Back from the Carnival Sunrise...

[kwcruise]

After a long time of being locked up at home, and dealing with the issues around the pandemic that we all have been, I made the decision to take a five day cruise from December 18-23. I was cautious, yet reassured because of the policies that were in place by Carnival and the government on both sides. I did not resent at all, the confusion around the testing as I wanted to stay safe.

 

I was in the first group to board, having a 10 a.m. boarding call. We were in the lounge area for about an hour, a place in which masking was meant to be taking place. My friend and I observed many passengers either not wearing their masks, and several Carnival staff with their masks below their noses - one was a photographer who was waiting for the boarding to begin....you know, the person that stands there and starts off your vacation with a welcome pic?!  We started to feel a little concerned about our decision.

 

Upon boarding, we noted that many passengers were masked, but just as many inside the ship were not (I'm referring to people without food/drinks) or wore their masks below their noses. This issue increased, rather than descreased as the cruise went on. Thankfully, we had a balcony, so made the decision to get our food and bring it back to our cabin to eat throughout the majority of our cruise. (We ate in the dining room one night, and it was very crowded, and then on the lido deck on two occasions.) 

 

Some more observations/experiences:

 

1. I like to play blackjack and the casino was pretty empty compared to other trips I've taken. However, the dealers were NOT enforcing the masking policies at all. Hating to be "that" person, I made a complaint to the pit boss on duty the first night. She asked them to raise their masks, and mentioned to the son that he was not drinking so there was no need to have his mask down at all. The young man was rude and beligerant to her, and she told him that she would have him removed if the behaviour continued and walked away. She returned twice and asked him to mask properly on both occasions, to which on the last occasion the young man told her that people looked stupid with masks on and she just walked away. Both men then lowered their masks. I left.

 

2. The next night the same two men were again playing with masks down, and I spoke to the dealer who did nothing, so then went to speak to the pit boss (a man this time), who did nothing. In fact, he told me that the dealers were probably new and didn't know the rules. What?? I left.

 

3. My friend wanted to see a comedy show, and we went to the beginning of a PG show, and simply put, it was a sea of masks below noses...kids and adults. Trust me that drinks were not in front of most.

 

I'm sharing this information because when I returned I emailed my premier cruise director who informed me that things would probably change soon. I then attempted to connect with Carnival directly, but have had no luck.

 

In the end I tested negative, but was incredibly cautious during my trip, but wish I had not taken this cruise at this time. The staff was not concerned, and seemed nervous to approach drunk passengers about covid policies. 

 

I have never written a post to complain, but feel this information is important to share.

[RoperDK]

Thank you for your input.

[Illbcruzn4life]

11 minutes ago, kwcruise said:

After a long time of being locked up at home, and dealing with the issues around the pandemic that we all have been, I made the decision to take a five day cruise from December 18-23. I was cautious, yet reassured because of the policies that were in place by Carnival and the government on both sides. I did not resent at all, the confusion around the testing as I wanted to stay safe.

 

I was in the first group to board, having a 10 a.m. boarding call. We were in the lounge area for about an hour, a place in which masking was meant to be taking place. My friend and I observed many passengers either not wearing their masks, and several Carnival staff with their masks below their noses - one was a photographer who was waiting for the boarding to begin....you know, the person that stands there and starts off your vacation with a welcome pic?!  We started to feel a little concerned about our decision.

 

Upon boarding, we noted that many passengers were masked, but just as many inside the ship were not (I'm referring to people without food/drinks) or wore their masks below their noses. This issue increased, rather than descreased as the cruise went on. Thankfully, we had a balcony, so made the decision to get our food and bring it back to our cabin to eat throughout the majority of our cruise. (We ate in the dining room one night, and it was very crowded, and then on the lido deck on two occasions.) 

 

Some more observations/experiences:

 

1. I like to play blackjack and the casino was pretty empty compared to other trips I've taken. However, the dealers were NOT enforcing the masking policies at all. Hating to be "that" person, I made a complaint to the pit boss on duty the first night. She asked them to raise their masks, and mentioned to the son that he was not drinking so there was no need to have his mask down at all. The young man was rude and beligerant to her, and she told him that she would have him removed if the behaviour continued and walked away. She returned twice and asked him to mask properly on both occasions, to which on the last occasion the young man told her that people looked stupid with masks on and she just walked away. Both men then lowered their masks. I left.

 

2. The next night the same two men were again playing with masks down, and I spoke to the dealer who did nothing, so then went to speak to the pit boss (a man this time), who did nothing. In fact, he told me that the dealers were probably new and didn't know the rules. What?? I left.

 

3. My friend wanted to see a comedy show, and we went to the beginning of a PG show, and simply put, it was a sea of masks below noses...kids and adults. Trust me that drinks were not in front of most.

 

I'm sharing this information because when I returned I emailed my premier cruise director who informed me that things would probably change soon. I then attempted to connect with Carnival directly, but have had no luck.

 

In the end I tested negative, but was incredibly cautious during my trip, but wish I had not taken this cruise at this time. The staff was not concerned, and seemed nervous to approach drunk passengers about covid policies. 

 

I have never written a post to complain, but feel this information is important to share.

 

Thank you for posting. Your post is the same as another poster on this board that said the same thing.

[MsTabbyKats]

I understand your frustration with "lack of mask compliance"....but....honestly....if this upsets anyone, one should wait until "the pandemic ends" (which may be never).  You'll never have a large group where everyone is doing everything one is supposed to do.

 

Glad you posted....so people see "know before they go".

[kwcruise]

2 minutes ago, MsTabbyKats said:

I understand your frustration with "lack of mask compliance"....but....honestly....if this upsets anyone, one should wait until "the pandemic ends" (which may be never).  You'll never have a large group where everyone is doing everything one is supposed to do.

 

Glad you posted....so people see "know before they go".

Just to be clear. I am not/was not frustrated with the people not following the rules. I am however, concerned with a large corporation spinning a story that they are enforcing covid rules, while the reality is that the rules were not enforced. 🙂

[80sGal]

Supposed to be B2B on 12/28 and 1/2.   We are on the fence.  Vaxxed and boosted, but have to fly to get there.  What are the other activities like?  I read in RCL thread that most activities like shows and BINGO are canceled.  I prepared for the possibility that ports might close, but I at least want something fun happening on the ship.  Were they still playing trivia and BINGO and all the usual shows?  This will factor into our decision.  At this point, the ship may not be as safe as I had felt on our August cruise, but I'm feeling the same way everyday here in our city.  

[d9704011]

2 minutes ago, kwcruise said:

Just to be clear. I am not/was not frustrated with the people not following the rules. I am however, concerned with a large corporation spinning a story that they are enforcing covid rules, while the reality is that the rules were not enforced. 🙂

I expect they're doing the best they can with the ingredients at their disposal.

[kwcruise]

1 minute ago, 80sGal said:

Supposed to be B2B on 12/28 and 1/2.   We are on the fence.  Vaxxed and boosted, but have to fly to get there.  What are the other activities like?  I read in RCL thread that most activities like shows and BINGO are canceled.  I prepared for the possibility that ports might close, but I at least want something fun happening on the ship.  Were they still playing trivia and BINGO and all the usual shows?  This will factor into our decision.  At this point, the ship may not be as safe as I had felt on our August cruise, but I'm feeling the same way everyday here in our city.  

So I am vaxxed, boosted and have also had covid (pre-vax). I took a calculated risk, taking this vacation, I am aware. (My concerns are for others, more than me...passing it on to other people, I mean.) All activities were going on this cruise...the comedy show we stopped in at was PACKED. More packed I'd say, than any other I have been on. I can't speak to the other activies, as after the first night, and seeing things that concerned us, we decided not to participate. 

[kwcruise]

3 minutes ago, d9704011 said:

I expect they're doing the best they can with the ingredients at their disposal.

You're probably correct. I am sharing because I think people have the right to be informed. This is not about passing judgement.

[d9704011]

4 minutes ago, kwcruise said:

You're probably correct. I am sharing because I think people have the right to be informed. This is not about passing judgement.

Fair enough.  Me, I haven't trusted much of anything a cruise company has said over the last few months because I believe they're primarily motivated by $$$ and are somewhat flexible with the details.

[firefly333]

31 minutes ago, 80sGal said:

Supposed to be B2B on 12/28 and 1/2.   We are on the fence.  Vaxxed and boosted, but have to fly to get there.  What are the other activities like?  I read in RCL thread that most activities like shows and BINGO are canceled.  I prepared for the possibility that ports might close, but I at least want something fun happening on the ship.  Were they still playing trivia and BINGO and all the usual shows?  This will factor into our decision.  At this point, the ship may not be as safe as I had felt on our August cruise, but I'm feeling the same way everyday here in our city.  

That's one ship that has a outbreak. I got back last sunday on rcl and no shows were cancelled and the ship stayed green all week. Your ship might have  outbreak but dont assume all rcl ships cancelled stuff and you base a decision to go on one outbreak. Out of texas no issues. 

 

I'm not big on masks and rules so didnt bother me but enforcement was so so, which was ok with me. Like sign said 5 to elevator but more than a few times more than 5 got on. 

 

I'm in the camp masks do very little good, so I dont care if policing is lax. Especially cloth masks are known to be useless.

 

 

[pc_load_letter]

49 minutes ago, kwcruise said:

Just to be clear. I am not/was not frustrated with the people not following the rules.

 

That really seems to be the major theme of your post. Did you think it would be any different?

[kwcruise]

1 minute ago, pc_load_letter said:

 

That really seems to be the major theme of your post. Did you think it would be any different?

Thank you for your reply. Not sure what the purpose is, other than to engage me in some kind of conflict, or to posture yourself aggressively. All I can say is that I wrote a post of observations. If I say clearly what my intent is/was, that what it is/was. Have a wonderful day, and I won't be responding again to any post that you put here. Best to you.

[Guest BasicSailor]

I noted the same as you on our cruises. Even more so the lack of security enforcing people to mask up.

I also noted tons of things that Carnival could indeed improve on especially now. Gloves are needed at the buffet or as others have noted have the staff place the food in your plate while wearing gloves. I realize staff is in short supply as this virus spreads. But in that case perhaps cancel the cruise instead of forcing more hours on the healthy staff.

 

Let me also say, I have cleaned many tables while the staff was just standing around doing nothing pre- covid. So I have no problem standing in a food line serving food for free if accepted or needed.

Edited December 25, 2021 by BasicSailor
Info added

[KmomChicago]

Mask wearing has been almost 100% compliant this week on Legend and nobody getting rude about it.

Edited December 25, 2021 by KmomChicago

[Calnev1]

Mask wearing on the Dec 11 Panorama cruise was also very compliant.  In particular, I noted that the casino dealers and pit bosses were vigilant in enforcement.  Also, during a performance in the theatre a couple in front of us removed their masks and staff was on them within minutes.   I was very pleased with this.

[ohioNCLcruiser]

I noticed on my recent Pride and Magic cruises as well. I actually caught covid on the Magic in October. I was on a Holland America cruise until the 19th and they were the polar opposite. Masks indoors were strictly enforced. 

 

Thank you for sharing the comments. I think it's important to inform people of the "real deal" beyond a company's PR spin to make sure people who are on the fence know what they are getting into.

[Colorado Cruzer]

3 hours ago, kwcruise said:

After a long time of being locked up at home, and dealing with the issues around the pandemic that we all have been, I made the decision to take a five day cruise from December 18-23. I was cautious, yet reassured because of the policies that were in place by Carnival and the government on both sides. I did not resent at all, the confusion around the testing as I wanted to stay safe.

 

I was in the first group to board, having a 10 a.m. boarding call. We were in the lounge area for about an hour, a place in which masking was meant to be taking place. My friend and I observed many passengers either not wearing their masks, and several Carnival staff with their masks below their noses - one was a photographer who was waiting for the boarding to begin....you know, the person that stands there and starts off your vacation with a welcome pic?!  We started to feel a little concerned about our decision.

 

Upon boarding, we noted that many passengers were masked, but just as many inside the ship were not (I'm referring to people without food/drinks) or wore their masks below their noses. This issue increased, rather than descreased as the cruise went on. Thankfully, we had a balcony, so made the decision to get our food and bring it back to our cabin to eat throughout the majority of our cruise. (We ate in the dining room one night, and it was very crowded, and then on the lido deck on two occasions.) 

 

Some more observations/experiences:

 

1. I like to play blackjack and the casino was pretty empty compared to other trips I've taken. However, the dealers were NOT enforcing the masking policies at all. Hating to be "that" person, I made a complaint to the pit boss on duty the first night. She asked them to raise their masks, and mentioned to the son that he was not drinking so there was no need to have his mask down at all. The young man was rude and beligerant to her, and she told him that she would have him removed if the behaviour continued and walked away. She returned twice and asked him to mask properly on both occasions, to which on the last occasion the young man told her that people looked stupid with masks on and she just walked away. Both men then lowered their masks. I left.

 

2. The next night the same two men were again playing with masks down, and I spoke to the dealer who did nothing, so then went to speak to the pit boss (a man this time), who did nothing. In fact, he told me that the dealers were probably new and didn't know the rules. What?? I left.

 

3. My friend wanted to see a comedy show, and we went to the beginning of a PG show, and simply put, it was a sea of masks below noses...kids and adults. Trust me that drinks were not in front of most.

 

I'm sharing this information because when I returned I emailed my premier cruise director who informed me that things would probably change soon. I then attempted to connect with Carnival directly, but have had no luck.

 

In the end I tested negative, but was incredibly cautious during my trip, but wish I had not taken this cruise at this time. The staff was not concerned, and seemed nervous to approach drunk passengers about covid policies. 

 

I have never written a post to complain, but feel this information is important to share.

Where did your cruise leave from?

Employees are sometimes scared to police the mask policy due to violence, especially when alcohol is involved.  It's not an excuse, it's just something I have seen personally working in the restuarant business during the pandemic.  I'm not getting punched or stabbed because of someone's stupid mask being under their nose, ask them about it once and let it go.  I think that is what is happening on the cruises too.  It's just like the airlines saying they are cleaning more and sanitizing in between flights.  Every time I sit down, for the last 25 years or so, I clean the area with a wipe and the same amount of funk and black fingerprint smudges come off now as in the last 2 decades - there is no company following the rules they type up and post online so they can stay in business according the the CDC and Health Department rules.

 

[kwcruise]

4 minutes ago, Colorado Cruzer said:

Where did your cruise leave from?

Employees are sometimes scared to police the mask policy due to violence, especially when alcohol is involved.  It's not an excuse, it's just something I have seen personally working in the restuarant business during the pandemic.  I'm not getting punched or stabbed because of someone's stupid mask being under their nose, ask them about it once and let it go.  I think that is what is happening on the cruises too.  It's just like the airlines saying they are cleaning more and sanitizing in between flights.  Every time I sit down, for the last 25 years or so, I clean the area with a wipe and the same amount of funk and black fingerprint smudges come off now as in the last 2 decades - there is no company following the rules they type up and post online so they can stay in business according the the CDC and Health Department rules.

 

Miami. 

 

100% agree. I think they are nervous around people who are drinking excessively and I totally understand why. 

[DD fun]

We were on the Magic Dec 4- 12 . Being it was our first post- covid cruise we decided to use Carnival transportation . After boarding the bus the rep came on board to welcome us and said "Company policy says you are required to wear a mask durring the ride to port, but we are not going to enforce this so if you want to remove your mask go ahead. Several people did so immediately and we wondered if all rules were out the window. Im happy to say that once at port and then onboard Carnival did a good job enforcing masking where required. We were impressed to see about 98% of the people we encountered wore mask according to ship guidelines. Regardless of how one feels its about following the rules that you have already agreed to and to respect others around you.

[sshong88]

Please be aware that multiple posts Have been made on the Carnival Sunrise Facebook Group, reporting positive COVID cases after the debarkation.

[kwcruise]

4 minutes ago, sshong88 said:

Please be aware that multiple posts Have been made on the Carnival Sunrise Facebook Group, reporting positive COVID cases after the debarkation.

This news does not surprise me based on what I saw. Very sad to hear.

[jimbo5544]

Op, thNks for shRing your thoughts.  We have done 4 cruises since cruising came  a k.  Thought I would theow in my thoughts.  Our first cruise was on the Horizon 8/1.  Masks were auggested in dining that cruise, tharsaid, I was surprised rhat the majority of cruisers wore them around the ship.  The next was a side ways cruise the following week on the Mardi Gras where masked entering dining and ahows was required and suggested ithwr places.  The third cruise was Horizon on 9/26.  We saw increases focus from staff asking people to mask up.  Was also thr first time we heard if sip and cover up at shows.   Last one was 11/ 28 on Pride, more of the same and messages at ahows wvery couple minutes. 
 

i guess the point is what else can they do?   People are sick of masks,  

[ColeThornton]

LOL...looks like someone has been sipping on the Christmas egg nog.

[Guest BasicSailor]

5 minutes ago, jimbo5544 said:

Op, thNks for shRing your thoughts.  We have done 4 cruises since cruising came  a k.  Thought I would theow in my thoughts.  Our first cruise was on the Horizon 8/1.  Masks were auggested in dining that cruise, tharsaid, I was surprised rhat the majority of cruisers wore them around the ship.  The next was a side ways cruise the following week on the Mardi Gras where masked entering dining and ahows was required and suggested ithwr places.  The third cruise was Horizon on 9/26.  We saw increases focus from staff asking people to mask up.  Was also thr first time we heard if sip and cover up at shows.   Last one was 11/ 28 on Pride, more of the same and messages at ahows wvery couple minutes. 
 

i guess the point is what else can they do?   People are sick of masks,  

Well, I'm not going to question your post. I type worse than you after a Christmas party, just saying 😄