Nearly All Major Cruise Lines Dropping Mask Mandates (article)

[lizzyb]

As nice as it would be for no masks, I’d personally much rather see the return of things like proper sail away party etc again over dropping of masks

I agree. I can live with the mask but would much prefer to have some of the other experiences to come back and have increased capacity in theatres.

 

[CaptainAmerica]

I'm with you. I have worn my mask so many times it is like 2nd nature now to put it on. I would
do that in exchange for more onboard normal activities/experiences pre Covid.

I don't mind the mask from a comfort perspective, but I hate it for interacting with cast members. Trying to have a conversation between my mask, their mask, and a layer of plexiglass just doesn't work, especially in a noisy environment. You end up leaning closer or shouting to be able to hear one another, which defeats the whole purpose anyways.

 

[Cheburashka]

I'll buck the trend and say no, it isn't just the same to me to have to wear a mask all during my cruise as long as I can get onboard. I had to wear a mask for several hours a day every day at work, and almost everywhere else, for the past two years, and I'm sick of wearing the thing. No, I don't want to have it on while I walk through the atrium, sit in the theater, dance in a club, or play a game onboard. I hope DCL drops the requirement like the other major lines and WDW, and soon.

 

[dreynolds1982]

I'll buck the trend and say no, it isn't just the same to me to have to wear a mask all during my cruise as long as I can get onboard. I had to wear a mask for several hours a day every day at work, and almost everywhere else, for the past two years, and I'm sick of wearing the thing. No, I don't want to have it on while I walk through the atrium, sit in the theater, dance in a club, or play a game onboard. I hope DCL drops the requirement like the other major lines and WDW, and soon.

Agreed. I've worn them at my work and anywhere else that requires them. I've never complained and knew what I was doing was the right thing to do. That being said it ain't fun wearing em especially when at the parks, on a cruise, etc. I think people need to understand that it's ok to not want to wear a mask if you don't have to.

 

[Freeman867]

With summer coming up where COVID cases have always dropped off anyways and having Omicron burn its way through a month ago and us on the downswing, I think both of those things combined with continued requirements for vaccination and pre-cruise testing (I wouldn't complain if they moved it to be a negative test within 72 hours like those under 5 to cut down on headaches and worry for those traveling from out of state), having masks optional indoors is a logical next step in relaxing restrictions. I didn't care about wearing them on our. cruise a few weeks ago, but definitely wouldn't complain if we didn't have to worry about carrying one around everywhere we went as well as making sure our kids had them at all times.

 

[TestingH2O]

I think people need to understand that it's ok to not want to wear a mask if you don't have to.

For me, I have never had an issue with people saying they don’t want to wear them. I also have no problem with people saying they won’t do something or go somewhere if masks are required. What has seemed to happen over the last two years though is that “I don’t want to wear one so I won’t go” devolves into “I’m going to that place anyway and you’ll just have to try and make me follow the rules.”

For me, I would feel ok if they relaxed the mask rules if they kept vaccination requirements and port testing even though that will be a stressful start to the trip.

 

[mmouse37]

I don't mind the mask from a comfort perspective, but I hate it for interacting with cast members. Trying to have a conversation between my mask, their mask, and a layer of plexiglass just doesn't work, especially in a noisy environment. You end up leaning closer or shouting to be able to hear one another, which defeats the whole purpose anyways.

Can't tell how many times I had to ask our servers to repeat things on our cruise last month. Between the masks and accents it was very difficult. Pre Covid I was able to read lips a bit to figure some things out but now it is very hard. My hearing is not the best in a noisy environment like the MDR's.

Plus, I feel bad for them having to wear them all the time.

MJ

 

[RysMomma]

I would love for the activities to go back to normal! I know it's silly, but just to hug a character again would thrill me! LOL!

 

[sugliac]

Agree with a lot of posters here. I truly want to see pre-covid things brought back (sail away party, being able to actually interact with characters, return to buffets for Cabanas and Palo Brunch, Nursery, etc. etc.). Although getting rid of mask mandate would be nice, it is below all those other things on my priority list. Hey... maybe they can just do it all hehe

 

[brentm77]

Without getting into the question of whether they are still needed I wanted to add that for many, it's an issue that makes having a hearing disability much harder. My impairment is mostly mild, but navigating conversations with masks is now nearly impossible for me in louder settings. It's not just a comfort thing for many.

 

[RysMomma]

Without getting into the question of whether they are still needed I wanted to add that for many, it's an issue that makes having a hearing disability much harder. My impairment is mostly mild, but navigating conversations with masks is now nearly impossible for me in louder settings. It's not just a comfort thing for many.

My mom and husband are both hearing impaired so I totally get it. I'm a teacher and wear one every single day. We're all willing to give them up soon but only if it's safe.