Sky Princess implements new mask wearing rule … sip and cover!

[coo359a2]

It will be interesting to see if this requirement will also go for the Sky Princess cruises sailing out of the US.  Reading some of the current "Lives" the  Sip and Cover is in certain bars and the theater and Princess Live.  Think someone mentioned that their ship didn't require it for Crooners and a few other places but posted signs were up on telling you if it was required or not.   

[Cruise Raider]

56 minutes ago, coo359a2 said:

It will be interesting to see if this requirement will also go for the Sky Princess cruises sailing out of the US.  Reading some of the current "Lives" the  Sip and Cover is in certain bars and the theater and Princess Live.  Think someone mentioned that their ship didn't require it for Crooners and a few other places but posted signs were up on telling you if it was required or not.   

 

On the Grand Princess, they requested sip and cover in the areas with fixed seating (ie: the Princess theater, the Vista Lounge, Explorers Lounge).  Fixed seating meaning there are seats that are permanently fixed to the floor.  There were not only signs at the entrance for Sip and Cover but also announcements made at the beginning of the shows and events.  For Crooners, the Piazza, Vines, Good Spirits, etc, where the seating was set up for physical distancing, there were no such signs.  When the waiter came to take or deliver our order, we'd pull the mask up out of respect.  It was much more doable than I first assumed it would be.  

Masks were required for walking to your table in any dining venue, in the elevators, in the casino, and any crowded venue while indoors.  

Not sure if I mentioned this but, I would say the reason for the Sip and Cover was implemented is because there have most likely been positive cases identified onboard.  It may seem like Princess is being overcautious but, they may have also been the cruiseline that took most of the flack throughout the industry back in early 2020.  
 

[tonyd285]

How come Celebrity is sailing all over the world mask free?  As for Covid running rampant, we live in Central New Jersey which is essentially a Covid free zone.  Maybe in some parts of the country the unvaxxed are creating a problem but if people are fully vaccinated and have had a test prior to boarding the risk seems minimal.  Anyway, the idea of sitting in a lounge and wearing a mask which I can only pull down to sip seems over the top to me.

[coo359a2]

1 hour ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

On the Grand Princess, they requested sip and cover in the areas with fixed seating (ie: the Princess theater, the Vista Lounge, Explorers Lounge).  Fixed seating meaning there are seats that are permanently fixed to the floor.  There were not only signs at the entrance for Sip and Cover but also announcements made at the beginning of the shows and events.  For Crooners, the Piazza, Vines, Good Spirits, etc, where the seating was set up for physical distancing, there were no such signs.  When the waiter came to take or deliver our order, we'd pull the mask up out of respect.  It was much more doable than I first assumed it would be.  

Masks were required for walking to your table in any dining venue, in the elevators, in the casino, and any crowded venue while indoors.  

Not sure if I mentioned this but, I would say the reason for the Sip and Cover was implemented is because there have most likely been positive cases identified onboard.  It may seem like Princess is being overcautious but, they may have also been the cruiseline that took most of the flack throughout the industry back in early 2020.  
 

Thanks for posting specifics - think that DH and family and friends will survive on our upcoming cruises.  I'll find out how it will be done  on 28 Nov when we are on the Caribbean Princess and then on 10 Dec on the Enchanted both out of Fort Lauderdale.  I' am sure if a drastic breakout occurs, people will be up in arms that enough wasn't done to prevent it.  It will happen eventually  the same as  large Noro outbreaks did pre pandemic.

[Buckeye10640]

3 hours ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

On the Grand Princess, they requested sip and cover in the areas with fixed seating (ie: the Princess theater, the Vista Lounge, Explorers Lounge).  Fixed seating meaning there are seats that are permanently fixed to the floor.  There were not only signs at the entrance for Sip and Cover but also announcements made at the beginning of the shows and events.  For Crooners, the Piazza, Vines, Good Spirits, etc, where the seating was set up for physical distancing, there were no such signs.  When the waiter came to take or deliver our order, we'd pull the mask up out of respect.  It was much more doable than I first assumed it would be.  

Masks were required for walking to your table in any dining venue, in the elevators, in the casino, and any crowded venue while indoors.  

Not sure if I mentioned this but, I would say the reason for the Sip and Cover was implemented is because there have most likely been positive cases identified onboard.  It may seem like Princess is being overcautious but, they may have also been the cruiseline that took most of the flack throughout the industry back in early 2020.  
 

What you describe is what I was expecting and still hoping for...but there is a distinction in the rules between under 10 day and 10+ day  cruises. The 10+ day rules state masks required everywhere indoors other than seated in a dining area or in your cabin.  and 'sip and cover' applies for drinking. 

Edited October 21, 2021 by Buckeye10640

[PrincessLuver]

2 hours ago, tonyd285 said:

How come Celebrity is sailing all over the world mask free?  As for Covid running rampant, we live in Central New Jersey which is essentially a Covid free zone.  Maybe in some parts of the country the unvaxxed are creating a problem but if people are fully vaccinated and have had a test prior to boarding the risk seems minimal.  Anyway, the idea of sitting in a lounge and wearing a mask which I can only pull down to sip seems over the top to me.

 

Huh.....Why is Celebrity announcing a lot of cruise cancellations.....they are not sailing "all over the world" at this time:

 

Celebrity Cruises | Cancelling Sailings - 7 days ago

• Updated

Celebrity Cruises will now be suspending global operations for all sailings departing on or before August 01, 2021 (excluding recent Celebrity Millennium St. Maarten and Celebrity Apex Greece itineraries).

The following Sailings have been cancelled:

• Celebrity Summit® cruises to Alaska departing August 28 - September 11, 2021
• Celebrity Flora® and Celebrity Xpedition® cruises departing August 1 – 29, 2021
• Celebrity Solstice® sailings departing January 2, 2022 through April 24, 2022
• Celebrity Infinity® sailings departing December 13, 2021 through April 2, 2022
• Celebrity Reflection® sailings departing August 11 – October 22, 2021
• Celebrity Silhouette® sailings to Europe departing November 1, 2021
• Celebrity Eclipse® sailings departing January 3, 2022 through April 17, 2022.

In the most recent update Celebrity is now giving you 3 options to choose from: 

Impacted guests can elect to 1) accept a Future Cruise Credit, 2) move to a future sailing with the new Lift & Shift option, or 3) request a refund:

1. Option 1: 125% Future Cruise Credit: Your best value! You will receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the amount paid, to be redeemed on-or-before April 30, 2021 on sailings through September 20, 2022. This is the option you will automatically receive if you don't take any action. 
2. Option 2: Lift & Shift: On or before August 3, 2021. Move to a qualifying cruise next year on the same itinerary, sailing length, embarkation port, stateroom category, and sailing +/- 2 weeks from original sail date.
3. Option 3: Refund:  If you wish to decline the higher value 125% Future Cruise Credit and receive a lower value 100% refund of the cruise fare, please chat with us or call for more details by July 31, 2021.  *Note: Refund takes 90 days to process.

 

[Blackduck59]

2 hours ago, PrincessLuver said:

 

Huh.....Why is Celebrity announcing a lot of cruise cancellations.....they are not sailing "all over the world" at this time:

 

Celebrity Cruises | Cancelling Sailings - 7 days ago

• Updated

Celebrity Cruises will now be suspending global operations for all sailings departing on or before August 01, 2021 (excluding recent Celebrity Millennium St. Maarten and Celebrity Apex Greece itineraries).

The following Sailings have been cancelled:

• Celebrity Summit® cruises to Alaska departing August 28 - September 11, 2021
• Celebrity Flora® and Celebrity Xpedition® cruises departing August 1 – 29, 2021
• Celebrity Solstice® sailings departing January 2, 2022 through April 24, 2022
• Celebrity Infinity® sailings departing December 13, 2021 through April 2, 2022
• Celebrity Reflection® sailings departing August 11 – October 22, 2021
• Celebrity Silhouette® sailings to Europe departing November 1, 2021
• Celebrity Eclipse® sailings departing January 3, 2022 through April 17, 2022.

In the most recent update Celebrity is now giving you 3 options to choose from: 

Impacted guests can elect to 1) accept a Future Cruise Credit, 2) move to a future sailing with the new Lift & Shift option, or 3) request a refund:

1. Option 1: 125% Future Cruise Credit: Your best value! You will receive a Future Cruise Credit for 125% of the amount paid, to be redeemed on-or-before April 30, 2021 on sailings through September 20, 2022. This is the option you will automatically receive if you don't take any action. 
2. Option 2: Lift & Shift: On or before August 3, 2021. Move to a qualifying cruise next year on the same itinerary, sailing length, embarkation port, stateroom category, and sailing +/- 2 weeks from original sail date.
3. Option 3: Refund:  If you wish to decline the higher value 125% Future Cruise Credit and receive a lower value 100% refund of the cruise fare, please chat with us or call for more details by July 31, 2021.  *Note: Refund takes 90 days to process.

 

 

Did you even look at what you posted? Many of the dates you posted have passed. The Cancellation of Eclipse has to do with the fact that Australia and New Zealand are closed to visitors. Celebrity is sailing in many markets.

The lift and sip rule is just bogus. They brought it in for no apparent reason after the fact. Many people are more than willing to wear masks indoors while walking around or unable to "socially distance". As others have said why is it okay to share a table at dinner or in the buffet with total strangers but you can't share a table or even sit alone and enjoy a drink without a mask? The key premise here is sitting at the same table, not flitting about from table to table. 

Some people won't follow the simplest instructions, most people want to follow the rules. Some people will accept whatever they're told. There seem to be quite a few people who feel the lift and sip is that one lame rule that they would choose stand up against. I have said before that our first Princess cruise is scheduled to start at the end of August next year. If lift and sip is still in effect by final payment we will cancel. Between the Ocean medallion fiasco and now lift and sip I will probably look elsewhere.

[LuvtoCruise50]

I usually roll my eyes at the stupidity of mask rules…If you can smell odors through your mask, particles are getting through. Does covid only spread while I’m walking to my table in a restaurant and not while I’m eating. The plane is safe as long as we eat and drink together…give me a brake! Do you really think that cloth mask made from granny’s quilting cloth is going to protect you? There are so many things about masking the bend common sense..BUT…I don’t want to stay in my little cocoon and wait for this to go away, and if I have to wear a mask to do it then I will. I just spent 7 days on the Carnival Panorama, playing the sip and cover game, but I didn’t allow it to stop me from have a really great cruise., and neither did my fellow passengers. We all complied and it didn’t effect our vacations. So when you see me on the Sky Princess in December, I’ll be wearing that stupid mask,and I’ll roll my eyes, but I’m going to be smiling underneath it and having a GREAT time!!!

[devonuk]

19 hours ago, Snaxmuppet said:

In ALL indoor bars or just Princess Live and the theatre?

ALL indoor bars, casino, theatre, Internet cafe etc and whether fixed seating or otherwise. 
Just arrived back in Southampton… did the mask policy negatively impact my cruise? Yes, very much so but then again the lack of staff, poor internet, poor entertainment choices, no stops at St Peter’s Port and La Rochelle etc did too. On the upside the food was great, the ship itself is a thing of beauty and it was a very relaxing cruise especially with our Lido deck forward facing cabin. 
I have 3 other Princess cruises coming up but I won’t be rushing to make the final payments until this ridiculous ‘sip and recover’ rule is revisited. 

Edited October 22, 2021 by devonuk
Grammar

[caribill]

22 minutes ago, LuvtoCruise50 said:

I usually roll my eyes at the stupidity of mask rules…If you can smell odors through your mask, particles are getting through. Does covid only spread while I’m walking to my table in a restaurant and not while I’m eating.

 

You are missing the main reason to wear a mask. It is not to protect you (although it can help), it is to protect others in case you have Covid-19, are infectious, and do not know it.

 

So having it on when walking to your table can help protect those you walk by.

 

You might not know it because:

a) You had it when boarding, but not enough yet to be detected by the required test.

b) You caught it on board or at a port stop and it has not developed to the point you have symptoms or you are asymptomatic but still contagious.

 

[PrincessLuver]

10 hours ago, Blackduck59 said:

 

Did you even look at what you posted? Many of the dates you posted have passed. The Cancellation of Eclipse has to do with the fact that Australia and New Zealand are closed to visitors. Celebrity is sailing in many markets.

The lift and sip rule is just bogus. They brought it in for no apparent reason after the fact. Many people are more than willing to wear masks indoors while walking around or unable to "socially distance". As others have said why is it okay to share a table at dinner or in the buffet with total strangers but you can't share a table or even sit alone and enjoy a drink without a mask? The key premise here is sitting at the same table, not flitting about from table to table. 

Some people won't follow the simplest instructions, most people want to follow the rules. Some people will accept whatever they're told. There seem to be quite a few people who feel the lift and sip is that one lame rule that they would choose stand up against. I have said before that our first Princess cruise is scheduled to start at the end of August next year. If lift and sip is still in effect by final payment we will cancel. Between the Ocean medallion fiasco and now lift and sip I will probably look elsewhere.

 

To you it is a bogus rule but the airlines and variety of other businesses require it.......your cruise is not until next AUGUST 2022 and you already are this worked up over a little old mask rule?  Wow!!!

[PrincessLuver]

6 hours ago, devonuk said:

ALL indoor bars, casino, theatre, Internet cafe etc and whether fixed seating or otherwise. 
Just arrived back in Southampton… did the mask policy negatively impact my cruise? Yes, very much so but then again the lack of staff, poor internet, poor entertainment choices, no stops at St Peter’s Port and La Rochelle etc did too. On the upside the food was great, the ship itself is a thing of beauty and it was a very relaxing cruise especially with our Lido deck forward facing cabin. 
I have 3 other Princess cruises coming up but I won’t be rushing to make the final payments until this ridiculous ‘sip and recover’ rule is revisited. 

 

Isn't the UK reporting 50,000 cases of Covid a day now and you have the new Delta Plus variant spreading in your population.....seems to me Princess might want to be and is justified in being cautionary........

[Cruise Raider]

19 hours ago, Buckeye10640 said:

What you describe is what I was expecting and still hoping for...but there is a distinction in the rules between under 10 day and 10+ day  cruises. The 10+ day rules state masks required everywhere indoors other than seated in a dining area or in your cabin.  and 'sip and cover' applies for drinking. 

 

I will keep my fingers crossed for you.  We've been under rather strict guidelines here in California since March 2020.  The sip and cover and bite and cover rules were mandated here, even for family gatherings, which had to be a group of under 10 and within your 'social bubble'.  There was to be no singing or laughter, the host was to provide outdoor space with enough room for distancing, and serve all the food ... no shared tongs, etc etc etc.  We teased in SIL that she had to clean the bathroom between each guest that used it.  We couldn't even leave our homes to take a walk without a mask on.  It was a bit extreme, to say the least.   Of course, very few people followed all those rules....they were ridiculous.  Common sense will usually prevail...  

The ship's rules were very doable and on our first sailing where masks were required indoors, people were pretty much compliant ... there will always be a few that won't, though.  For now, the very low capacity is allowing for physical distancing and where that is not possible, just pull up your mask.  The problem will be when loads of passengers fill the ship.  

[wowzz]

Currently on Sky, and sip and cover does not seem to be in place. Mind you, I haven't been to every bar yet !

[devonuk]

7 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Currently on Sky, and sip and cover does not seem to be in place. Mind you, I haven't been to every bar yet !

Wow, keep the updates coming please 👍

[Cruise Raider]

10 minutes ago, wowzz said:

Currently on Sky, and sip and cover does not seem to be in place. Mind you, I haven't been to every bar yet !

What are you waiting for?  Let the pub crawl begin!!  🥴

 

[Cruise Raider]

22 hours ago, coo359a2 said:

Thanks for posting specifics - think that DH and family and friends will survive on our upcoming cruises.  I'll find out how it will be done  on 28 Nov when we are on the Caribbean Princess and then on 10 Dec on the Enchanted both out of Fort Lauderdale.  I' am sure if a drastic breakout occurs, people will be up in arms that enough wasn't done to prevent it.  It will happen eventually  the same as  large Noro outbreaks did pre pandemic.

 

I'm sure you will have a great time.  And you know, there are always those kinds that love to look back and place blame ... hindsight is 20/20.  They are just being very proactive in keeping from another Diamond Princess incident, another Grand Princess incident and another Ruby Princess incident from happening again.  Maybe they have gone too far with this approach but, can anyone really blame them?  

We cruised on the Majestic on their first sailing back out since early 2020.  No masks were required for passengers, although strongly encouraged in certain areas on the ship.  We then went back on the Grand's first sailing back out last month.  Rules had changed and testing and masking protocols were put in place.  I'm sure there were positive cases onboard that prompted these rules.  The CDC is monitoring this all very closely and surely, that played a part in those decisions.  

But, my point being, it was so awesome to be back on a cruise in July and wasn't sure if the testing and masking was going to put a damper on our enjoyment ... not one little bit!!  I don't love wearing a mask but it was still quite doable.  We enjoyed the cruise on the Grand as much as we enjoyed the one on the Majestic.  It was an out and out tie!!  Not only that, but with limited capacity, I think cruising is now better than it was before CoVid.  

 

I'm sure others will disagree with my assessment .. that's their propagative.  But, I also think that instead of getting so worked up over it, maybe cruise once the mask mandates are no longer in place.  There are so many of us that don't mind and still have a great time.  BTW, we found some masks in one of the boutiques onboard.  I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable masks that I own.  

 

[coo359a2]

10 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

I'm sure you will have a great time.  And you know, there are always those kinds that love to look back and place blame ... hindsight is 20/20.  They are just being very proactive in keeping from another Diamond Princess incident, another Grand Princess incident and another Ruby Princess incident from happening again.  Maybe they have gone too far with this approach but, can anyone really blame them?  

We cruised on the Majestic on their first sailing back out since early 2020.  No masks were required for passengers, although strongly encouraged in certain areas on the ship.  We then went back on the Grand's first sailing back out last month.  Rules had changed and testing and masking protocols were put in place.  I'm sure there were positive cases onboard that prompted these rules.  The CDC is monitoring this all very closely and surely, that played a part in those decisions.  

But, my point being, it was so awesome to be back on a cruise in July and wasn't sure if the testing and masking was going to put a damper on our enjoyment ... not one little bit!!  I don't love wearing a mask but it was still quite doable.  We enjoyed the cruise on the Grand as much as we enjoyed the one on the Majestic.  It was an out and out tie!!  Not only that, but with limited capacity, I think cruising is now better than it was before CoVid.  

 

I'm sure others will disagree with my assessment .. that's their propagative.  But, I also think that instead of getting so worked up over it, maybe cruise once the mask mandates are no longer in place.  There are so many of us that don't mind and still have a great time.  BTW, we found some masks in one of the boutiques onboard.  I can honestly say that they are the most comfortable masks that I own.  

 

Already told our kids (on the 20 Dec  Enchanted Princess with us) that there were new masking protocols and they were ok with it.  Told them that things could change day-by-day and wouldn't know exactly how the making etc would be until we probably got on board.  We all are ready to cruise too.  Here in Alabama, except for medical type offices/hospitals masks are not required.  We are still masking (KN95) whenever we go out and surprised at how many are still wearing masks. I will check out the masks when we are on the 28 Nov Caribbean Princess cruise.  Were there more than one style to choose from.  I want the comfortable one😀

[choochella]

So, we have a 14 day on Princess in April 2022. Final payment due in January. Mask protocol extended to February. I would rather not sail having to wear a mask completely indoors. (Just returned from a 12 day on Celebrity. No masks required) 

I’m just wondering if Princess will permit us to cancel after final payment without penalties if they extend the mask mandate beyond February? I’ve tried to reach a Princess agent to no avail. 

[Cruise Raider]

5 minutes ago, coo359a2 said:

Already told our kids (on the 20 Dec  Enchanted Princess with us) that there were new masking protocols and they were ok with it.  Told them that things could change day-by-day and wouldn't know exactly how the making etc would be until we probably got on board.  We all are ready to cruise too.  Here in Alabama, except for medical type offices/hospitals masks are not required.  We are still masking (KN95) whenever we go out and surprised at how many are still wearing masks. I will check out the masks when we are on the 28 Nov Caribbean Princess cruise.  Were there more than one style to choose from.  I want the comfortable one😀

 

We got the navy one with small Princess logos all over it.  Most of the officers wore this one.  They really only had a couple of styles but with different designs.  They had a silk one that was kind of pricey but it was also reversible.  We just got the regular style as it was half as much but, the fabric is super soft against the skin and the design keeps it from sucking into your mouth or nose when you breathe.  Those surgical masks have little fiber particles that can be inhaled and they give me a dry cough ... not something anybody wants to hear when I'm out in public.  

Anyway, I tried to find one online so I could show you what they look like but, I guess they only sell them onboard.  

We've had to wear masks here in California for well over a year with such a small break (a couple of weeks) last summer.  So, I think I've tried just about every kind ever made ... anti-fog sprays, too for my glasses.  This is the first mask I've tried that I really don't mind wearing.  I take a touch of woolite with me so I can keep it clean.  

 

[coo359a2]

22 minutes ago, Cruise Raider said:

 

We got the navy one with small Princess logos all over it.  Most of the officers wore this one.  They really only had a couple of styles but with different designs.  They had a silk one that was kind of pricey but it was also reversible.  We just got the regular style as it was half as much but, the fabric is super soft against the skin and the design keeps it from sucking into your mouth or nose when you breathe.  Those surgical masks have little fiber particles that can be inhaled and they give me a dry cough ... not something anybody wants to hear when I'm out in public.  

Anyway, I tried to find one online so I could show you what they look like but, I guess they only sell them onboard.  

We've had to wear masks here in California for well over a year with such a small break (a couple of weeks) last summer.  So, I think I've tried just about every kind ever made ... anti-fog sprays, too for my glasses.  This is the first mask I've tried that I really don't mind wearing.  I take a touch of woolite with me so I can keep it clean.  

 

Thanks for description.  I think Covid will be around for a good while so trying to get some different masks that I haven't made.

[Cruise Raider]

39 minutes ago, coo359a2 said:

Thanks for description.  I think Covid will be around for a good while so trying to get some different masks that I haven't made.

I’m almost sure you can order the, via the medallion app but you may have to wait until you’re onboard.  
 

 

Edited October 22, 2021 by Cruise Raider

[KLM3164]

1 hour ago, coo359a2 said:

Were there more than one style to choose from.  I want the comfortable one😀

I found this cute one on the Majestic Princess for formal night. It’s very comfortable and going on our next cruise on the Sky. I believe it was $12 on the ship.

[Cruise Raider]

1 hour ago, KLM3164 said:

I found this cute one on the Majestic Princess for formal night. It’s very comfortable and going on our next cruise on the Sky. I believe it was $12 on the ship.

I found the Princess mask to be really comfortable.  

[wrongwaywatson]

I think that the Sip & Cover rule is stupid.  Like others have said, it will probably spread more germs than not wearing a mask.  Touching your mask contaminates it and then you are spreading your germs to everything you touch after that.  Multiply that by how many times you take a sip and think about all of those germs.  

I would gladly sail with no masks on a 100% vaccinated & negative test required cruise.  Will it ruin my cruise?  No, I don't think so.  But I will avoid areas that I am required to wear it and I will try to have the best time that I can, because I love cruising.