Is it Enjoyable to cruise right now?

[cruizergal70]

I don't get the big deal about masks. I've sat through Broadway shows fully masked and not a problem at all. I have an upcoming cruise and I suspect I'll have the same amount of enjoyment as any other cruise.

[wikoffclan]

On 1/26/2022 at 11:40 AM, firefly333 said:

Agree. Not saying there arent fun loving, but a blogger mentioned he was 42 or whatever and felt like one of the younger folks on his carnival cruise. Due to the exemptions families with kids moved over to rcl or didnt cruise as much on carnival. The age range has definitely skewed higher. 

 

I have to disagree with this slightly --- and it may depend on your cruise port. But our experience out of New Orleans on January 6th 4 day to Cozumel --- We commented on how few walkers, wheelchairs and white beards we saw on this cruise. Mostly "younger" cruisers but not too many kids. Estimating 30's to 50's .We're 60 +

[wikoffclan]

Maybe it's all in your perspective  🤣

[squierjosh]

2 hours ago, topaz123 said:

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).

Hmm,  how do doctors manage to wear a single mask for an 8 hour surgery? 

[CarolSW]

Had a great time on the 2 cruises we have been on since the restart!  
Except for wearing masks - which we were fine with - everything seemed the same as before, including the number of passengers.  Galveston didn’t seem to be having any trouble filling ships on the dates we sailed. 

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours ago, GottaLuvCruising said:

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.  

With 22 on Carnival it would be disappointing to miss out on your 25% OBC on your 25th milestone.  

Read all of the positive reviews about the Mardi Gras.  Between it embarking from Port Canaveral, the Celebration out of Miami and the Jubilee out of Galveston it would give you 3 Excel Class choices.  Food for thought. (No pun intended)

[SNJCruisers]

53 minutes ago, wikoffclan said:

I have to disagree with this slightly --- and it may depend on your cruise port. But our experience out of New Orleans on January 6th 4 day to Cozumel --- We commented on how few walkers, wheelchairs and white beards we saw on this cruise. Mostly "younger" cruisers but not too many kids. Estimating 30's to 50's .We're 60 +

4 day cruises typically skew younger.  7 days are a mix and 10+ day cruises skew older.

[wikoffclan]

19 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

4 day cruises typically skew younger.  7 days are a mix and 10+ day cruises skew older.

 

I'm thinking 90% plus vaccinated, everyone tested negative in the past 2 days, most mask wearing in public spaces... I'm safer than I am in my local Walmart. I'm Good!!

 

[bucfan2]

1 hour ago, cruizergal70 said:

I don't get the big deal about masks. I've sat through Broadway shows fully masked and not a problem at all. I have an upcoming cruise and I suspect I'll have the same amount of enjoyment as any other cruise.

You and the others that make up the 30-50% onboard.  Enjoy it as we have, at least until masking becomes optional or bankruptcy…the race is on.

Edited January 30, 2022 by bucfan2

[Scotto97]

On 1/28/2022 at 2:59 PM, ilovesparky13 said:

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. 

I guess a smile isn't important to you..........

[GottaLuvCruising]

12 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

With 22 on Carnival it would be disappointing to miss out on your 25% OBC on your 25th milestone.  

Read all of the positive reviews about the Mardi Gras.  Between it embarking from Port Canaveral, the Celebration out of Miami and the Jubilee out of Galveston it would give you 3 Excel Class choices.  Food for thought. (No pun intended)

You make a good point.  I'll look into the 25th benefit to see if it might convince us.  But I'll NEVER sail out of or in to Texas again (chronic fog, cowboys and stupid liquor laws); there are lot of other options and we strongly prefer longer cruises.  

[travelplus]

I am SO looking forward to my upcoming Panorama Cruise the last week of February. Back in 2020 when the Cruise shutdown was in effect and I was longing for a vacation I booked myself a 10 Night stay in Vegas and had a blast!

For my upcoming cruise I am using the money I saved up in my Travel Fund to enjoy the Steakhouse first night, Cuchina Del Capitano the last night, Chef's Table and the other included fare.  I can't wait for the Seaday Brunches. Guy's Burgers and Blue Iguana!

 

For my shore excursions I booked Local Traditions at a Hacienda  and Rhythms of the Night  in Puerto Vallarta, a small tour and Lunch in Mazatlan booked with an independent tour operator and the Luxury Sail and Snorkel in Cabo. 

 

I just got  the drink and food menu for the Snorkel Cruise in Cabo and  I know I will be having fun on all my excursions living life to the fullest. 

 

In Long Beach I booked a really nice Luxury Condo that has access to a pool and Jacuzzi and I will be going to Cafe Sevilla the first night of my stay. The next day I  plan to go to Claire's at the Long Beach Art Museum for Breakfast followed by a tour  of course a celebratory Bloody Mary! 

 

I also was able to score First Class tickets r/t from San Jose for just $20 more than Economy Class on Alaska with Lounge Access at the Alaska Club at LAX.

As you can see I know how to have fun.   I love living life to the fullest wherever I go! 

For those who are not comfortable to cruise I hear you loud and clear but for those who want to  have fun then you can join the Carnival Caravan of Love!

[travelplus]

On 1/26/2022 at 8:11 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. 

This is so me! I love listening to music not in a wild atmosphere, enjoying good food , alone time on my Balcony and up in the Serenity Deck!  More attentive service.

[ninjacat123]

@travelplus sounds awesome!  Check out Tea Time at 3:00pm on a Sea Day in the upstairs of the MDR.  Yummy bites of dessert and savory with tea (or you could bring a glass of champagne) with classical music playing in the background.  Have a great cruise!!

[travelplus]

16 minutes ago, ninjacat123 said:

@travelplus sounds awesome!  Check out Tea Time at 3:00pm on a Sea Day in the upstairs of the MDR.  Yummy bites of dessert and savory with tea (or you could bring a glass of champagne) with classical music playing in the background.  Have a great cruise!!

Yes I am going to do Tea Time and get the upgraded Art of Tea selections . Can I get Sherry or Port?  Thanks for wishing me a good cruise.    I am trying to get an "Upscale" experience at a value price.   I could not do this on land for the same price. 

 

 

Edited January 30, 2022 by travelplus

[ninjacat123]

5 minutes ago, travelplus said:

Yes I am going to do Tea Time and get the upgraded Art of Tea selections . Can I get Sherry or Port?  Thanks for wishing me a good cruise.    I am trying to get an "Upscale" experience at a value price.   I could not do this on land for the same price. 

 

 

I think you could get Sherry or Port at the Atrium Bar and bring it to Tea Time.  Sounds very civilized 😃

[Super27]

I think it's absolutely worth it to cruise right now. I've been on one (Magic) since the re-start and have my second (Conquest) coming up on Friday. This will also be my first solo cruise.

 

Rates are insanely cheap right now - many offers with free or $20/pp balconies. Based on my last cruise, I will say that some things aren't quite the same as before COVID. I did not find the MDR or the Cucina to be as good as before. The masking is also a pain, and while I disagree with masking in general, I follow the rules because I agreed to them by booking the cruise. So would I pay full price for the current experience? No. But they aren't asking me to.

 

One thing I will say - I think the crewmembers are absolutely knocking it out of the park with the level of service since the re-start. I don't think I've ever seen the amount of genuine enthusiasm from the crew as I did on my last cruise. Hoping for the same experience this weekend!

[Drazil65]

I don't get the big deal about masks. I've sat through Broadway shows fully masked and not a problem at all. I have an upcoming cruise and I suspect I'll have the same amount of enjoyment as any other cruise.

 

Totally agree...in the last year, my niece labored and  birthed a human being in the hospital wearing a mask...people need to get over it at this point...🙄

[famof4togo]

1 minute ago, Drazil65 said:

I don't get the big deal about masks. I've sat through Broadway shows fully masked and not a problem at all. I have an upcoming cruise and I suspect I'll have the same amount of enjoyment as any other cruise.

 

Totally agree...in the last year, my niece labored and  birthed a human being in the hospital wearing a mask...people need to get over it at this point...🙄

I think one thing that is overlooked often is that some people / areas have been wearing masks this whole time...so yeah 3-4 straight years of doing something every day everywhere you go makes it somewhat routine and easy to imagine doing...but some places like where I live haven't been wearing masks for over a year now....personally I don't wear them to work, grocery store etc...personally I have only worn once 1 single time (middle school registration) in over a year so it's definitely not "my" norm at this point...but I do recall one experience back when they were required wearing one for about 5 hours straight at the San Diego Zoo....and it got all sweaty, stuck to my face and left a rash around my mouth etc....so yeah the thought of wearing one again for some like myself isn't the most pleasant thought to look forward too....

[1kaper]

3 minutes ago, famof4togo said:

I think one thing that is overlooked often is that some people / areas have been wearing masks this whole time...so yeah 3-4 straight years of doing something every day everywhere you go makes it somewhat routine and easy to imagine doing...but some places like where I live haven't been wearing masks for over a year now....personally I don't wear them to work, grocery store etc...personally I have only worn once 1 single time (middle school registration) in over a year so it's definitely not "my" norm at this point...but I do recall one experience back when they were required wearing one for about 5 hours straight at the San Diego Zoo....and it got all sweaty, stuck to my face and left a rash around my mouth etc....so yeah the thought of wearing one again for some like myself isn't the most pleasant thought to look forward too....

I definitely make that distinction.  I have no issues wearing a mask because it has been in effect here the entire time and is still in full effect.  It is second nature to me.  So it doesn't bother me.  I definitely recognize that isn't universal and while it isn't a deal breaker for me, it might be for others. 

I travelled to a place where it wasn't in September.  I still opted to wear mine even though it wasn't required. 

[SNJCruisers]

4 hours ago, Super27 said:

 

Rates are insanely cheap right now - many offers with free or $20/pp balconies.....So would I pay full price for the current experience? No. But they aren't asking me to.

They aren't asking you to because you're getting the almost free rates that are bestowed upon gamblers.

There are many like myself that have been loyal to Carnival over the years but don't get the bottom line rates that the casino offers or even get promo codes like the RU ones for reduced priced Cheers.  

Consider yourself lucky.

[SNJCruisers]

2 hours ago, famof4togo said:

...personally I have only worn once 1 single time (middle school registration) in over a year so it's definitely not "my" norm at this point.

Wow..no doctor appointment or dentist appointment over the past year where masks would be required?

I hate them as well and only wear them where required.

[bucfan2]

7 minutes ago, SNJCruisers said:

Wow..no doctor appointment or dentist appointment over the past year where masks would be required?

I hate them as well and only wear them where required.

Funny you should bring that up....My wife got me a 50 pack in April, 2020 for the car.  There are 45 remaining (including the one in the car door).  Guess that'd be a good way to track # of doctor and dentist appointments that I've had lol.

Edited January 31, 2022 by bucfan2