Cruising with a Mask Mandate

[Cruise Raider]

There was a post from last week’s cruise on the the Majestic on FB. People were dancing in the Piazza and nobody on the dance floor or in the tables had masks on … everybody seemed to be distancing.  It doesn’t sound too restrictive to me.  
I know people jam the elevators, though.  There is a posted recommendation of no more than six people in each car but, people would jam in anyway. 
 

[chubbypiggy]

For those who have cruised with a mask mandate and used the the Fitness center, was masking required?  We will be going on a Princess cruise in 6 months, and my sister likes to use the Fitness center every day.  Also, masking required for using the hot tubs?  I like to use the hot tub every day.   Thank you.

[vjmatty]

6 hours ago, ontheweb said:

I would advise you not to hold your breath while waiting for their response.

I swear there's a mask joke somewhere in answer to that.....but I got nothin'

[vjmatty]

12 hours ago, Steelers36 said:

Of course this is true, but there isn't much science behind casual momentary passing by others walking to a table.  There's a lot of show and only some go to the requirements.  Elevators are a small compact space, but the large open DR is different whether walking in to your table or seated.  Whatever.

Oh I'm neither defending or condemning the practice, just thought the comment was getting repetitive 

[nocl]

15 hours ago, dwhe said:

Is everyone oblivious to the fact that eating and drinking is almost impossible with a mask or have people here had a sense of humour bypass, I'm waiting for the "I eat and drink with a straw" posts

You can always order masks from Amazon with a straw flap in different colors 

 

https://www.amazon.com/Bandanas-Drinking-Protective-Washable-Comfortable/dp/B08PV7TJZH/ref=asc_df_B08PV7TJZH/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=475789813578&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=7964781426282646063&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9031743&hvtargid=pla-1119054387972&psc=1

 

 

[billco]

23 hours ago, Sunset329 said:

We have some questions for those who have cruised with a mask mandate. We are not anti-mask. We always wear masks where required. However, we cruise to meet new friends. We find it difficult to meet others when everyone is wearing a mask. We miss the laughter and smiles of new friends. We are also hard of hearing, and rely on expressions and reading lips to understand others. We love meeting at Crooner's with friends. I can't imagine sitting in a bar or theatre with a mask. We have a 14 day Caribbean cruise in February, and our final payment will be fast approaching. We desperately want to cruise again. Our question is how rigid is the mask requirement. Do you have to wear a mask in the bars and restaurants? Do you carry masks around in order to use the elevators? Are masks required at poolside, casino and theatres? Specifically, where are the masks actually worn? Did you enjoy your cruise with the mask requirement?

The mask requirements are quite clear. It is not an issue of how rigid the requirements are enforced. Based on the things you say are most important to you, I would suggest you wait until the mask requirements are relaxed before cruising. We also have upcoming cruises and the reason we are going is because of the rules that are in place and it makes us uncomfortable to know there are people on board who might be looking to bend the rules to fit their agenda.

[HappyInVan]

2 hours ago, nocl said:

If on the other hand you look at the separate question of can a vaccinated person infected with Delta spread it to other individuals, including vaccinated individuals that data is quite clear starting with a Singapore study that found that Delta infected vaccinated individuals viral levels are as high as those not vaccinated.  As such they are as infectious as non-vaccinated individuals.  Though the virus counts do drop faster so while they are infectious, it is for a fewer number of days than those that are unvaccinated.

 

 

Thank You. Thanks for taking the time to share the important information with us. 😎

[Bwana Tom]

Has there been any discussions on board as to "what constitutes an ACCEPTABLE mask"? Any talk as to 2 layers, 3 layers or whatever. I'd like to order some to take with me and was wondering if there is a specific requirement.

Thanks folks.

[gmjc2]

We were on the second cruise to sail with passengers in June. The mask rule was not mandatory then. Everyone was vaccinated and tested. We wore our masks in the elevator and crowded areas. We were fortunate in that there were only 480 passengers on a 2000 capacity ship! The ship provied good quality well fitting masks for us. Not the medical grade though. Today each ship seems to have differing rules.

 

 

[TinaLee]

We also use the varied approach. We have the blue and white disposable for when we can easily social distance then use and toss, KN95 for airport/airline travel or buses to/from the ship, and for wear on the ship we have washable fabric and the other two as well. We'll let the situation dictate which mask makes us more comfortable. I'm less concerned about coming into contact with someone on the ship since the sailing is fully vaccinated and tested. Of course, anyone can pick it up accidentally on the way to the ship after testing or in any port, so I wouldn't feel comfortable going maskless anywhere but in the hot tub - lol - or on an uncrowded open deck. The case counts are so high where we live now, I know I'll feel more comfortable on the ship than I do in the stores in my own town, so there is that. 

[nocl]

18 hours ago, Bwana Tom said:

Has there been any discussions on board as to "what constitutes an ACCEPTABLE mask"? Any talk as to 2 layers, 3 layers or whatever. I'd like to order some to take with me and was wondering if there is a specific requirement.

Thanks folks.

Some air lines outside of the US do not allow cloth masks.  Have not heard of any similar restrictions on cruise ships.

[Esprit]

If Princess has the same policy as Celebrity then wearing a mask is no big deal.

We sailed around the UK last month and it was as near normal to pre Covid cruising.

People congregated around the main atrium bar drinking and chatting with no masks. No enforcement either. You put the mask back on to go to the restroom and off when you returned.

Everyone adhered walking inside the ship and in the theatre. Out on deck some kept masks on until they sat down somewhere.

In the MDR we were sat socially distanced and all the crew keep their masks on everywhere. You get so used to chatting with the crew whilst speaking through masks you stop noticing they are there.

If masking wearing continues to be a requirement for the foreseeable future then it’s fine by me

[Esprit]

3 minutes ago, nocl said:

Some air lines outside of the US do not allow cloth masks.  Have not heard of any similar restrictions on cruise ships.

The complimentary Celebrity masks given to us were a silky cloth with a lining. Very comfortable to wear too.

[MishelleMcc]

At home, We have double layered cloth masks with wire over the bridge of our noses and an opening for our kn95 filter.  They (masks & filter) are washable so we use them to go to County offices (for our jobs) stores etc and wash them when we get home.  In my office, I have the formed kn95 others have described.

 

For the cruise, we decided to use disposable.  We will be navigating though some potentially high contact spots (airports & hotels) so want the option to switch out and discard potentially contaminated masks.  There are plenty on Amazon to choose from.  Mostly 3-ply but also have 4-ply.

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08SJ2G35C/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B093SNVK5P/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_3?smid=A35KPW7NOHV43A&psc=1

[Bwana Tom]

Thank you all for your useful info many of you provided pertaining to the masks you prefer, but my original question pertained more to if Princess requires a particular type and style of mask. For my upcoming cruises I would very much would like to hear from any recent cruisers that have noticed a mask style requirement on board. I simply don't want to bring a bunch of masks with me then find out there are restrictions against that type of mask. 

Thanks

Tom  

[HappyInVan]

12 minutes ago, Bwana Tom said:

I simply don't want to bring a bunch of masks with me then find out there are restrictions against that type of mask. 

Thanks

Tom  

 

 

At this point, upgrade to the best masks that you can afford and works for you. Follow the Germans. 

 

On the ship, you will find people wearing fabric masks, and masks with valves, Avoid those people, assume they have the plague. Be safe.

Edited September 8, 2021 by HappyInVan

[HaveDogWillTravel]

37 minutes ago, Bwana Tom said:

Thank you all for your useful info many of you provided pertaining to the masks you prefer, but my original question pertained more to if Princess requires a particular type and style of mask. For my upcoming cruises I would very much would like to hear from any recent cruisers that have noticed a mask style requirement on board. I simply don't want to bring a bunch of masks with me then find out there are restrictions against that type of mask. 

Thanks

Tom  

here you go. The mask info hasn’t changed but Princess updated the FAQs yesterday with other things you should look at. 
https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/us-cruises/

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. 

[vjmatty]

5 hours ago, HappyInVan said:

 

 Follow the Germans. 

Except when they cut the line…. don’t follow them then, that’s just rude. 
 

[redrobin]

@Sunset329 - As an FYI - Princess has tweaked their mask policies several times, and it varies based on your departure port and date of sailing. Early on, the UK and US policies had different wording, but they have become more similar over time. As of today, there are three different health protocols listed on the Princess website that I'll copy in a separate post. "Sip and Cover" is new term added to the UK sailings. The Autumn sailings from the UK appear to have a more relaxed mask policy, but Princess may just have forgotten to include the first part of the mask protocol to the FAQ's??? The point is, we don't know if things will change for February 2022 sailings to the Caribbean. 

 

I sailed on the first Princess cruise to Alaska that had a mask policy. Based on my cruise experience, I can answer your questions:

 

Do you have to wear a mask in the bars and restaurants?

"Mask required" signs were at all restaurant entrances, and were required prior to being seated. Masks, while strongly encouraged indoors, were not required at bars. In the evenings, for instance, you would have a mix of masked and unmasked passengers listening to the piano player at the Crown Grill lounge/bar. Similarly, in the Piazza you'd have masked passengers, as well as unmasked passengers eating food from the International Cafe, having a drink, or dancing. 

 

Do you carry a mask around in order to use the elevators?

Yes. 

 

Are masks required at poolside, casino and theatres?

Masks were not required outdoors. Yes, masks were required in the casino and Princess Theater.

 

Specifically, where are the masks actually worn?

Overall, I thought passenger compliance was very good. Masks were worn in required locations - elevators, retail shops, casino, theater, Princess Live, Vista lounge, before being seated in restaurants and buffet, embarkation, disembarkation. 

Smoking was allowed in the casino. Drinks were being served in the casino, theater, and Vista lounge, so you could see some unmasked passengers there. For instance, the Captain's Circle party was held in the Vista Lounge. Of course, the first thing that happens is a server comes by with a tray of drinks. I definitely saw the most unmasked passengers in the Vista Lounge during that event. During evening entertainment in the Vista Lounge, you'd find mostly masked guests, unless they were enjoying a cocktail. As another example, when cruising Glacier Bay, the Hollywood Conservatory was crowded with passengers, and I saw no one without a mask. However, nightly, the Elite Lounge was held in the Conservatory, and there would be a few tables of unmasked guests eating, drinking and enjoying a conversation. I only saw a handful of passengers order a drink in the theater, the vast majority of passengers had masks on the whole time, as you'd expect.

 

The most time I spent with unmasked passengers, in close proximity, was during dinner each evening. I wore a mask when required and did not when permitted and I felt comfortable without one. I had a great cruise and am so glad I went. Good luck making your decision. If you go, I hope you have a wonderful cruise!

[redrobin]

Current mask requirements from the Princess website:

Edit: As I stated in my post above, it looks like the UK autumn sailings could be missing the first part of the mask protocol? 

 

FAQ: Autumn Sailings from UK – Cruises departing September 30 – November 5, 2021

Will I have to wear a face mask?

Certain entertainment venues will be designated as “Sip and Cover” venues where you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth except while drinking.

We’d always recommend guests wash their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard.

FAQ: Summer Sailings from the UK – Cruises departing through September 28, 2021

Will I have to wear a face mask?

Whilst we always recommend masks indoors, masks are required at the following locations: In lifts, retail shops, the casino, designated entertainment venues and prior to being seated in all dining areas. Masks are also required during embarkation, disembarkation and when going ashore, in keeping with local guidelines.

Certain entertainment venues will be designated as “Sip and Cover” venues where you must wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth except while drinking.

We’d always recommend guests wash their mask daily and choose a good quality, ideally medical grade, standard.

 

FAQ: Sailings from the United States – Cruises departing through December 31, 2021

Will I have to wear a facemask or physically distance?

First, we strongly encourage guests wear face masks when in public spaces indoors. ALL guests will be required to wear a face mask – with no exceptions – in elevators, retails shops, in the casino, and other designated areas except while eating and 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.

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality double-layer cloth or medical-grade mask. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask. Unvaccinated guests will be required to wear a face mask at all times while indoors, in accordance with health authority requirements.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests must be prepared to follow all local guidance regarding masks and physical distancing. The status of local guidelines will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

Edited September 8, 2021 by redrobin

[gmjc2]

16 hours ago, vjmatty said:

Except when they cut the line…. don’t follow them then, that’s just rude. 
 

You are right about that. We had two people in a wheelchair when in a line to enter a passport check on a ship. A party of Gs complained to the Purser about us being told to go to the front of the line and they tried to push in front of us!! 

Edited September 9, 2021 by gmjc2

[fishnchips]

 When VIrgin cruise line was in the UK,because of the UKs non legal requirement to wear a mask ment 

NO PASSENGERS had to wear a mask indoors but the crew did wear them ..

All passengers were vaccinated and had a Covid test before getting on board.

There have not had any cases that I am aware of.

But hoped Princess would also follow this rule as again all passengers are vaccinated and tested before boarding the Sky and Regal and in UK borders.

[Iamcruzin]

On 9/6/2021 at 1:52 AM, Italy52 said:

We were on the 8/22 Majestic cruise to Alaska. 

 

Masks required in the casino -- yes.  However, we noticed a lot of people hanging around smoking (not gambling) -- we felt some people were taking advantage of the situation to unmask as they certainly could go outside and smoke.

 

Although there was a sign for the elevators, we noticed that they were very crowded.  We often took the stairs or opted to wait for another elevator.  Only time we saw someone enforce the mask rule was on 2 occasions in the buffet.

 

 

This makes absolutely no sense to me. You have to wear a mask in the casino but you are allowed to remove it if you exhale vapor, germs, tar and nicotine from your mouth and nose while you are smoking. Maybe they think Covid will get cancer from the second hand smoke and die. That's the only logical idea that comes to mind. Maybe I'll become a temporary smoker and only smoke in the casino.

Edited September 9, 2021 by Iamcruzin

[Iamcruzin]

On 9/6/2021 at 7:31 PM, Bwana Tom said:

Has there been any discussions on board as to "what constitutes an ACCEPTABLE mask"? Any talk as to 2 layers, 3 layers or whatever. I'd like to order some to take with me and was wondering if there is a specific requirement.

Thanks folks.

No ripped or torn masks in the MDR and black satin or sequined masks are suggested in the MDR on formal night.

[TinaLee]

16 minutes ago, Iamcruzin said:

No ripped or torn masks in the MDR and black satin or sequined masks are suggested in the MDR on formal night.

My husband says sequins aren't his thing - will you accept pearls? 🙂 🙂