Holland America experience with masks

[highland cruiser]

On 11/1/2021 at 2:17 AM, SusieKIslandGirl said:

On the Eurodam right now and masks are being worn everywhere except eating, etc. and near the pool. Wearing them has become so natural I sometimes forget to take mine off when I reach the cabin.

 

That happened to us also.  Once I cam back from being out and about and my DH was working on the computer with his mask on!!  He looked surprised when I told him he could remove it!!  LOL!

 

[Vict0riann]

This is the letter we received when we boarded Eurodam in October.

 

[Jksteach63]

Does anyone know if “designated indoor entertainment areas” includes the gym? I know that some lines are requiring masks for most indoor areas but exempting the gym. 

Edited November 2, 2021 by Jksteach63

[Vict0riann]

3 minutes ago, Jksteach63 said:

Does anyone know if “designated indoor entertainment areas” includes the gym? I know that some lines are requiring masks for most indoor areas but exempting the gym. 

I didn't go to the gym, but I know someone who did!  I will check with her.

 

But read the first sentence of the Masks section - "Wear face masks indoors, except when eating or drinking."

[HappyInVan]

11 minutes ago, Jksteach63 said:

Does anyone know if “designated indoor entertainment areas” includes the gym? I know that some lines are requiring masks for most indoor areas but exempting the gym. 

 

This is what I would do.

 

I would use a KN95 mask indoors at all times, particularly for events with packed audiences. For the gym, I would use a medical mask. It fits more loosely than the KN95 mask, and allows the wearer to breath hard during exercise. 

 

I will always wear a mask in the gym, particularly if other people aren't wearing theirs.

 

[Jksteach63]

Thanks, Ann, for checking for us. The way I read it the first sentence is what is encouraged vs. what is required. We’re generally very cautious, so we’ll likely do as HappyInVan suggests. But usually we go to the gym very early and often we’re the only people there working out, so if masks were just encouraged, I might not use it in that situation (but I’m very much a rule follower, so if they are required, I’ll keep it on!). 
I was mostly just curious. 

[Vict0riann]

1 hour ago, Jksteach63 said:

Thanks, Ann, for checking for us. The way I read it the first sentence is what is encouraged vs. what is required. We’re generally very cautious, so we’ll likely do as HappyInVan suggests. But usually we go to the gym very early and often we’re the only people there working out, so if masks were just encouraged, I might not use it in that situation (but I’m very much a rule follower, so if they are required, I’ll keep it on!). 
I was mostly just curious. 

 

My friend said she wore her mask, and that others in the gym also wore theirs.  She didn't say that she was told she had to - she may have just assumed everyone would do it.!🙂

[AlaskaNewbie68]

May I ask what the rules were on your excursions? I am still wearing masks at all indoor activities (which for me is just shopping, not going into any crowded places), but outdoors I don't wear it. Curious what the rules are for outside excursions. Thank you!

[sambamama]

I went scuba diving in Cozumel. I had to wear it on the pier and through the pier village and in the taxi only.In Belize, in the taxi , on the tender, and at police checkpoints Anson the pier. In Porto Maya, just in the taxi ( I went to the beach.)

[Sushicat]

Was on the NA out of Fort Lauderdale on 10/23. Mask compliance among passengers was very good, and with capacity running about 60% there weren't many instances of super-packed crowds. However the tenders -- and the lines waiting for them -- were a bit crowded. Not much masking in pool areas but they were open air of course.

 

I noticed a few women wearing sparkly masks that looked like they were almost see-through. I suspect they were designed to be worn over a regular mask . . .

 

At Tulum we were required to wear masks even though the site is outdoors. That was a tough slog in the heat and humidity. When I couldn't take it anymore I would walk away from people and drop my mask to get more air. Lost a few pounds on that excursion but managed to find them later . . .

[KirkNC]

19 minutes ago, Sushicat said:

Was on the NA out of Fort Lauderdale on 10/23. Mask compliance among passengers was very good, and with capacity running about 60% there weren't many instances of super-packed crowds. However the tenders -- and the lines waiting for them -- were a bit crowded. Not much masking in pool areas but they were open air of course.

 

I noticed a few women wearing sparkly masks that looked like they were almost see-through. I suspect they were designed to be worn over a regular mask . . .

 

At Tulum we were required to wear masks even though the site is outdoors. That was a tough slog in the heat and humidity. When I couldn't take it anymore I would walk away from people and drop my mask to get more air. Lost a few pounds on that excursion but managed to find them later . . .

Tulum can be incredibly hot!

Edited November 2, 2021 by KirkNC

[fusion927]

Just off the Rotterdam.  Masks everywhere except eating or drinking.  Most of the bars and entertainment venues have signs saying 'Sip and Mask'.  I'd say 90% compliance.

 

Also not required (or maybe just very low compliance) in the Thermal Suite area.

[Schooner-ca]

We’re masks 😷 provided by the ship?

[luvn2cruzzz]

I am also just off the Rotterdam and masks are also required for all crew and the way I look at it--if they have to wear them, I will gladly wear one as well.  And theirs is a much heavier version than what passengers wear.  I felt safe while on board and that added to the comfort level of this cruise.

And if you forgot yours when out and about , you were given one.  When we boarded,  there were four white HAL masks in our stateroom and many wore those rather than what they  brought on board.  Wearing a mask was small price to pay to be cruising again.

[iceman93]

1 hour ago, luvn2cruzzz said:

 Wearing a mask was small price to pay to be cruising again.

Too high a price for me, I'm afraid.  Will wait until they are not required before I cruise again.

[12cruise2]

Without spending more time re-reading what has been posted already, here is the mask requirement for U.S. cruising as of November 1:

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. 

 

Holland America Line is providing a double-layer cloth mask for each guest on board. Guests may also use their own double-layer cloth or paper medical mask. Face coverings such as bandanas, neck gaiters, and masks with exhaust valves are not allowed.  We always recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. 

 

These new requirements are being implemented to protect our guests and crew while onboard. Several destinations have implemented their own requirements and all guests will be required to follow the protocols in each destination we visit. We expect these requirements will be temporary and we appreciate your cooperation and look forward to welcoming you aboard. 

Edited November 5, 2021 by 12cruise2

[FlaMariner]

From our Rotterdam TA (got off the ship in Ft Lauderdale 11/3)

 

Masks were required when indoors but things can be stretched to not be so burdensome:

• no mask when the lido rooftop is open (we are "outside")
• no masks when walking the promenade or sky decks (outside)
• no mask when drinking (one glass of wine at billboard onboard and I am maskless for the entire set)
• no masks when at lido or MDR eating (just get to your table and you are good to go)
• no mask in the hydro spa suite 
• no mask in the gym
• no mask in the world stage when the lights go out for the show!

With 9 consecutive sea days and folks having been tested at the pier and onboard, Corona was not a concern...Just grateful passengers getting back to cruising!

 

Leave fear behind and get onboard.....We had a blast!

 

[SueMo]

On 11/4/2021 at 10:45 PM, iceman93 said:

Too high a price for me, I'm afraid.  Will wait until they are not required before I cruise again.

You can cruise on Celebrity.  No masks required.

[Florida_gal_50]

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said:

From our Rotterdam TA (got off the ship in Ft Lauderdale 11/3)

 

Masks were required when indoors but things can be stretched to not be so burdensome:

• no mask when the lido rooftop is open (we are "outside")
• no masks when walking the promenade or sky decks (outside)
• no mask when drinking (one glass of wine at billboard onboard and I am maskless for the entire set)
• no masks when at lido or MDR eating (just get to your table and you are good to go)
• no mask in the hydro spa suite 
• no mask in the gym
• no mask in the world stage when the lights go out for the show!

With 9 consecutive sea days and folks having been tested at the pier and onboard, Corona was not a concern...Just grateful passengers getting back to cruising!

 

Leave fear behind and get onboard.....We had a blast!

 

Interesting about the gym.  I’m on the koningsdam right now.  Just came back from the gym and there is a sign at the door that masks are required.  It was pretty dead in there.  Maybe 3 of us.  It is a port day though.

[Cruising-along]

17 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

1 hour ago, FlaMariner said:

no mask in the world stage when the lights go out for the show!

This is not per HAL's rules, just what you and a few others do.  Maybe a bit more honest about it than the ones who hold a drink, never taking a sip, until the end of the show, but still not what HAL requires. Their announcements say otherwise about masks in the world stage. 

(sorry Florida_gal_50, I don't know why this put you in the quote!) 

 

 

Edited November 8, 2021 by Cruising-along

[molemaui]

Just finished a Celebrity cruise where we provided vaccination proof and a negative COVID test prior to boarding. No masks were required on board but were required before boarding during check in at Port Everglades. A few passengers wore masks on board, the majority did not. Crew all wore masks. 

 

All of the ports did require masks inside and outside. We stayed on the ship but many enjoyed themselves at port complying with the mask requirements. 

 

Cruising on a 100% vacinnated ship along with the required negative COVID test prior to boarding gave us enough confidence to cruise. If forced to wear a mask, I'll find a nice resort instead. 

[Florida_gal_50]

28 minutes ago, molemaui said:

Just finished a Celebrity cruise where we provided vaccination proof and a negative COVID test prior to boarding. No masks were required on board but were required before boarding during check in at Port Everglades. A few passengers wore masks on board, the majority did not. Crew all wore masks. 

 

All of the ports did require masks inside and outside. We stayed on the ship but many enjoyed themselves at port complying with the mask requirements. 

 

Cruising on a 100% vacinnated ship along with the required negative COVID test prior to boarding gave us enough confidence to cruise. If forced to wear a mask, I'll find a nice resort instead. 

I stayed pre cruise in a hotel in California and pretty much no one was wearing masks in the hotel and at their free breakfast.  It made me feel uncomfortable.  I wore mine.  We all need to do what works for us.  I’m ok wearing a mask.

[molemaui]

20 minutes ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

I stayed pre cruise in a hotel in California and pretty much no one was wearing masks in the hotel and at their free breakfast.  It made me feel uncomfortable.  I wore mine.  We all need to do what works for us.  I’m ok wearing a mask.

 

That is exactly the point. Do what you're comfortable doing. 

[FlaMariner]

14 hours ago, Florida_gal_50 said:

Interesting about the gym.  I’m on the koningsdam right now.  Just came back from the gym and there is a sign at the door that masks are required.  It was pretty dead in there.  Maybe 3 of us.  It is a port day though.

 

Interesting....

 

There was a lady at the gym door asking us to sign in/out but that was dropped after a few days.....but no mask required when working out....

[Florida_gal_50]

40 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

 

Interesting....

 

There was a lady at the gym door asking us to sign in/out but that was dropped after a few days.....but no mask required when working out....

No one at the door on the koningsdam.  Maybe they thought no one would be in there on a port day.  Typical inconsistency with hal.  I’ve never exercised with a mask because I own my own gym equipment but it wasn’t bad other than not being able to drink water while exercising which I usually do.