Why is HAL requiring masks on cruises in Europe but not from US or Canada?

[terrydtx]

I see in the new March 25th cruise protocols, that HAL is requiring all passengers to be masked indoors and outdoors for cruises in Europe. but not for cruises from the US or Canada. We are on the Oosterdam in August, and the Celebrity Reflections before the Oosterdam, but Celebrity is making masks optional for all. This HAL mandatory masking makes no sense and as far as I can see NOT required by any country in Europe. this is an arbitrary decision by HAL.

 

From the HAL website for Europe:

Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

 

For US and Canada:

Masks: Masks are recommended on board but not required. However, masks may be required in certain venues and events. Masks are required during the embarkation and debarkation process and on transportation during shore excursions and to/from the ship.

Edited April 6, 2022 by terrydtx

[visagrunt]

I wouldn't be so categorical about Europe.  While mask mandates are easing, generally, every European country is approaching this differently, and even within countries things are being approached differently (Scotland removed its mask mandate much later England, for example).

I suggest, though, that August is a long time from now in public health terms.  The world may look very different at the end of Northern summer and public health regulations may vary, similarly.

[terrydtx]

7 minutes ago, visagrunt said:

I wouldn't be so categorical about Europe.  While mask mandates are easing, generally, every European country is approaching this differently, and even within countries things are being approached differently (Scotland removed its mask mandate much later England, for example).

I suggest, though, that August is a long time from now in public health terms.  The world may look very different at the end of Northern summer and public health regulations may vary, similarly.

What you say may be true, but does not answer my question, why is HAL making masks mandatory on their ships for Europe and not in US while other cruise lines are not in at least Europe.  Just makes no sense on HAL's part. I can only hope this policy changes by August, but as of today this is their policy for cruises in Europe this year.

[VMax1700]

I am presently on a short visit to southern Spain and am very pleased with the masking situation.  

Current requirements for mask wearing indoors (shopping malls, restaurants public transport etc) are due to end on April 19th.

Other countries are at different levels of requirement.

I expect that the HAL requirement will change in the coming months.

[iceman93]

I am hoping someone in the web page department just cut-and-pasted the wrong (outdated) paragraph on masks for European cruises, and no one at HAL has figured it out yet.

[MAVIP]

2 hours ago, terrydtx said:

 

From the HAL website for Europe:

Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

 

https://www.hollandamerica.com/nl_NL/worry-free-promise/travel-well.html Policy
Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. We highly recommend guests wear a mask in the World Stage and other entertainment areas, casino, spa treatment rooms, Club HAL and during other congregate events. Masks are required to be worn during the entire embarkation and debarkation process and on transportation during any Holland America Line organized shore excursions, on tenders to and from ports, and in the onboard Medical Center. For more details, view our FAQs

 

On the website for NL clients I just copied this text; please see the link. 

[westcoaster]

1 hour ago, terrydtx said:

What you say may be true, but does not answer my question, why is HAL making masks mandatory on their ships for Europe and not in US while other cruise lines are not in at least Europe.  Just makes no sense on HAL's part. I can only hope this policy changes by August, but as of today this is their policy for cruises in Europe this year.

Perhaps it is because Europe has been hit much stronger by latest BA2 variant, and the rate of new Covid cases in Europe is currently about 10 times as high as in North America (Average daily cases per 100,000 people as of Apr. 4: 94 in Europe vs. 9 for US & Canada).

[cruisemom42]

3 hours ago, terrydtx said:

We are on the Oosterdam in August, and the Celebrity Reflections before the Oosterdam, but Celebrity is making masks optional for all.

 

We don't know what Celebrity's policies are for Europe in 2022 yet. They haven't been posted.

[bmc alabama]

Here is what Princess is saying for their European cruises:

 

Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of venues, though they may be required in select venues or situations. This will be clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality mask. Masks should have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask.

We'll provide complimentary surgical masks on board with replacements available upon request.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests should be prepared to follow all local health guidelines, the status of which will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

[terrydtx]

1 hour ago, MAVIP said:

https://www.hollandamerica.com/nl_NL/worry-free-promise/travel-well.html Policy
Masks on board are recommended but not required indoors or outdoors. We highly recommend guests wear a mask in the World Stage and other entertainment areas, casino, spa treatment rooms, Club HAL and during other congregate events. Masks are required to be worn during the entire embarkation and debarkation process and on transportation during any Holland America Line organized shore excursions, on tenders to and from ports, and in the onboard Medical Center. For more details, view our FAQs

 

On the website for NL clients I just copied this text; please see the link. 

That is from the March 14 update, The following is from the March 25th update specifically for Europe cruises: ttps://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions/faq-for-cruises-from-europe.html

 

Updated March 25, 2022

Until further notice, these are the requirements for our cruise guests on European sailings: 
 
Vaccines:  For these cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 14 days and no more than 180 days (6 months) since the last dose in the vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine for guests ages 5 years of age and older.  A booster dose is required for guests whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 6 months (180 days) to be considered “fully vaccinated”.  

Testing:  Guests may be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel. Please check with your airline and the arrival country’s requirements in advance of travel. Holland America Line does not require testing for travel to/from/within Europe above and beyond any governmental requirements, but we strongly encourage all guests take a viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) prior to leaving home to avoid travel disruptions associated with a possible positive test result on the day of embarkation. 
 
Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

[VMax1700]

2 hours ago, terrydtx said:

 
Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

Many European countries still require masking indoors and some outdoor situations, but it is easing.  

I believe that HAL were being very careful when they published their policy, based on the situation at the time.  

[Jkellen]

2 hours ago, terrydtx said:

That is from the March 14 update, The following is from the March 25th update specifically for Europe cruises: ttps://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions/faq-for-cruises-from-europe.html

 

Updated March 25, 2022

Until further notice, these are the requirements for our cruise guests on European sailings: 
 
Vaccines:  For these cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 14 days and no more than 180 days (6 months) since the last dose in the vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine for guests ages 5 years of age and older.  A booster dose is required for guests whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 6 months (180 days) to be considered “fully vaccinated”.  

Testing:  Guests may be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel. Please check with your airline and the arrival country’s requirements in advance of travel. Holland America Line does not require testing for travel to/from/within Europe above and beyond any governmental requirements, but we strongly encourage all guests take a viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) prior to leaving home to avoid travel disruptions associated with a possible positive test result on the day of embarkation. 
 
Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

I agree this is so frustrating! I just booked an NCL cruise on Sunday.  The cruise leaves In May out of Copenhagen.  All the countries we are visiting have done away with their covid restrictions, including masks. At the time of booking I was told there was no mask mandate, and then two days later new policy showed up on their site.  The booster requirement is also frustrating, as the countries we are visiting are no longer requiring and NCL is not requiring in US.  When I contacted NCL just now if they could point me to the actual European policy they could not.  It's as if they are getting stricter as Europe relaxes their policies.

[BermudaBound2014]

16 minutes ago, Jkellen said:

  It's as if they are getting stricter as Europe relaxes their policies.

 

I agree, this is a mess. I just don't see the logic.  FWIW it's not just HAL. NCL seems to be making things up as they go along also. Best to you!

[MAVIP]

19 hours ago, terrydtx said:

That is from the March 14 update, The following is from the March 25th update specifically for Europe cruises: ttps://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US/worry-free-promise/travel-well/frequently-asked-questions/faq-for-cruises-from-europe.html

 

Updated March 25, 2022

Until further notice, these are the requirements for our cruise guests on European sailings: 
 
Vaccines:  For these cruises the definition of “fully vaccinated” is at least 14 days and no more than 180 days (6 months) since the last dose in the vaccine series of an approved COVID-19 vaccine for guests ages 5 years of age and older.  A booster dose is required for guests whose final dose of an approved/authorized COVID-19 vaccine is older than 6 months (180 days) to be considered “fully vaccinated”.  

Testing:  Guests may be required to produce a negative COVID-19 test prior to travel. Please check with your airline and the arrival country’s requirements in advance of travel. Holland America Line does not require testing for travel to/from/within Europe above and beyond any governmental requirements, but we strongly encourage all guests take a viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) prior to leaving home to avoid travel disruptions associated with a possible positive test result on the day of embarkation. 
 
Masks:  All guests are required to wear masks always covering their nose and mouth when indoors and outdoors when physical distancing cannot be maintained, as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and when on transportation. Exceptions are made while guests are eating or drinking or when in their own stateroom.

Of course I read the March 25th update published in USA.  And for me stands: "when physical distancing cannot be maintained as well as during embarkation, disembarkation and transportation". And about no masks in our own stateroom: of course not 🤣   And we will use a test at home a few days before leaving and maybe an antigen test as to avoid problems with the HAL test at embarkation. We will wait and see May 1st 🙂

 

 

[syesmar]

21 hours ago, bmc alabama said:

Here is what Princess is saying for their European cruises:

Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of venues, though they may be required in select venues or situations. This will be clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.…

Around 3/25, Princess Sky reimplemented required masking due to outbreaks aboard, and the policy carried over to the next sailing departing Southampton. More here.

Edited April 7, 2022 by syesmar

[FlaMariner]

21 hours ago, bmc alabama said:

Here is what Princess is saying for their European cruises:

 

Masks are recommended, but not required, in the majority of venues, though they may be required in select venues or situations. This will be clearly designated through signage and onboard communications.

We recommend guests wash or replace their mask daily and choose a good quality mask. Masks should have two or more layers, completely cover the nose and mouth, fit snuggly against the sides of the face and have a nose wire. Please note that visors and face shields will not be accepted as a substitute for a face mask.

We'll provide complimentary surgical masks on board with replacements available upon request.

Additionally, when going ashore, guests should be prepared to follow all local health guidelines, the status of which will be shared with guests prior to debarkation at the destination.

 

....we dis-embarked the Princess Sky 3/28 in Southampton and the last two days of the cruise we were required to wear the face rags again.

[terrydtx]

4 minutes ago, FlaMariner said:

 

....we dis-embarked the Princess Sky 3/28 in Southampton and the last two days of the cruise we were required to wear the face rags again.

I prefer to call them face diapers!! I first heard that term from a comedian on the Equinox last August, and on that cruise face diapers were optional and not required anywhere on the ship. Also on that cruise we only had 2 cases of Covid reported that were traced back to "always masked" bar tenders at the Martini Bar.

Edited April 7, 2022 by terrydtx