounges and they were largely ignored.  Then, there would be an announcement over the PA in these locations, still ignored by a number of people.  Luckily, our capacity was low so there was room to spread out.  But, with the capacity limits being eliminated, they have to take all precautionary measures.  

We were lucky enough to cruise last month while there has been an drop in positive CoVid cases but, with winter coming soon, I think the cruiselines just don't want to take any chances with people getting sick onboard.  

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

5 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

On point!  I think we saw this coming as we noticed people that would order a drink just to be out in public without having to mask.  They wouldn't even necessarily drink it ... they just wanted to have it in front of them so they wouldn't have to mask.  Then, they would carry it around with them ... say it was ok because they were carrying a drink.  We saw this happen in Vegas as well ... people would light up a cigarette just so they didn't have to mask.  It would burn all the way down without being smoked and then another one was lit.  For every rule, there will always be people that try to skirt it.  We sailed on a B2B and the first leg, the passengers were mostly compliant, the second leg, there was a big decrease in effort to be compliant.  Signs were posted at the entrances to the lounges and they were largely ignored.  Then, there would be an announcement over the PA in these locations, still ignored by a number of people.  Luckily, our capacity was low so there was room to spread out.  But, with the capacity limits being eliminated, they have to take all precautionary measures.  

We were lucky enough to cruise last month while there has been an drop in positive CoVid cases but, with winter coming soon, I think the cruiselines just don't want to take any chances with people getting sick onboard.  

Yes, exactly.  We were on with you for the first leg, and also thought most were complying.  When we went a week later, on a 4 day, not so much.  We go again in about a week on another 5 day, and we'll see how it goes.  

[Steelers36]

This is one of those topics that does include a cruise ship Covid policy, but devolves into debate as to its efficacy and reasonableness.  IDK what might happen, but won't surprise me if debate and arguing about this new policy will end up being cut off even though it is a significant policy stance for many guests.

[gadaboutgal]

Absolutely ridiculous.  There are many many other cruiselines that have already proven safe cruising is possible without such a ridiculous rule. We have cruised now over six weeks since June' 21

on two different cruise lines and did not have any issues with wearing masks wherever requested -which for the most part was everywhere except outside and when seated eating and/or drinking.   

We have 20 days booked on Enchanted Princess in January and had no issue with masking as per usual; but this may be the deal breaker.  We have many other cruises to choose from and that is where we will take our money if this is still in play later this year.

 

[fishnchips]

4 hours ago, PACD_JG said:

Why doesn't Princess apply this policy in their dining areas?  If you think "eat and cover" goes too far, I ask you....what's the difference between that and "sip and cover" in a bar?

This ,

I got off the SKY on Friday .

Dining tables for 2 at the back with the soft seat benches all lined up as usual all chatting with one another waiting for the next course with no masks just like normal (wonderful) then back to Princess live with a mask on ,Pointless exercise sip and cover !

90% didn't wear masks others did in princess live ....

Walked in with mask sat down take off and drank ...got up walked away with mask on ?

Thought there were new heppa filters to exchange air every 5 mins or is that not the case anymore?

As I said when I was on the ship ,there is only a pandemic on the ship when you visit a port there isn't

( no masks ) .

 

[fishnchips]

9 minutes ago, gadaboutgal said:

Absolutely ridiculous.  There are many many other cruiselines that have already proven safe cruising is possible without such a ridiculous rule. We have cruised now over six weeks since June' 21

on two different cruise lines and did not have any issues with wearing masks wherever requested -which for the most part was everywhere except outside and when seated eating and/or drinking.   

We have 20 days booked on Enchanted Princess in January and had no issue with masking as per usual; but this may be the deal breaker.  We have many other cruises to choose from and that is where we will take our money if this is still in play later this year.

 

Virgin Voyages had NO mask rules for passengers in the UK and completely normal cruising..

Not sure how they are in the US but UK rules applied as NOT mandatory to wear a mask..

[Buckeye10640]

3 hours ago, gadaboutgal said:

Absolutely ridiculous.  There are many many other cruiselines that have already proven safe cruising is possible without such a ridiculous rule. We have cruised now over six weeks since June' 21

on two different cruise lines and did not have any issues with wearing masks wherever requested -which for the most part was everywhere except outside and when seated eating and/or drinking.   

We have 20 days booked on Enchanted Princess in January and had no issue with masking as per usual; but this may be the deal breaker.  We have many other cruises to choose from and that is where we will take our money if this is still in play later this year.

 

This is where I dont understand the CCL/Princess logic. In the US,  NCL is sailing 100% vaccinated with no masks. RCL is not but has entertainment venues reserved for fully vaccinated passengers with no masks required. and none of this sip and mask stuff. I know people sailing both lines and its working. If I were booking today it would be onone of those lines. But I am not, and this is my 3rd rebooking of this cruise (with ship changes) with lots of fcd and bonus fcd tied up. I dont want to cancel. But I am not sorry for feeling or saying the logic makes no sense to me. 

Edited October 17, 2021 by Buckeye10640

[bj24]

Sip and cover is ridiculous when allowing people to blow air and smoke out of their mouths in the casino!!  No health concerns there! Also, if this is a health protocol why is eat and cover not implemented too? I have no problem wearing a mask indoors,  but on and off with my mask while drinking is stupid.  I have one cruise booked with friends for February and would cancel if not for them.  I will not book any others with Princess until this sip and cover is dropped.  

[traceytd]

I’m not sure if this was answered yet but… Why sip and cover on 10 days and over cruises?.. Why not 7 days? What’s the difference?

Im ok with wearing a mask. I just can’t figure out what the difference between 7 and 10 days

 

[traceytd]

A lot of people are threatening to cancel (which is their choice and understandably so) but it’s not here you have to threaten… Its directly to Princess… we can’t help you.

They give us rules and protocols but don’t explain and justify the reasons for them most of the time. 
 

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

I understand both sides of the argument.  We would absolutely prefer to remove masks and understand the argument that masks may be "belts and suspenders". However, if Princess institutes these policies/rules, it becomes incumbent on each of us to decide whether to cruise with them and comply with their policies, or risk repercussions.  The other easy choice is to move to another company.  We are ok with the policies and just avoid areas on the ship where some decide not to comply.  In fact, we actually choose Princess over other lines because of their more stringent approach.  

[wowzz]

10 minutes ago, AnyMajorCruiseDude said:

However, if Princess institutes these policies/rules, it becomes incumbent on each of us to decide whether to cruise with them and comply with their policies, or risk repercussions. 

I think the point here is that Princess waited until the cruise was underway, before announcing the restrictions. 

The other point is that the sip and cover rule is nonsensical. How is it OK to eat a meal on a shared table for two hours,  unmasked, but be made to wear a mask when sitting at a table in a bar with my wife ? 

Answers on a postcard please !

 

[AnyMajorCruiseDude]

8 minutes ago, wowzz said:

I think the point here is that Princess waited until the cruise was underway, before announcing the restrictions. 

The other point is that the sip and cover rule is nonsensical. How is it OK to eat a meal on a shared table for two hours,  unmasked, but be made to wear a mask when sitting at a table in a bar with my wife ? 

Answers on a postcard please !

 

Got it.  I agree the changes without adequate notice are problematic.  We have had similar problems with policy changes from Princess and no real options on how to resolve them, without some sort of penalty.  We just try to be flexible since it seems everything changes day today these days. That's why we try to modify our behaviors on board since we can control that, even if new, unexpected policies have been implemented.  Not ideal, but better than cancellation and penalties.  We have been able to cancel other bookings further out since we are not necessarily in agreement with changes.

[billco]

2 hours ago, gadaboutgal said:

 

I for one will let Princess know my opinion and will share it with anyone who is a cruiser and would like to hear it.

Everybody has an opinion, but rarely does anyone want to hear it.

[awhcruiser]

40 minutes ago, billco said:

Everybody has an opinion, but rarely does anyone want to hear it.

This

[TXcruiser13]

“Sip and Cover” is absurd for a few reasons. 
 

Firstly: Any environment that genuinely requires a mask is an environment where a mask shouldn’t be removed at any time.
 

Secondly: you shouldn’t be repeatedly handling your mask. It really negates the use of it to contaminate it. 

 

Lastly: what’s the difference between removing your mask to eat a meal, or removing it to drink a cocktail? 
 

None of it is logical. None of it. 

[gadaboutgal]

AH HA....is there any correlation to:

 

[dave_k58]

20 hours ago, wowzz said:

It is not an email. It is a letter delivered to every cabin. 

Thank you - I misunderstood the post

[joeyancho]

Hygiene theater

[Splice the mainbrace]

I'm glad that this rule wasn't in place for our 10 day Sky cruise that finished on Friday, it worked perfectly OK wearing a mask while walking around, in lifts and in the theatre only. Having to wear it in bars for hours except at the time of sipping a drink would have spoilt the experience.

[Musky Ike]

Sounds like a result of the "I always have a drink in hand so I don't have to wear a mask" crowd.

[wowzz]

Anyone currently on Sky care to update us as to how the new rule is working ?

[wrongwaywatson]

9 hours ago, TXcruiser13 said:

“Sip and Cover” is absurd for a few reasons. 
 

Firstly: Any environment that genuinely requires a mask is an environment where a mask shouldn’t be removed at any time.
 

Secondly: you shouldn’t be repeatedly handling your mask. It really negates the use of it to contaminate it. 

 

Lastly: what’s the difference between removing your mask to eat a meal, or removing it to drink a cocktail? 
 

None of it is logical. None of it. 

^^  THIS!!