As per the screenshot below showing the response to "Why cant I leave the ship without booking a shore experience"
I note the the Cunard UK website has only 10 FAQs under the "Our Covid-19 protocols" whereas the Australian on has 35.
I could not find a US or Japan version of the website.
I understand that the may be more cruise specific information once a booking has been made, however at this point I am not prepared to make that booking until the requirements are clearer.
The mandatory mask requirements in Japan was lifted in March, and yes I was not originally intending to go back to Japan for a longer holiday until at least next year.
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2023/03/13/national/japan-mask-rules-caveats/
Flying in a day before, staying clear of public transport and other high density areas for a 1 day before boarding is doable. Note that masks on flights to Japan are not mandatory.
And I have done 2 previous multiweek trips to Japan, so are aware of cultural courtesies.
But this question was not about about holidaying in Japan, this was about the mandatory requirements on board the Queen Elizabeth for a 28night cruise.
I have done 2 cruises in the last 6 months, the first still had the mandatory mask requirements. I was miserable and stayed away from the entertainment venues, just grabbed my food from the buffet and went outside to eat, and otherwise stayed on deck or in my cabin.
The other cruise the mandates were dropped allowing me to enjoy more of what was offered onboard.
Coincidentally, I caught covid on the cruise with mask mandates, but did not catch on the cruise without.
This is my personal issue, and I think as it stands I will drop considering this cruise with Cunard.