Only allowed off ship for Cruise Line Shore Tours

[EDLOS]

Is there any truth that due to Covid, You will only allowed to leave the Ship for  the Cruise Line Excursions ??

[travelingman]

I do believe that is the current situation with any cruises currently happening and also for future cruises.

We are all hoping the situation will improve enough that the cruise lines and the various countries will change their requirements.

I know many CC members have said they will not cruise until this changes.

 

Stan.

[Flatbush Flyer]

11 minutes ago, EDLOS said:

Is there any truth that due to Covid, You will only allowed to leave the Ship for  the Cruise Line Excursions ??

Let’s hope so (and keep it that way, at least through the remainder of 2021).

[EDLOS]

Is this in Writing anywhere with any cruise line ??? Particularly MSC which seem to be out of the gate with many of their ships in the next 3 months ???

[neverbeenhere]

https://thepointsguy.com/news/msc-cruises-covid-port-tour-rules/

 

 

 

[navybankerteacher]

Yes —- which I see as a strong disincentive, along with many others. 

[SelectSys]

I made a "bet" that this won't be the case in Q2 and Q4 of 2022.  We'll see if I am right.  If it's line only excursions, I will have made the wrong call, and be reluctant to do more.

 

Fortunately NCL "brake ranks" with the rest and it will create a competitive incentive for other lines to follow.

[donaldsc]

1 hour ago, EDLOS said:

Is there any truth that due to Covid, You will only allowed to leave the Ship for  the Cruise Line Excursions ??

 

Yes.  Lots of post on this topic on CC.

 

DON

[beachbum53]

1 hour ago, EDLOS said:

Is there any truth that due to Covid, You will only allowed to leave the Ship for  the Cruise Line Excursions ??

I suspect that this is at least partly due to each island or country's current protocols. As the world gets closer to an end to the pandemic, I would guess that certain protocols currently in place will gradually ease up. 

[cruisemom42]

It appears that the CDC have updated the most recent guidance, particularly in a positive direction with regard to masking onboard ship and also shore excursions.

 

Here is their latest wording, which gives more leeway in deciding whether ship excursions are required. I wish it was weighted a bit more toward tours NOT being required unless they are a requirement of the port/country, rather than leaving it to the ship's discretion -- but at least it's headed in the right direction:

 

Shore Excursions & Transportation Services

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

[dogs4fun]

31 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

Shore Excursions & Transportation Services

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

Very good news! 

[navybankerteacher]

1 hour ago, SelectSys said:

I made a "bet" that this won't be the case in Q2 and Q4 of 2022.  We'll see if I am right.  If it's line only excursions, I will have made the wrong call, and be reluctant to do more.

 

Fortunately NCL "brake ranks" with the rest and it will create a competitive incentive for other lines to follow.

I am inclined to think that Q4 (and probably Q2) 2022 was a safe bet.  

[SelectSys]

11 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

I am inclined to think that Q4 (and probably Q2) 2022 was a safe bet.  

Seeing the new post from @cruisemom42 makes me think that my bet is looking better.  The Q2 cruise is US-based and this is where I believed the risk would be felt most strongly.

 

Now the lines most likely will be forced to follow the NCL lead as they can't use the CDC regulations as an excuse for restricting US cruises.  I would expect most of the Caribbean nations and most certainly Mexico to follow this guidance.

 

This announcement reinforces the case that passengers have a strong personal interest to get a vaccine if they want to cruise/travel freely for some time to come.

Edited May 12, 2021 by SelectSys

[sparks1093]

We have three cruises booked, 11/21, 2/22 and 4/23. Having to use cruise line only excursions on the first cruise wouldn't be too upsetting, we'd make do somehow even if it meant staying onboard. For the other two cruises it would be more of a concern, but again, if we had to stay on board. We are vaccinated so I am sure that will help.

Edited May 12, 2021 by sparks1093

[Heidi13]

3 hours ago, EDLOS said:

Is this in Writing anywhere with any cruise line ??? Particularly MSC which seem to be out of the gate with many of their ships in the next 3 months ???

 

Can't speak to MSC.

 

However, when announcing their Welcome Back program, Viking Ocean published a COVID policy that included a requirement restricting shore leave to ship sponsored tours only. You must also remain within the tour group bubble, no wandering off on your own.

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, cruisemom42 said:

It appears that the CDC have updated the most recent guidance, particularly in a positive direction with regard to masking onboard ship and also shore excursions.

 

Here is their latest wording, which gives more leeway in deciding whether ship excursions are required. I wish it was weighted a bit more toward tours NOT being required unless they are a requirement of the port/country, rather than leaving it to the ship's discretion -- but at least it's headed in the right direction:

 

Shore Excursions & Transportation Services

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

We can all hope that at their discretions does not mean we are keeping you safe by only allowing our own excursions (and of course making a hefty profit on them).

 

And there is really nothing that can be done about foreign jurisdictions having their own requirements.

[SelectSys]

55 minutes ago, ontheweb said:

foreign jurisdictions having their own requirements.

Exactly correct.  Each country will be making their rules.  It also seems reasonable that the ships will be sending vaccine information to every port in advance regarding guests on board. 

 

I also bet the gangways might be enforcing some rules related to these ports regulations.  For example, maybe unvaccinated guests - assuming they are permitted - are restricted to special ship tours and can't leave the ship independently.

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

That will pass..

[Heidi13]

2 hours ago, SelectSys said:

Exactly correct.  Each country will be making their rules.  It also seems reasonable that the ships will be sending vaccine information to every port in advance regarding guests on board. 

 

I also bet the gangways might be enforcing some rules related to these ports regulations.  For example, maybe unvaccinated guests - assuming they are permitted - are restricted to special ship tours and can't leave the ship independently.

 

Yes, it is real easy to manage disembarkation eligibility at the gangway. The pax cards can be designated similar to the crew that are In-Port Manning (IPM), who can't go ashore. If a designated IPM crew member tries to go ashore, the card alarms at the gangway. Same can be done for pax cards.

 

All pax not booked on a ship shore-ex, on scanning their card, it would alarm at the gangway. 

[SelectSys]

4 hours ago, Heidi13 said:

All pax not booked on a ship shore-ex, on scanning their card, it would alarm at the gangway. 

Exactly! It reminds me of an extremely old Simpsons episode where Homer tries to buy an RV on credit.  All the alarms went off!

 

[sparks1093]

Of course this only works if you are going on a shore excursion where everyone stays together. I doubt they will be offering those shopping or beach shore excursions where people are dropped of and are on their own for the duration of the excursion. I would also expect that the cruise line will actually be paying attention to who leaves a shore excursion mid-way through, with the possible consequence of being invited to leave the ship as a result. While I suspect that these measures are going to be temporary, they are measures that passengers will have to observe.

[BoozinCroozin]

The current CDC guidelines are that vaccinated passengers are free to explore on their own and take independent excursions. There are caveats in the information on the word "may" and "advised" being used. But common sense says you can do your own thing if vaccinated. 

[gerryuk]

20 hours ago, EDLOS said:

Is this in Writing anywhere with any cruise line ??? Particularly MSC which seem to be out of the gate with many of their ships in the next 3 months ???

This is the situation with Costa cruises, yes you can only leave the ship if you purchase their excursions. 

 

 

1. EXTRA ATTENTION FOR EVERY SINGLE PASSENGER

CHECK-IN ONLINE

Check-in is carried out completely online and opens 72 hours before your departure. To receive your cruise ticket, you must fill in a self-certification questionnaire regarding your health status.

STAGGERED BOARDING TIMES

The boarding times are staggered to facilitate compliance with the correct social distancing rules and to ensure safe boarding. This is why punctuality is so important.

CONTROL AT THE TERMINAL

A quick health screening awaits you at the boarding terminal, which includes body temperature control and a Covid diagnostic test (swab), provided for all the guests*.

 

 

 

2. A SMART VACATION

MYCOSTA

The best way to ensure your on board safety is to check-in in advance. Visit www.mycosta.com before leaving, save time so you won’t have to check-in at the desks!

COSTA APP

Your smartphone is a fundamental travel companion! Thanks to Costa App and the QR codes you can now enjoy a wonderful vacation with complete digital security and it also means less paper to throw away!

ONBOARD MONITORS

There are other ways you can stay informed about what’s new on board: You’ll find digital screens and interactive monitors in public areas, a dedicated Info TV channel in the cabin and the new Call Me service, plus a convenient personalized assistance via the cabin phone.

 

 

 

3. MORE SPACE FOR YOU

REDUCED OCCUPANCY

The number of passengers onboard has been reduced to make social distancing easier and guarantee a safe and pleasant cruise.

REDESIGNED ENVIRONMENTS

The common areas and relaxation rooms have been remodeled so that they fully meet the safety standards you deserve: this means they are accessible to only a limited number of people at a time.

SAFETY SIGNS

There are signs in all high-traffic areas of the ship and the on-board staff will help you to get around easily and to maintain the correct safety distances.

 

 

 

4. ENJOY THE WHOLE SHIP IN SAFETY

PROTECTIVE MASKS

Just as on land, when in public areas while on board, protective masks must be worn (surgical or superior protection). By doing this, you protect your own health and that of your fellow travelers!

HAND SANITIZER

To help you keep your hands clean and sanitized at all times, in all the main areas of the ship you will find numerous sanitizing gel dispensers.

CREW DEVICES

The crew too have the necessary protective equipment to be able to do their job to the highest health standards.

 

 

 

5. BREAKFAST IS SERVED

SPACED OUT TABLES

Our restaurants are set up to welcome you in the best way while respecting social distancing. To ensure the safety of all our guests, we ask you to only sit at the table with the travel companion(s) included in your booking.

EXTENDED MEAL TIMES

Also, to order breakfast and lunch you can access the main restaurants entirely at your leisure, whenever you want, with a longer time slot than usual.

SMARTPHONE MENU

Scan the QR code that you will find at the tables, in the restaurants and bars, to check the daily food and drink menus directly on your smartphone. If you decide to order at the counter, follow the safety signs.

 

 

 

6. NON-STOP FUN

A WHOLE NEW ENTERTAINMENT

Enjoy the new forms of entertainment we have designed, with shows repeated several times during the week, and allow everyone to have fun at the same time, while still respecting social distancing rules.

SAFE FITNESS AND WELLNESS

Keep fit at the gym, have fun at the casino or relax with our spa wellness treatments or at the pool, in compliance with any signage and occupancy limits indicated.

SAFETY FOR CHILDREN TOO

Even children are guaranteed to have fun in complete safety: The Squok Club is sanitized several times a day and open at specific times, accessible to a limited number of persons.

 

 

 

7. EXCLUSIVE TOURS

LIMITED GROUPS

Costa excursions are totally safe: we have set out new procedures to ensure social distancing, thanks to limited group size and the use of disposable headphones to make for a better experience.

SAFETY ON BUSES

Our buses are sanitized after every use. Social distancing is guaranteed by reducing occupancy. In addition, our tour guides always wear protective masks.

COSTA SAFE EXCURSIONS

To protect your health and the one of the rest of the guests and crew, the descent to land will only be possible by purchasing one of our safe excursions.

 

 

 

8. PURE AIR AND SANITIZED ENVIRONMENTS

SANITIZIED PUBLIC AREAS

The public areas are sanitized several times a day with new disinfection methods including virus-killing nebulizers.

YOUR CABIN DISINFECTED

Your cabin is also subject to a virus-killing disinfection carried out by qualified personnel and is cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis..

NEW FILTERS FOR QUALITY AIR

On board ship, the air you breathe is of high quality thanks to the new high efficiency filters. Our on-board ventilation systems offer optimal filtering of fresh air from outside, minimizing the circulation of internal air.

 

 

 

9. COUNT ON US FOR ANY CONCERNS

SAFETY PROTOCOLS

All members of our crew have completed specific training courses relating to compliance with safety protocols and practices.

INTERVENTION MEASURES

If any guests show signs of health problems, our crew members are trained to respond immediately with set intervention procedures.

CONSTANT MONITORING

All crew members are subject to daily body temperature checks and their state of health is monitored constantly.

 

 

 

10. CONSTANTLY UPDATED EXPERT PROFESSIONALS

EQUIPPED MEDICAL CENTER

All Costa ships have a fully equipped medical center, consisting of professional doctors and qualified and experienced healthcare personnel, continuously updated as to health protocols and standards to combat the spread of COVID-19.

THE HEALTH OF OUR GUESTS AND CREW IS OUR TOP PRIORITY..

 

[sparks1093]

16 minutes ago, BoozinCroozin said:

The current CDC guidelines are that vaccinated passengers are free to explore on their own and take independent excursions. There are caveats in the information on the word "may" and "advised" being used. But common sense says you can do your own thing if vaccinated. 

A lot will depend on the port's requirements and the cruise line's requirements. I can see some cruise lines instituting this policy through an overabundance of caution (and the opportunity to make a few extra $$).

[Sinfonia2005]

We have just cancelled our upcoming cruise on Oct 2nd to Greece due to all the restrictions ie stuck on ship unless you pay for a tour ( we love going off by ourselves & explore) dining options No buffet very disappointing, wearing of masks even on top deck by pool. Even tho we are both fully vaccinated. So think we will now wait it out