Is it Enjoyable to cruise right now?

[icft]

3 minutes ago, cruisingguy007 said:

 

 ...it just seems lately that many are too willing to excuse any amount of dissatisfaction as not being reasonable, even when the dissatisfaction is completely reasonable...

Very true - a kind of virtue signaling sometimes. "Look how reasonable I am" kind of thing, though sometimes it is just a nit-picking complaint being made. It is hard to tell at times. 

[dave_k58]

We have not been on Carnival yet this year - but are going in March. We took a Princess Trans Atlantic in November and while there were mask rules, I didn't feel like they ruined the cruise. there was " sip and cover" in the theater but that was all. The bars were like usual as was the MDR - except for masking when you first walked in. One dining room was closed for the cruise.  I think we sailed at about 35 % capacity. Lots of people got upgrades, but we didn't because we already had a suite. All the crew wore masks all the time. I know it has probably changed now with Omicron, but we are hoping for a good cruise with our grandchildren on the Vista in March. 

[cruisingguy007]

5 hours ago, icft said:

Very true - a kind of virtue signaling sometimes. "Look how reasonable I am" kind of thing, though sometimes it is just a nit-picking complaint being made. It is hard to tell at times. 

 

Like the casino bar, It's my favorite place! All these Johnny come latelies, swear they will spend this and that, I truly love this space and hate the guts of the changers, the casino bar was such a special place. I really hope it returns in its original form. It was the best place on the ship and hope to Jesus it returns to its former glory and the true fans of the special place reign supreme again.  

[Jasonsterling]

On 1/26/2022 at 9:00 AM, waytoodeep03 said:

I understand the risks that if you are vaccinated and still test positive before the cruise your are more than likely to remain on shore. This I understand. I understand wearing masks indoors(although I have my opinion on this).

 

My question is if cruising is even enjoyable at the moment? When I am on vacation on a cruise I want to relax without a care in the world. I want to be able to do normal things in port like shop, excursions at my own leisure. I see cruises are less than 65% capacity. One post I saw the Miracle had 500 people sailing.

 

Is it fun with a near empty ship? 

 

Are the requirements so strict on the boat and at ports that you can't enjoy yourself as you could before? Or is it just the new way of life and adjustments need to be expected?

I've been on two cruises so far and neither was at that low of population- 2100 I think it was on the Breeze and 3100 on the Vista. It was still a festive atmosphere because the venues still tended to fill up during events- like the deck party or the white party. I had a great time both times- I'm leaving again in a couple of weeks. I'm outside a lot and there's no masking out on deck so it especially feels just like before outside. The ports of call have fairly strict policies in place but... the enforcement varies wildly. One excursion I was on the tour guides even said we could take our mask off because they were all vaccinated (had to be to offer a tour to cruise passengers) and of course as passengers we were all vaccinated as well. So in that port in Mexico it was very lax. When I was in Honduras on the beach it was like any other day as well- I think beaches are sometimes exempt. Anyway, it was a great time. A little different sure when it comes to masking indoors on the ship but not that bad- plus when you're eating and drinking you can take the mask off- unless in Casino, Show Lounge or Comedy Club where it is slip and sip and yes they will remind you there. Sometimes they remind you when you come in from outside as well but it's never been hostile in my experience. I'd say go- go with the idea that you want some sun and fresh sea air and friendly people and to relax just like normal and I think you'll have a great time. 

[Drazil65]

Are the requirements so strict on the boat and at ports that you can't enjoy yourself as you could before? Or is it just the new way of life and adjustments need to be expected?

 

If you are actually questioning it at this point then possibility cruising right now not for you.  We personally enjoy sitting on our balcony, looking out at the ocean (various times of day, sunrise, before dinner, just a break from all the chaos and loud mouths that are drunk by noon and looking for attention etc.) with glass of wine or reading a book just to take a personal breather.  Its our personal "Ahhhhhh" space.  

 

We would not attempt to go on a vacation that had us wondering/questioning if it is a good time for that environment, at this point we all know the rules and conditions of cruising and if it is not going to be comfortable or questionable for you then you probably should try something else.  It is what it is right now.  

[richfret]

I have sailed on 24 Carnival cruise and the last being a 8 day cruise on the Liberty about a week ago.  It was not the best cruise I ever took nor was it the worst cruise.  It was still a lot of fun but Covid certainly had it's effects on how it was conducted.  The food was OK but with some problems.  Like at breakfast, I always like to have the eggs fried in front of me.  This cruise they were already cooked and they scooped them out of a big bowl so the eggs were always luke warm.  The shows were OK but there was practically no dancing.  Almost all loud, loud singing.  The masks are a pain in the neck.  I'll take that back.  A pain in the nose.  Now some good points.  Less cruisers but same number of crew so there was always someone around to help you.  Also no lines whatsoever.  Casino was the same as always and lots of fun.   Getting on and off was the easiest I ever seen.  Probably because of less cruisers.   Ship was in very good condition but they did have some cabin flooding in a few cabins on one deck.

 

All in all, I had a very good time.  I am already booked for the next cruise with a substantial discount given on this cruise because of Covid prevention issues.  So, am looking forward to number 25 and will be just a couple points from Diamond.

[cruizergal70]

9 hours ago, icft said:

 

If one's goal is to see the sights of another country a four to six hour tour in each of two or three countries in a week is not the best you can do. So the ultimate in experiencing another country is not a reason to cruise. It is a bit of fun but taking a week long cruise for the purpose of a few hours sightseeing is not a reason to cruise. Instead go stay in another country for a week.

 

If going to shows is one's goal Las Vegas or Broadway have better. So going to the best shows is not a reason to cruise.

 

The reason to cruise is the overall experience. The food has to be good enough, not the best. The shore time has to be good enough, not the best, the shows have to be good enough, not the best. But the combination of those things along with enjoying being on the ocean and relaxing and having no chores to do, perhaps a little gambling and other things make the overall experience fun for some. For others who are only interested in one or two or three of the things that combine to make a cruise it is not going to be fun. All those other things that make cruising fun for us are just wasted time for them and they will not be getting the best of the few things they are interested in.

 

If you think Carnival's food is the best there is and that Carnival's engagement with foreign cultures is the best there is and Carnival's entertainment is the best there is then we just disagree.

I disagree with you. I cruise for the ports. Not the ship or the overall experience.  The ship to me is nothing more than a convenient hotel and food source. I'm not an immersive traveler. I don't need to spend weeks or months in a place. A well planned day trip satisfies my needs. I don't do beaches. In a few hours, one can visit a place of historical note, eat local foods, and meet some local people. I try to visit as many different places as I can and cruising makes that efficiently possible.

 

I generally care very little about the "onboard experience " outside of have a clean decent place to stay and available food. I do a few trips to NYC every year to get authentic Broadway shows and eat in top chef restaurants. 

[bucfan2]

2 hours ago, sparks1093 said:

I don't think that many of the paranoid folks are cruising right now.

True statement.  You can also remove 'paranoid' from the statement as and it is true as well.

Edited January 28, 2022 by bucfan2

[day-day]

2 hours ago, bucfan2 said:

True statement.  You can also remove 'paranoid' from the statement as and it is true as well.

Yes, true statement as well but this is drifting away from the context of the statement which sparks1093 responded to:

 

"...I'd take the risk for a normal cruise experience but floating around the ocean with a bunch of paranoid folks, eating and drinking, isn't real cruising...."

 

[bucfan2]

2 hours ago, day-day said:

Yes, true statement as well but this is drifting away from the context of the statement which sparks1093 responded to:

 

"...I'd take the risk for a normal cruise experience but floating around the ocean with a bunch of paranoid folks, eating and drinking, isn't real cruising...."

 

Good point...surely didn't mean to take away from it.

Edited January 28, 2022 by bucfan2

[cruizergal70]

13 hours ago, icft said:

Very true - a kind of virtue signaling sometimes. "Look how reasonable I am" kind of thing, though sometimes it is just a nit-picking complaint being made. It is hard to tell at times. 

1. Virtue signaling involving cruises???

2. Virtue signaling goes both days. Remember that. 

[ilovesparky13]

On 1/26/2022 at 7:00 AM, waytoodeep03 said:

I understand the risks that if you are vaccinated and still test positive before the cruise your are more than likely to remain on shore. This I understand. I understand wearing masks indoors(although I have my opinion on this).

 

My question is if cruising is even enjoyable at the moment? When I am on vacation on a cruise I want to relax without a care in the world. I want to be able to do normal things in port like shop, excursions at my own leisure. I see cruises are less than 65% capacity. One post I saw the Miracle had 500 people sailing.

 

Is it fun with a near empty ship? 

 

Are the requirements so strict on the boat and at ports that you can't enjoy yourself as you could before? Or is it just the new way of life and adjustments need to be expected?

It is absolutely possible, but it all comes down to your attitude. If you come in miserable and complaining, then yeah, you’ll have a bad time. But if you come in with a positive attitude, then you are much more likely to have fun. 

[bucfan2]

12 minutes ago, ilovesparky13 said:

It is absolutely possible, but it all comes down to your attitude. If you come in miserable and complaining, then yeah, you’ll have a bad time. But if you come in with a positive attitude, then you are much more likely to have fun. 

And yet another perspective:  We have done 5 since the restart.  Went in with great attitudes, had a good time, and then came to the conclusion that 'this sucks, and we paid for it to suck'.  Positive attitude carried us until it didn't.  Everyone's experience will most likely differ.

[ontheweb]

1 hour ago, bucfan2 said:

And yet another perspective:  We have done 5 since the restart.  Went in with great attitudes, had a good time, and then came to the conclusion that 'this sucks, and we paid for it to suck'.  Positive attitude carried us until it didn't.  Everyone's experience will most likely differ.

Could you further explain that. I do not understand you had a good time and then later decided it sucked. What led to that conclusion?

 

I do agree with everyone's experience will most likely differ.

[keels81]

I've enjoyed all of my cruises since the restart for various reasons, but I've also found that I've been able to get out of them what I expected and what I "put in" to the whole thing via expectations.

 

In New Orleans, we're under a mask mandate and we've been under a proof of vaccine mandate since the start of the NFL season last year, so none of that stuff bothers me.

 

I was on the Valor last weekend as a last minute booking (like, two days before sailing kind of thing) -- got an amazing rate on a balcony and booked it. I just put my best friend and canine companion of 16 years down the day prior and I just couldn't sit in the house for another minute before the depression got to me. So, off to the Caribbean I went. It was exactly what I needed and I kinda wish I was still on-board right now.

 

I've booked the Breeze for Sailabration, Mardi Gras for July and Celebration for December and regardless of what protocols are or aren't in place, I'm equally excited for all three. If everything is status quo on Mardi Gras compared to my sailing back in October, I'll be thrilled because it was one of my best times on-board of any ship or line. If anything is different/improved/added, I'll be over the moon.

[ilovesparky13]

On 1/26/2022 at 8:11 AM, Scotto97 said:

(Plus you don't mind covering your face (And expressions) with a mask), You'll have a great time. 

Not sure why people keep saying this. Virtually every single emotion can be seen from the eyes, eyebrows, and other body language. The mouth and nose hardly tell you anything in comparison. 

[bucfan2]

2 hours ago, ontheweb said:

Could you further explain that. I do not understand you had a good time and then later decided it sucked. What led to that conclusion?

 

I do agree with everyone's experience will most likely differ.

We had a good time until we didn’t.   The maskless cruise was exceptional; we had a good time on the other four until about day 6 of the last one.  For us, got rid of the cruising bug, and decided we’ve had more than enough under these protocols. Gave it a fair shake…the numbers are showing the general public most likely won’t give it more than once IMO (and probably the bean counters opinion as well).

Hope that answered your question - apologize I wasn’t more blunt.  Trying to be as touchy-feely as possible….not my strong suit.

 

Edited January 29, 2022 by bucfan2

[cocomango]

On 1/26/2022 at 11:11 AM, Scotto97 said:

I think the experience will differ depending on what type of person you are.....

 

If you go on Carnival to people watch, hang out at the bars or nightclub, (Fun Ship stuff) this probably isn't the best time, as the passengers seem to skew older and more conservative. They're won't be as many newlyweds, or friends / family groups that are generally more fun-loving and active.

 

But if you like more personal space and a quieter atmosphere, and if eating is a priority over socializing (Plus you don't mind covering your face (And expressions) with a mask), You'll have a great time. 

 

That describes me! 

Had a great time! 

[SNJCruisers]

14 hours ago, richfret said:

So, am looking forward to number 25 and will be just a couple points from Diamond.

Congratulations on achieving your milestone next cruise.  Pick an expensive one to get your OBC on.

[ontheweb]

12 hours ago, bucfan2 said:

We had a good time until we didn’t.   The maskless cruise was exceptional; we had a good time on the other four until about day 6 of the last one.  For us, got rid of the cruising bug, and decided we’ve had more than enough under these protocols. Gave it a fair shake…the numbers are showing the general public most likely won’t give it more than once IMO (and probably the bean counters opinion as well).

Hope that answered your question - apologize I wasn’t more blunt.  Trying to be as touchy-feely as possible….not my strong suit.

 

Paraphrasing what I think you said, you enjoyed it until it got to be too much to comply with all the new protocols. Is that about it?

[dolphfan]

Cruising is great (especially reduced capacity sailings)!!  Nothing inside is enjoyable in a mask after about an hour. You feel like you're breathing in a Louisiana swamp in August (if you don't know what that's like, it's no fun). And if the mask fits properly, it kills the back of your ears! We got off the ship last Sunday and had a great time. But not a big fan of the mask on the ship.

[icft]

47 minutes ago, dolphfan said:

Cruising is great (especially reduced capacity sailings)!!  Nothing inside is enjoyable in a mask after about an hour. You feel like you're breathing in a Louisiana swamp in August (if you don't know what that's like, it's no fun). And if the mask fits properly, it kills the back of your ears! We got off the ship last Sunday and had a great time. But not a big fan of the mask on the ship.

Being from Louisiana I know what a Louisiana swamp in August it like, and you are correct. The secret is to sip and cover a few times each hour, the more often the better. Enough sip and covers and you don't notice the swamp. 😄

 

I also hated the ear aches from masks. But surprisingly when I got some N95s I found them more comfortable than the previous masks I had been using. I had expected the "swamp" to be worse but it wasn't. What is really nice is the N95s never fog up my glasses. But best of all is that with the straps going behind the head, rather than around the ears, the ear aches disappeared. So what I though would be more uncomfortable actually ended up being more comfortable.

[GottaLuvCruising]

We disembarked Carnival Magic this morning.  This was our first "covid cruise" but 51st cruise overall (of which 22 were Carnival.)  

Covid protocols generally mirror our experiences on land.  We're used to wearing masks and deal with it.  We were delighted to be at sea and blessed with wonderful weather all but embarkation and debarkation days!  

Service was excellent; it feels like the crew are working extra hard and making guests feel welcome back on board.  We haven't sailed Carnival in quite a few years (maybe a decade?)  This cruise reminded us why we migrated to Princess from Carnival.  Food and entertainment were disappointing.  I doubt very much that we'll return to Carnival.  

But we have two Princess cruises booked and plan to sail even with covid protocols in place.  

[balcony bound]

22 hours ago, bucfan2 said:

 For us, got rid of the cruising bug, and decided we’ve had more than enough under these protocols. Gave it a fair shake…the numbers are showing the general public most likely won’t give it more than once IMO (and probably the bean counters opinion as well).

 

 

This is me.  I cruised on Mardi Gras in December.  Could not wait to cruise again, and it was a lovely ship with great food and I enjoyed myself.

 

First thing I did when I got home - cancelled my April cruise.

 

I get constant offers for free cruises and I'm not even tempted.  I'll cruise again when all restrictions are over.

[topaz123]

7 hours ago, dolphfan said:

Cruising is great (especially reduced capacity sailings)!!  Nothing inside is enjoyable in a mask after about an hour. You feel like you're breathing in a Louisiana swamp in August (if you don't know what that's like, it's no fun). And if the mask fits properly, it kills the back of your ears! We got off the ship last Sunday and had a great time. But not a big fan of the mask on the ship.

Yea, nothing like breathing in the very air you breathe..kinda like forcing pollutants into your lung. Not so sure masks are a great tool, already pushing the new mask (N).