What cruising Covid restrictions will make you reconsider cruising as a vacation option?

[maryivo]

On 3/8/2021 at 10:33 PM, IndyGal65 said:

We are scheduled to go to Bermuda in June 2021 out of New York.  I contacted Norwegian who said the cruise is still on as of now.  However, upon more research, I've discovered that New York requires proof of a negative Covid test, then quarantine for 3 days, and then have another negative test.  Also, Bermuda has some protocols in store too.  If that is still the case in June, we will be cancelling.  I forgot to mention that this cruise was originally scheduled for May 2020, and was of course cancelled.  

 

https://coronavirus.health.ny.gov/covid-19-travel-advisory

 

https://www.gotobermuda.com/bta/press-release/bermuda-tourism-authority-update

We are scheduled to cruise out of NYC in August of 2021 (also a reschedule from last year).  How in the world would NYC enforce negative tests? Stop you at the bridge?  I don't get that.  We'll be driving in from New Jersey.  I really hope our cruises are a go. 

[maryivo]

1 minute ago, maryivo said:

We are scheduled to cruise out of NYC in August of 2021 (also a reschedule from last year).  How in the world would NYC enforce negative tests? Stop you at the bridge?  I don't get that.  We'll be driving in from New Jersey.  I really hope our cruises are a go. 

So, upon reading the actual article (my bad) NY has expempted bordering states so luckily that means us. 

[MsTabbyKats]

Back to the original question....what restrictions would stop me from cruising?

 

DH and I had our 2nd injections a few weeks ago...so, as far as I'm concerned, we're good to go and live like normal people.

 

Therefore...any restrictions would stop me.  Wearing a mask while in a museum, a movie, a casino....really ruins it for me.

 

I'd rather stay home and do my things here.....no need to pay so I could feel like I'm chocking and have my glasses fog up.

 

With this being said...I'm prepared to "not cruise" until 2023 if necessary.

[pe4all]

IF they had a no vaccination-no cruise restriction I would be very tempted to cruise, even with having to wear a facemask in public places.  We will be fully vaccinated by end of March, and I am ready to get on a  with life- even with modifications.   Looking forward to eating out in a restaurant for first time in a year!  

[leblais]

Where is the original article that is being referenced?  I am supposed to cruise to wester Mediterranean  August 8 2021.  If I cant get off the ship unless its for an NCL booked excursion that would stink, but I think I would still go. We planned at least 2 NCL offered excursions as it is and the other 3 ports or so we were undecided but I assume we could go with the NCL offered ones as well. As far as someone saying that the drop off self guided tours possibly not being offered, I hope that is not true.  I dont really understand why people would be able to go on NCL offered excursions but not be able to just walk around.  AND, if it is open to ANY planned excursion, how would NCL know?  You could book then just cancel.... So I am not sure that makes sense.  Again, I would like to read the article so I know what to expect.

[Stevio]

2 hours ago, leblais said:

Where is the original article that is being referenced? 

 

I believe the references to not being allowed to explore on your own first date from last August when MSC refused to allow a family to re-board the Grandiosa after becoming separated from a ships tour.

 

MSC are being looked to as a template for future European cruises. Face masks, regular temperature checks, wrist band locator tracking and limiting numbers into any one venue etc.

 

As to how much these rules could be relaxed after full vaccination in all the various countries ports of call at some time in the future is anyone's guess.

 

https://www.travelandleisure.com/cruises/msc-cruises-family-breaks-excursion-social-bubble-covid-restrictions

Edited March 11, 2021 by Stevio

[Stevio]

Back to the original question.... So long as there is free access to majority of the casino & slots and there is still some form of buffet, self serve or not I would be happy to cruise with all the masks, trackers etc'.

Edited March 11, 2021 by Stevio

[Tapi]

• I'm already wearing a mask to enjoy leisure activities.
• I'm already vaccinated.
• Taking an excursion or staying on the ship is restrictive but not a deal breaker.

 

The one thing that would make me have second thoughts about going on a cruise would be if the cruise lines imposed anal swab covid tests. That will be a NO NO. 

 

https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/anal-swabs-coronavirus

[Envelope21]

Just FYI. we are booked on an MSC cruise for this June. I spoke with an agent from the cruise line and they stated that with the exception of their private island, the only way to disembark the ship is with a ship sponsored excursion. Since this particular cruise just goes to their private island and Nassau, I wasn't concerned about Nassau because we often don't get off the ship anyway when we port there. The agent also stated that they are limiting passenger capacity to 75%, that masks will be required in all public areas and that dinners in the main dining room will have passengers seating people who are traveling together. The buffet will be set up so that passengers choose the food they want and a server brings it to their table. 

 

Regarding NCL's policies, I have never had much luck pulling any accurate information when I try to talk to someone at NCL. I think most the people I've spoken to are mainly there to help people book a cruise, not to give any information about policies.

Edited March 11, 2021 by Envelope21
typo

[DCGuy64]

5 minutes ago, Tapi said:

• I'm already wearing a mask to enjoy leisure activities.
• I'm already vaccinated.
• Taking an excursion or staying on the ship is restrictive but not a deal breaker.

 

The one thing that would make me have second thoughts about going on a cruise would be if the cruise lines imposed anal swab covid tests. That will be a NO NO. 

 

https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/anal-swabs-coronavirus

Eeewwwww!

[CILCIANRQTS]

1 hour ago, Stevio said:

Back to the original question.... So long as there is free access to majority of the casino & slots and there is still some form of buffet, self serve or not I would be happy to cruise with all the masks, trackers etc'.

 

BINGO!!

Self-serve buffet would be a deal breaker for us!! 🤢🤢

Anything else we can live with (get it??).

[oteixeira]

The only one that gets me is not even on the cruise lines.  I like to wander around new places, and that seems to be the last thing that will come back as we wait for smaller less rich countries to get their shots in arms.  Oh well, I mean, I will still cruise, but this will make me sad.

Edited March 11, 2021 by oteixeira

[moto_italia]

4 hours ago, Tapi said:

The one thing that would make me have second thoughts about going on a cruise would be if the cruise lines imposed anal swab covid tests. That will be a NO NO. 

Imagine being the person administering those tests!  I picture a person interviewing for that job saying "Well are there any additional perks or benefits that come along with the job?"

[pe4all]

19 minutes ago, moto_italia said:

Imagine being the person administering those tests!  I picture a person interviewing for that job saying "Well are there any additional perks or benefits that come along with the job?"

Or maybe they had covid already and lost their sense of smell.  That might be a qualifier for the job - lol!

[gwsster]

Great responses and I am glad to see that people are anxious to get on the ships again. I am so ready to go somewhere.  I hope that the prices don't go up so much that it makes going on a cruise unaffordable.  Time will tell.

[3kidsncats]

We are good with all of the safety protocols of masking, social distance, dining changes, etc.  My husband is fully vaccinated, and I’m scheduled for my second dose next month — but we are still ok with masking.  

 

I’m not thrilled with the excursion requirements that I’m hearing about.  We aren’t big excursion fans and prefer to do our own thing.  But, we often sail more for the ship experience over the ports anyway, so not a deal breaker.  So I guess my answer is the only deal breaker for me was lack of vaccine, which is now solved.

[ace2542]

On 3/7/2021 at 11:26 PM, RocketMan275 said:

Question.  I think everyone is assuming that masks will not be required in one's cabin and one can enjoy their balcony without wearing a mask.  But, is that a good assumption?  After all, one can be seated on your own balcony and be just a couple of feet away from someone on their balcony.  How is that different from being seated next to someone anywhere else on the ship?    Then there is the wind from the passage of the ship spreading the virus along the side of the ship somewhat like the smell of someone smoking on their balcony.  

 

Why should you not have to wear a mask on your balcony to protect yourself and others?

(FWIW, I am not a supporter of masking.  Just asking.)

Thank you!  I have been saying that all along on RCL and been shouted down for it. And also what about spreading Covid to others in your own cabin like the quarantine hotel in Melbourne.

[ace2542]

No of these restrictions matter to me because it won't get to that stage. Though I would not wear a mask onboard if vaccinated don't see the point and will not be told by Americans who think they are better than us what to do.

 

My issue which is a real deal breaker is the need to show proof of vaccine by smart phone or I Phone or tablet. None of which I possess nor can I use and nor will I buy simply to show to someone that I have had something. So unless help for the technologically impaired comes out it shall be a long time before I set foot in Bliss and O Sheehans again.

Edited March 17, 2021 by ace2542

[AstoriaPreppy]

On 3/7/2021 at 6:26 PM, RocketMan275 said:

Question.  I think everyone is assuming that masks will not be required in one's cabin and one can enjoy their balcony without wearing a mask.  But, is that a good assumption?  After all, one can be seated on your own balcony and be just a couple of feet away from someone on their balcony.  How is that different from being seated next to someone anywhere else on the ship?    Then there is the wind from the passage of the ship spreading the virus along the side of the ship somewhat like the smell of someone smoking on their balcony.  

Aerosolized droplets function quite differently indoors v. outdoors, and what we're discovering is that many indoor places have horrible ventilation and air circulation. From all of the research, it appears that being inside and interacting with people exponentially increases risk of transmission, compared to the same activities taking place outdoors in the same setups. 

It's also important to remember that smoke is a much much larger particle than the  aerosolized droplets that transmit covid... just because it's in the air doesn't mean they're similar in form or function scientifically. 

Edited March 17, 2021 by AstoriaPreppy

[RocketMan275]

6 minutes ago, AstoriaPreppy said:

Aerosolized droplets function quite differently indoors v. outdoors, and what we're discovering is that many indoor places have horrible ventilation and air circulation. From all of the research, it appears that being inside and interacting with people exponentially increases risk of transmission, compared to the same activities taking place outdoors in the same setups. 

It's also important to remember that smoke is a much much larger particle than the  aerosolized droplets that transmit covid... just because it's in the air doesn't mean they're similar in form or function scientifically. 

I mentioned smoke only as an example of how something could be distributed along the side of the ship by the wind not that they were identical in all respects.  I figured most could relate to that analogy.

 

Some areas require you to wear a mask when you exit the vehicle and walk across the parking lot to the restaurant where you can remove the mask once seated. Why does it make sense to wear a mask in the area with the best ventilation but not once seated in an enclosed restaurant.  (Yes, I know not all jurisdictions have the same restrictions.)

[AstoriaPreppy]

1 hour ago, RocketMan275 said:

Some areas require you to wear a mask when you exit the vehicle and walk across the parking lot to the restaurant where you can remove the mask once seated. Why does it make sense to wear a mask in the area with the best ventilation but not once seated in an enclosed restaurant.  (Yes, I know not all jurisdictions have the same restrictions.)

Well, that doesn't make sense! Examples like this are one of the exasperating things about the response here, and just go to give people pause about *all* covid restrictions. 

We've seen a lot of covid regulations in the US that are not supported by science, but are driven by economics. It's the same reason that some states allowed barber shops, salons, bars and indoor dining way too early in the pandemic. Even though all contact tracing showed these specific venues to be the top transmission spots in America, the business interests won out.

It's been one year since I've had a real, proper meal indoors at a restaurant in NYC, or had a haircut not done by my husband, but I can deal with it. I'm not impatient enough to realize I can't wait a few more months to be much better protected before doing all sorts of activities.

[coffeebean]

4 hours ago, RocketMan275 said:

I mentioned smoke only as an example of how something could be distributed along the side of the ship by the wind not that they were identical in all respects.  I figured most could relate to that analogy.

 

Some areas require you to wear a mask when you exit the vehicle and walk across the parking lot to the restaurant where you can remove the mask once seated. Why does it make sense to wear a mask in the area with the best ventilation but not once seated in an enclosed restaurant.  (Yes, I know not all jurisdictions have the same restrictions.)

I believe once a person is seated in a restaurant, they are not moving around. It is much easier to maintain social distancing with someone who is not moving around. Social distancing is guaranteed, so to speak with a seated person. IMHO, that is the reason for masking when moving around in a restaurant but OK to remove the mask once seated and considered "stationary".

[coffeebean]

On 3/10/2021 at 7:04 PM, MsTabbyKats said:

.....no need to pay so I could feel like I'm chocking and have my glasses fog up......

 

 

 

Here is a very easy, simply ingenious fix to never ever have your glasses fog up again............

Trick for no fog glasses.. Try it. It works!

[HowardK]

Wouldn't t they need to use all disposable silverware and cups for drinks? I would often ask for my drinks in plastic cups so I wouldn't have to use a shared glass. Then I would dump them into my thermos anyway so I could have a drink for breakfast before going to the bar for a bloody mary. 

 

I'm really sad by all this- I really pray I'll be on a ship in 2023 or 2024 but don't have any hope for 2021 or much of 2022. 

[MsTabbyKats]

12 hours ago, coffeebean said:

Here is a very easy, simply ingenious fix to never ever have your glasses fog up again............

Trick for no fog glasses.. Try it. It works!

Thanks!