HAL drops mask mandate as of March 1,2022

[catfluff]

HAL has followed suit with other lines and are dropping the mask mandate as of March 1, 2022. Updates to pre-cruise testing requirements are coming too.

 

HAL Travel Well

News release

 

Edited February 19, 2022 by catfluff
Added additional link

[Crazy For Cats]

This is really good news!  Now I can book a private sale offer for late March.

[ottahand7]

Great news!  We hopefully will have passed COVID test before return to FL and the will have 5 full days mask free on the NS. 😺

[jhannah]

Great news, indeed!

[seatrial]

Will the mask mandate be dropped for passengers on board cruises in progress on March 1? The wording on HALs site isn’t totally clear on this issue. 

[jhannah]

I just checked the app and it hasn't been updated yet. Hopefully they will get it done soon.

[rodndonna]

The website doesn't mention it yet ... hopefully soon although we are not sailing until June so we have some time.

Edited February 19, 2022 by rodndonna

[Sea42]

6 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

I can't find any official statement on this anywhere?

If you follow the first link in the first post, HAL Travel Well:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Effective with sailings departing March 1, masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Please pay close attention to onboard signage.

[DaveOKC]

I noticed this on the press release - any idea what it means?

 

"

• Additional flexibility for pre-cruising testing requirements will become available. Details will be posted to the Travel Well section of our website."

[Crazy For Cats]

I just sent an email to my PCC to book three cruises thanks to this change.

[grest]

time to rethink, that's for sure, no matter what side you're on...

 

[StartrainDD]

33 minutes ago, Crazy For Cats said:

I just sent an email to my PCC to book three cruises thanks to this change.

Just did similar move, lots of FCC to use up!

[cruzin4us]

Yippeeee!   I'm all for the vaccine requirements, but happy to see the masks go.    I don't mind wearing them on embarkation/debarkation or in elevators (that's not really true, but I'd comply).  I'd just as soon do social distancing as a matter of common sense.  I just don't want to wear masks all the time.   I'm a happy camper to hear this news!

 

[FlaMariner]

I'm thinking prices are going to go up with this news....better get to booking!

[Navybikermom]

Woohoo! As someone who has a hard time breathing with masks on, I am very happy to see this. My upcoming cruise in March will be SO much better!

[SilvertoGold]

1 hour ago, Sea42 said:

If you follow the first link in the first post, HAL Travel Well:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Effective with sailings departing March 1, masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Please pay close attention to onboard signage.

 

"Masks are recommended and may be required in certain venues and events": this is good and what I want to hear.  HAL has been careful and I hope will continue to be.

 

I wonder if the crew will keep wearing masks.

 

I would love to see testing phased out, though, as the situation improves.

Edited February 19, 2022 by SilvertoGold

[saturn93]

Nice!!!  Thank you for dropping the mask mandate. My cruise in April is getting better.

[idiebabe]

Awesome news!  😀

[ontheweb]

2 hours ago, seatrial said:

Will the mask mandate be dropped for passengers on board cruises in progress on March 1? The wording on HALs site isn’t totally clear on this issue. 

I think it is clear on this point. It says it is effective for cruises departing March 1st. If you are in progress on March 1st, you have departed prior to that date.

[smbt1]

It appears that HAL is doing the same as Princess.

 

Testing remains the same at 2 days, except for those that are current on vaccination, received boosters, in which case they can test up to 3 days before.

 

 

[Gail & Marty sailing away]

2 hours ago, Sea42 said:

If you follow the first link in the first post, HAL Travel Well:

IMPORTANT NOTE: Effective with sailings departing March 1, masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Please pay close attention to onboard signage.

Departing after March 1 ...

[Mary229]

Good news!  I find this all interesting. As to the testing I think there are some backroom negotiations going on with the CDC - what else would explain the 11th hour response to the new CDC directives.  Whatever they decide with testing it may well change to a more liberalized mandate on March 1.  The airlines want their mandate lifted too and I think it probably will be a single if vaccinated/no test policy soon after March 1.  

 

 

[blueexpedition29]

All - it appears that all of the US Carnival Brands ( HAL, Carnival, PRincess, Seabourn) are implementing the same changes.  Makes Sense.  

 

[The-Inside-Cabin]

1 hour ago, Mary229 said:

Good news!  I find this all interesting. As to the testing I think there are some backroom negotiations going on with the CDC - what else would explain the 11th hour response to the new CDC directives.  Whatever they decide with testing it may well change to a more liberalized mandate on March 1.  The airlines want their mandate lifted too and I think it probably will be a single if vaccinated/no test policy soon after March 1.  

 

 

The airline/airport and cruise terminal mask mandate will automatically expire on 18 March.   No action is required.   Action would be required if they want to extend the mandate.

[kangforpres]

Yippie! Happy Endemic Everyone! We did it!