MrMarc

Sometimes TPing yards was part of tradition. We used to b able to use common sense in enforcing rules, today all we have are bright line distinctions, if exceptions are allowed they are abused. So I do not think Carnival had a choice, they had to take some action because the problems were actually escalating. However, the kids causing the problems were already blatantly breaking Carnival rules, and nothing was done about it. Unless there is enforcement, it's just another rule to be ignored by many people.

The reason for this is very simple. A large number of people will not follow rules unless they are forced to. Just read the threads of people justifying sharing the RCCL soda cup with their children, or breaking or getting around any rule. I am willing to bet that if they did not require this, for some reason almost everyone would reach their 15 drink limit. Some cruise lines allow flexibility, others do not.

I've been on 5 Carnival cruises since the restart, and while I am a "kids will be kids" kind of person, it seemed to me that the groups of kids causing problems got worse on each cruise. And they did not wait until after 1 to cause problems. If you follow John Heald's page you would have seen more and more complaints about thee kind of problems. They are going to have to step up and actually have consequences for bad behavior, whatever time it happens, or it will continue to get worse as Carnival's reputation follows the same course. If they do not step up their interventions and actual enforcement, it's a useless gesture.

I'm not sure if I should thank you or curse at you. I had never seen this before.

That' why I think the changes will be incremental and slow in coming. We don't want to see a repeat of the end of last year. For example Princess has left the testing requirements in place, but raised the unvaccinated percentage to 10% and not requiring any explanation, just handing the exemptions out as the requests are received. I think they will also have more freedom since they do not have to worry if it hits 11% because of no-shows. To me that is a rational way to test the waters so to speak rather than dropping all requirements and waiting to see what happens..

It really is a foodie thing, and it depends on how much time and assistants the chef has. Half of each course is the presentation and ingredients, the other half is the taste. I did it recently, and while I enjoyed the food, I found the wines to me mediocre and the presentation and explanation of the wines snobbish.

I know the protocols are a pain, but they are generally working. With the current surge of the Omicron flavored COVID, I just do not think it is the right time. But then again, I could not answer the question of when would be a good time. I think phasing it in like princess (simply raising the unvaccinated percentage but not changing the testing) is a rational way to proceed. The good thing about the latest variant for cruising is that you generally show symptoms before you are contagious, so it is easier to keep off the ship. This is only my opinion, I will not get sucked into a debate this time.

You don't have to provide a reason for being unvaccinated, and the limit has been raised to 10%, and the exemptions are given out on a first-come first-served basis. So apply early if you want to cruise at 90% vaccinated.

Sad how true this is.