Jan and Feb Ships and Protocols

[Lee Cruiser]

The information for January and February says that they will operate under current protocols.  Anything other than that is purely speculation right now.

[Lrex]

When I booked this cruise (jan 2022) I knew, as everyone did, that there was a strong possibility of it getting cancelled etc. I am not an unreasonable person and my family has sailed with carnival for years. I booked in October of last year. None of these protocols were in effect.  As of today, Carnival wants me to pay the balance of my booking (due next week) despite or cancel and lose my deposit. If I pay I dont even know

1. if my child can cruise (would need waiver bc she is not old enough to be vaccinated and there is a 5% max of unvaccinated passengers). Note this child was on the original booking when Carnival accepted my deposit and created my booking.

2. Even if I get the waiver for my child, my family will then be essentially a prisoner on the ship, not being allowed off the ship unless it is on a paid "bubble tour". So I either pay to go on a cruise where I dont actually get to see the places we are going or its essentially financial blackmail that I have to pay for carnival excursions in order to get off ship (also note that we would not be permitted to explore anything at all, we cannot go to a restaurant or a shop)...sound fun

3. I would have to agree and consent to my child having q tip shoved up her nose 3 times in a 6 day time period (with 72 hours prior, at embarkation and 24 hours after depart) all at a cost of $150 extra to myself

 

So my complaints are that

1. Carnival should not demand full payment if they cannot even guarantee that the humans originally booked can indeed board the ship

2. Carnival should not expect people to pay for a cruise, or cancel their cruise and lose their deposit due to these protocols.  I am not mad about the protocols. I welcome them. I want everyone to be safe. But I would never have booked a cruise if these protocols were in effect (especially the whole, your kid may not even be allowed on the ship)

 

I have now been on hold for 1:27:05 to try and talk to someone because this is simply unfair and horrible horrible customer service.  Who in their right mind pays in full for a cruise when they cant even be sure the cruise itself will allow all members of the booked family on the ship????

[BlerkOne]

I don't understand people who book a cruise during a pandemic and then try to blame Carnival for the pandemic or resulting protocols. Carnival is not the reason the pandemic is still going on, an in fact, cruises are about the safest place to currently be.

 

Since Carnival has restarted, they have carried hundreds of thousands of passengers. When cancellations are announced, there are many thousands affected. It is not reasonable to expect Carnival to have sufficient staff to pick up the phone on the first ring.

[Lil2Angelic]

1 hour ago, Lrex said:

When I booked this cruise (jan 2022) I knew, as everyone did, that there was a strong possibility of it getting cancelled etc. I am not an unreasonable person and my family has sailed with carnival for years. I booked in October of last year. None of these protocols were in effect.  As of today, Carnival wants me to pay the balance of my booking (due next week) despite or cancel and lose my deposit. If I pay I dont even know

1. if my child can cruise (would need waiver bc she is not old enough to be vaccinated and there is a 5% max of unvaccinated passengers). Note this child was on the original booking when Carnival accepted my deposit and created my booking.

2. Even if I get the waiver for my child, my family will then be essentially a prisoner on the ship, not being allowed off the ship unless it is on a paid "bubble tour". So I either pay to go on a cruise where I dont actually get to see the places we are going or its essentially financial blackmail that I have to pay for carnival excursions in order to get off ship (also note that we would not be permitted to explore anything at all, we cannot go to a restaurant or a shop)...sound fun

3. I would have to agree and consent to my child having q tip shoved up her nose 3 times in a 6 day time period (with 72 hours prior, at embarkation and 24 hours after depart) all at a cost of $150 extra to myself

 

So my complaints are that

1. Carnival should not demand full payment if they cannot even guarantee that the humans originally booked can indeed board the ship

2. Carnival should not expect people to pay for a cruise, or cancel their cruise and lose their deposit due to these protocols.  I am not mad about the protocols. I welcome them. I want everyone to be safe. But I would never have booked a cruise if these protocols were in effect (especially the whole, your kid may not even be allowed on the ship)

 

I have now been on hold for 1:27:05 to try and talk to someone because this is simply unfair and horrible horrible customer service.  Who in their right mind pays in full for a cruise when they cant even be sure the cruise itself will allow all members of the booked family on the ship????

We just cancelled two 7-day cruises due to Carnival's Covid protocol extension. We are receiving a full refund of our deposits. You shouldn't have a problem getting your deposit and/or any monies paid  refunded. The phone lines are busy with all the cancellations but that should ease up soon.

[Lrex]

I am not blaming Carnival for its protocols. I support the protocols. What Im

blaming them for is allowing me to book a cruise w a child (in all fairness neither I nor carnival knew what Jan 2022 would look like in October of 2020) then demand I pay in full for a cruise I may not actually be able to go on bc my child may not be able to go on. It’s pretty simple really and should not require a phone call at all. Just allow me to cancel online and refund my money.  But leaving me on hold for 1 hour and 27 minutes? I did nothing wrong in this situation. 

[Lil2Angelic]

25 minutes ago, Lrex said:

I am not blaming Carnival for its protocols. I support the protocols. What Im

blaming them for is allowing me to book a cruise w a child (in all fairness neither I nor carnival knew what Jan 2022 would look like in October of 2020) then demand I pay in full for a cruise I may not actually be able to go on bc my child may not be able to go on. It’s pretty simple really and should not require a phone call at all. Just allow me to cancel online and refund my money.  But leaving me on hold for 1 hour and 27 minutes? I did nothing wrong in this situation. 

I understand what you're saying. It's a hassle and things are crazy right now. Did you end up getting through on the phone and getting your monies refunded?

[JoeMo]

Vaccinated = YES, Mask = YES, Negative test two days before = Nope.

We drive 10 hours to get to the ship. We make a long getaway by getting to port 3-4 days ahead of time & enjoy the local happenings. With the testing 2 days before, we must get tested an hour before we leave to arrive the day ahead of the cruise. If it was just the cruise, O.K., but arriving the day before cruise is not for me. Ya'll have a great time, we'll see ya when the committee at c.d.c sobers up.

[jsglow]

15 minutes ago, JoeMo said:

Vaccinated = YES, Mask = YES, Negative test two days before = Nope.

We drive 10 hours to get to the ship. We make a long getaway by getting to port 3-4 days ahead of time & enjoy the local happenings. With the testing 2 days before, we must get tested an hour before we leave to arrive the day ahead of the cruise. If it was just the cruise, O.K., but arriving the day before cruise is not for me. Ya'll have a great time, we'll see ya when the committee at c.d.c sobers up.

No doubt that's the most challenging part.  For those that drive from significant distances, it really become impractical.  We fly and I must say the test, fly, sail regiment pushes us to our limit.  Honestly, one extra day (back to 3 from the current 2) would make a meaningful difference.  Let's hope the CDC relaxes some very soon.

[frito58]

28 minutes ago, JoeMo said:

Vaccinated = YES, Mask = YES, Negative test two days before = Nope.

We drive 10 hours to get to the ship. We make a long getaway by getting to port 3-4 days ahead of time & enjoy the local happenings. With the testing 2 days before, we must get tested an hour before we leave to arrive the day ahead of the cruise. If it was just the cruise, O.K., but arriving the day before cruise is not for me. Ya'll have a great time, we'll see ya when the committee at c.d.c sobers up.

I agree ,  I have just started cancelling cruise after cruise after cruise . We like to fly in a few days early and enjoy the area this becoming to the point i will do something else . I see cruise lines are starting with trackers on board . Not for me i am not a lab rat . I got my vaccine , i want to relax and have fun and this is just becoming a PITA . I mean if people want to jump through all of those hoops go for it but not us take our money and head elsewhere .  

[BlerkOne]

Many thousands, including ME, have no problem with the protocols, and in fact, fully support them. The last cruise I was on, Carnival Glory, started in CDC Green and still is CDC Green. Two thumbs up!

 

 

 

[Lee Cruiser]

1 hour ago, BlerkOne said:

Many thousands, including ME, have no problem with the protocols, and in fact, fully support them. The last cruise I was on, Carnival Glory, started in CDC Green and still is CDC Green. Two thumbs up!

 

 

 

While I probably wouldn't say I fully support all the protocols, I don't have a big problem with them and abide by them.  It certainly makes things go smoother onboard and lessens the chance of an outbreak causing an interruption in cruising.  Would also say that our cruise last week was one of our best yet.  Maybe that's because it was our first cruise since Jan 2020.  But, more than that, it is because the limited capacity made the cruise extremely enjoyable.  With the prices offered right now, we will certainly continue booking.  We have three booked for next year.

[azjim66]

9 hours ago, crewsweeper said:

I doubt the mask protocol will go away as long as X% of passengers are non-vaxed.  Even with 100% passengers vaxed, I would expect cruise lines will follow CDC guidelines on wearing masks indoors in crowded areas.  Despite the live evidence that masks don't in and of themselves really act to prevent spread of COVID (witness the high contagion levels in areas with strict mask mandates versus those with looser protocols), Dr Fauci and ilk want you to wear as masks, because they say so.

I agree 100% This was well stated!

[Colorado Beach Bum]

Cruise lines have to protect their business which I totally respect even if I personally disagree with many of the protocols.  And I also agree with a free market and the right to choose whether or not or how to spend your money.  It’s not our entitlement that should dictate rules or policies but those who run them should decided.  We then decide as consumers if we should frequent a business. Everything in life should be a choice by businesses and consumers and the free market will ultimately  determine best practices.  Free choice always wins. 

[pe4all]

I do agree that the covid test 2 days before can be a hassle, and an expense  -especially if the cruise is right before or after a major holiday which shuts down the pharmacies/urgent centers/labs, etc.  We flew back from Italy after attending a wedding and only needed a covid test within 3 days of our flight. We got rapid tested at a pharmacy.   The Italy airports also had rapid testing on site if we wanted to use it.   Unless you stop at an airport that has rapid testing on the way to the cruise (and these even have somewhat limited hours) the 2 day restriction can cause a lot of agina.  Perhaps the CDC will loosen up the testing for cruising a bit in the near future.

[firefly333]

15 hours ago, Lrex said:

When I booked this cruise (jan 2022) I knew, as everyone did, that there was a strong possibility of it getting cancelled etc. I am not an unreasonable person and my family has sailed with carnival for years. I booked in October of last year. None of these protocols were in effect.  As of today, Carnival wants me to pay the balance of my booking (due next week) despite or cancel and lose my deposit. If I pay I dont even know

1. if my child can cruise (would need waiver bc she is not old enough to be vaccinated and there is a 5% max of unvaccinated passengers). Note this child was on the original booking when Carnival accepted my deposit and created my booking.

2. Even if I get the waiver for my child, my family will then be essentially a prisoner on the ship, not being allowed off the ship unless it is on a paid "bubble tour". So I either pay to go on a cruise where I dont actually get to see the places we are going or its essentially financial blackmail that I have to pay for carnival excursions in order to get off ship (also note that we would not be permitted to explore anything at all, we cannot go to a restaurant or a shop)...sound fun

3. I would have to agree and consent to my child having q tip shoved up her nose 3 times in a 6 day time period (with 72 hours prior, at embarkation and 24 hours after depart) all at a cost of $150 extra to myself

 

So my complaints are that

1. Carnival should not demand full payment if they cannot even guarantee that the humans originally booked can indeed board the ship

2. Carnival should not expect people to pay for a cruise, or cancel their cruise and lose their deposit due to these protocols.  I am not mad about the protocols. I welcome them. I want everyone to be safe. But I would never have booked a cruise if these protocols were in effect (especially the whole, your kid may not even be allowed on the ship)

 

I have now been on hold for 1:27:05 to try and talk to someone because this is simply unfair and horrible horrible customer service.  Who in their right mind pays in full for a cruise when they cant even be sure the cruise itself will allow all members of the booked family on the ship????

Idk what you are expecting, but you said you dont want to pay the full amount. You expect a discount because your child isnt vaccinated?  

 

You can move it forward or cancel as you said. No guarantee things will change except more kids required to be vaccinated. Somehow being allowed to cancel is poor customer service? You expect compensation because of your child? Hard to tell what you want.

 

If your child cant be vaccinated (below 12 soon will be allowed) the $150 is waived, so you are wrong about this. If a child is of a age to be vaccinated chances of a exemption are about zero. You are confused about this. 

[firefly333]

10 minutes ago, pe4all said:

I do agree that the covid test 2 days before can be a hassle, and an expense  -especially if the cruise is right before or after a major holiday which shuts down the pharmacies/urgent centers/labs, etc.  We flew back from Italy after attending a wedding and only needed a covid test within 3 days of our flight. We got rapid tested at a pharmacy.   The Italy airports also had rapid testing on site if we wanted to use it.   Unless you stop at an airport that has rapid testing on the way to the cruise (and these even have somewhat limited hours) the 2 day restriction can cause a lot of agina.  Perhaps the CDC will loosen up the testing for cruising a bit in the near future.

People only think it's hard on holidays.

 

My breeze leaves on a monday so we have sat and sunday to get tested. People who can get tested at work cant, and many labs it seems are closed on weekends.

 

People seem to only think holidays crimp testing. I'm signing up this weekend for CVS and crossing my fingers they dont need to use a closed testing lab. Lol I think there is a good reason the price of my cruise dropped so much, weekend testing required. 

[camper49]

14 hours ago, Lil2Angelic said:

We just cancelled two 7-day cruises due to Carnival's Covid protocol extension. We are receiving a full refund of our deposits. You shouldn't have a problem getting your deposit and/or any monies paid  refunded. The phone lines are busy with all the cancellations but that should ease up soon.

Were your deposits non refundable?

[tiffy0728]

18 hours ago, Lrex said:

When I booked this cruise (jan 2022) I knew, as everyone did, that there was a strong possibility of it getting cancelled etc. I am not an unreasonable person and my family has sailed with carnival for years. I booked in October of last year. None of these protocols were in effect.  As of today, Carnival wants me to pay the balance of my booking (due next week) despite or cancel and lose my deposit. If I pay I dont even know

1. if my child can cruise (would need waiver bc she is not old enough to be vaccinated and there is a 5% max of unvaccinated passengers). Note this child was on the original booking when Carnival accepted my deposit and created my booking.

2. Even if I get the waiver for my child, my family will then be essentially a prisoner on the ship, not being allowed off the ship unless it is on a paid "bubble tour". So I either pay to go on a cruise where I dont actually get to see the places we are going or its essentially financial blackmail that I have to pay for carnival excursions in order to get off ship (also note that we would not be permitted to explore anything at all, we cannot go to a restaurant or a shop)...sound fun

3. I would have to agree and consent to my child having q tip shoved up her nose 3 times in a 6 day time period (with 72 hours prior, at embarkation and 24 hours after depart) all at a cost of $150 extra to myself

 

So my complaints are that

1. Carnival should not demand full payment if they cannot even guarantee that the humans originally booked can indeed board the ship

2. Carnival should not expect people to pay for a cruise, or cancel their cruise and lose their deposit due to these protocols.  I am not mad about the protocols. I welcome them. I want everyone to be safe. But I would never have booked a cruise if these protocols were in effect (especially the whole, your kid may not even be allowed on the ship)

 

I have now been on hold for 1:27:05 to try and talk to someone because this is simply unfair and horrible horrible customer service.  Who in their right mind pays in full for a cruise when they cant even be sure the cruise itself will allow all members of the booked family on the ship????

I agree with you 100 %. We are a family of 7 and we are all vaccinated except our one year old daughter. I am trying to really decide if I want to go on my February cruise and don't know if I will even get an exemption for her. She don't have to go through the testing because she's only one years old so I am trying to figure out why she have to do a bubble tour

[heidiatmn1]

3 hours ago, firefly333 said:

Idk what you are expecting, but you said you dont want to pay the full amount. You expect a discount because your child isnt vaccinated?  

 

You can move it forward or cancel as you said. No guarantee things will change except more kids required to be vaccinated. Somehow being allowed to cancel is poor customer service? You expect compensation because of your child? Hard to tell what you want.

 

If your child cant be vaccinated (below 12 soon will be allowed) the $150 is waived, so you are wrong about this. If a child is of a age to be vaccinated chances of a exemption are about zero. You are confused about this. 

I read it as he is hoping to hold off on paying in full until there is certainty to what Jan/Feb cruises look like for children. Our friends traveling with us in January have the same issue and I don't blame them. Their hope is the kids can be vaccinated by then so don't want to cancel, yet don't want to pay in full in case they do want to cancel later if the children can't be vaccinated.

[firefly333]

16 minutes ago, heidiatmn1 said:

I read it as he is hoping to hold off on paying in full until there is certainty to what Jan/Feb cruises look like for children. Our friends traveling with us in January have the same issue and I don't blame them. Their hope is the kids can be vaccinated by then so don't want to cancel, yet don't want to pay in full in case they do want to cancel later if the children can't be vaccinated.

I do expect by jan or feb kids 5 and over can be vaccinated.  The only question would be will it be mandatory imo.

 

We have all been thru changes we dislike. I hate masks, especially in ports. There is really no evidence they help the spread, just make people feel good. In tight quarters like doctors of course they work, but sitting in the theater, nope. 

 

Rcl had first delayed dec full payments to 30 days before, now January delayed. I doubt this would guarantee a parent knows about exemptions for sure. 

 

What I prefer about rcl is they have a vaccinated section in the casino and theater where I can take off my mask. I booked carnival when they were not going to mandate masks. 

 

I think each of us has to decide what we can live with. We all had rules changed on us. Carnival could delay final payment like rcl or set aside no mask areas .. they are being more strict. Kids do add a dimension, but there are other things to dislike imo. 

[Lil2Angelic]

3 hours ago, camper49 said:

Were your deposits non refundable?

Yes..both cruises were casino offers. The deposits were non-refundable but based on the updated / extended covid protocols we're getting a refund of our deposits.

[Cherries Jubilee]

I wonder why I didn’t receive this email. My cruise is still scheduled.

 

 I’m good with the current restrictions.

[rj59]

Things are changing all the time. I canceled cruises and if you  mentioned the magic 'protocols' word, you'll get a full refund. If you call now, just when they announced the extension, then you'll spend a lot of time on hold. That's why in the current situation it would make a lot of sense of find a local TA who can do all the stressful parts for you, including repricing cruises. As for testing, if you don't want to stress over it, just order proctored home tests from Optum or Emed, and you can do it at any point before boarding. I use a triple system of local antigen test before leaving, home proctored test, and airport/urgent care test in the port city. I canceled many cruises and fumed and ranted over testing and masking protocols, and my anxiety level was off the charts when I went on my first cruise a few weeks ago to Alaska, and I let myself get stressed on board over the masking practices of others, but in the end I had a great time on a beautiful ship (Ovation) and was really happy to be back on the seas again and traveling. I only regret now that I got angry and scared and cancelled a $250 7-night Panorama sailing, since I'll likely never see such a good deal again for a solo. 

[jsglow]

Yeah, no reason to stress about what other folks are doing.  If you're vaxxed, you're simply not getting seriously ill statistically speaking.

[firefly333]

23 minutes ago, jsglow said:

Yeah, no reason to stress about what other folks are doing.  If you're vaxxed, you're simply not getting seriously ill statistically speaking.

That's not what my news says. They say after 7 months the antibodies arent enough any more. I'm more than 8 months from my 2nd jab. If I had pfeizer I'd be able to get a booster but I did moderna. 

 

I'd mix meds and do pfeizer but dont want to mess up boarding and who knows what the cruiselines will proclaim next. . But I'm more than ready for a booster not approved. 

 

Statistically I can get covid and be very ill at my age.