The new « rules » for cruises in 2021?

[mevelandry]

Hi!

I already posted this on the Carnival thread but I think it deserves its own thread since everyone is expecting to be pretty much what’s going to be the rules for most cruise lines.

Carnival has posted the new health measures related to COVID-19 on board their ships.

You can find it here:

https://www.carnival.com/Legal/covid-19-legal-notices/policies-and-procedures
I feel like it’s pretty realistic and while I understand that it won’t be for everyone, it’s not going to be much different from what we are currently experiencing on land in Canada and maybe in some states in the US?

Now, if I can share my « glass half-full » experience with you... Last summer, while we were (already) under a mandatory mask order, we had 3 hours cruise (with brunch) where we all had to wear masks everywhere, including outside, except when sitting at the table. It was a bit different ... but we chose to keep our mind open and it was amazing.

Since a lot of us here are « overplanners », I would encourage everyone to rethink the way you used to cruise and think of what you could do to make the experience feel a little bit more « normal » (like booking a verandah, in order to be able to relax outside without a mask, go for more in room dining, book an excursion you find very exciting/do more excursions, etc.) Yes, cruising in 2021 will be different, but different doesn’t mean « bad ».

 

[vacationer1954]

In a nutshell (for those who don't want to read the whole thing), Carnival plans to return to cruising with the following requirements on passengers: Testing a few days before embarkation; the cruise line can reject test results it doesn't trust; the cruise line can require additional testing at the terminal or aboard ship; temperature/medical screening on embarkation and during the cruise; face masks indoors for all those two years old and older in all public areas except when seated and eating or doing cardio; no gaiters or bandanas; face shields permitted as a supplement to face masks, not as an alternative; physical distancing aboard ship; all guests must abide and cooperate with contact tracing; cruise line excursions only - no private tours, no going off on one's own.

 

[mevelandry]

In a nutshell (for those who don't want to read the whole thing), Carnival plans to return to cruising with the following requirements on passengers: Testing a few days before embarkation; the cruise line can reject test results it doesn't trust; the cruise line can require additional testing at the terminal or aboard ship; temperature/medical screening on embarkation and during the cruise; face masks indoors for all those two years old and older in all public areas except when seated and eating or doing cardio; no gaiters or bandanas; face shields permitted as a supplement to face masks, not as an alternative; physical distancing aboard ship; all guests must abide and cooperate with contact tracing; cruise line excursions only - no private tours, no going off on one's own.

This

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And a reservation system could be added for activities like « pool time », shows, games, etc.

 

[DCLDVC1]

This

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And a reservation system could be added for activities like « pool time », shows, games, etc.

If DCL implements a reservation system for the same things and the kids clubs, I can see a lot of people cancelling.

 

[mevelandry]

If DCL implements a reservation system for the same things and the kids clubs, I can see a lot of people cancelling.

With all these new measures, I’m expecting a wave of cancellations.

 

[vacationer1954]

If DCL implements a reservation system for the same things and the kids clubs, I can see a lot of people cancelling.

And a lot of people say they're cancelling WDW vacations because of the protections Disney has in place. And if everyone decides to go to the beach, then the beaches will be too crowded and that option won't be what people want either. Some people will lock themselves in their homes for another couple of years, but for those who don't want to, they're going to eventually have to start accepting the pandemic and its consequences and adapt. People can vote against vacationing with their feet and wallets but they can't vote against the virus.

 

[Husker Mike]

I'm personally of the opinion that early on, Disney wants (if not needs) people to cancel to bring occupancy down to acceptable levels. The argument that cruises can't run with these precautions because some people won't accept it is mistaken. Disney will need fewer people on board, thus meaning fewer people on deck and fewer people in the restaurants. Period.

Eventually, restrictions will lift and we'll be back to the way things were, for the most part. Right now, I'm more likely to cruise with restrictions than if there's just a general >shrug< and try to pretend that there isn't a pandemic going on.

 

[aliceinvunderland]

I’m fine with all this, but a reservation system for the kids clubs and/or pool would be a deal breaker for us. Masks and social distancing we can do; being on a schedule we cannot. The most enjoyable part of the cruise is doing what we want, when we want, and not being able to use the clubs whenever they want is just not fun for my kids.

 

[bcwife76]

I’m fine with all this, but a reservation system for the kids clubs and/or pool would be a deal breaker for us. Masks and social distancing we can do; being on a schedule we cannot. The most enjoyable part of the cruise is doing what we want, when we want, and not being able to use the clubs whenever they want is just not fun for my kids.

Same deal breakers for us. Oh and having to arrive with your own negative Covid test is also a non starter for us. Where we live you must have symptoms in order to obtain a test. If you are asymptomatic or want a test for travel you have to pay for it, usually anywhere from $100-$300pp. Nope.

 

[DisneYE]

This

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And a reservation system could be added for activities like « pool time », shows, games, etc.

Couldn't open the link, error.
Does it say anything about measures that will be taken if cases are found onboard when already underway?
For me that's critical. if they go back to port after detecting one or more infections we're out. and I'm guessing so would many people.
who's going to be willing to sail like that?
Also not being to go on your own at ports is so unappealing.

 

[mevelandry]

Couldn't open the link, error.
Does it say anything about measures that will be taken if cases are found onboard when already underway?
For me that's critical. if they go back to port after detecting one or more infections we're out. and I'm guessing so would many people.
who's going to be willing to sail like that?
Also not being to go on your own at ports is so unappealing.

I don't remember precisely but they say they could stop someone from getting back on board after an excursion if the result was positive.

(So... make sure you all have a passport.)

And ... They said they could make last minute changes to the itinerary as well if they think it's risky for the country or for the guests... So I guess they could very much go back home?

 

[mevelandry]

It looks like Carnival has taken down the page and replaced it with the previous one. Maybe it was posted too soon by mistake? To be continued.

 

[vacationer1954]

I’m fine with all this, but a reservation system for the kids clubs and/or pool would be a deal breaker for us. Masks and social distancing we can do; being on a schedule we cannot.

There needs to be a way to ensure that for things that will reach capacity a queue doesn't develop such that physical distancing can't be maintained. Having signups accomplishes that. It'll only end up being "scheduling" if there is so much demand for something that it is likely to always be full.

Does it say anything about measures that will be taken if cases are found onboard when already underway? For me that's critical. if they go back to port after detecting one or more infections we're out. and I'm guessing so would many people. who's going to be willing to sail like that? Also not being to go on your own at ports is so unappealing.

I would be more concerned about what they plan to do if a case is found onboard and as a result no port is willing to let the ship dock.

 

[vacationer1954]

It looks like Carnival has taken down the page and replaced it with the previous one. Maybe it was posted too soon by mistake? To be continued.

I bet they were getting so many calls about it that they decided they weren't ready to incur the costs associated with fielding those calls given that they're not likely to be cruising anytime soon regardless.

 

[mevelandry]

I bet they were getting so many calls about it that they decided they weren't ready to incur the costs associated with fielding those calls given that they're not likely to be cruising anytime soon regardless.

Based on comments I’ve seen on various social media, I think they probably experience a wave of cancellations.

 

[vacationer1954]

Based on comments I’ve seen on various social media, I think they probably experience a wave of cancellations.

And they're perhaps trying to sequence the cancellations into a flow that their staff can handle rather than an uncontrollable torrent.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Same deal breakers for us. Oh and having to arrive with your own negative Covid test is also a non starter for us. Where we live you must have symptoms in order to obtain a test. If you are asymptomatic or want a test for travel you have to pay for it, usually anywhere from $100-$300pp. Nope.

Can’t see company’s that request testing to not have a low cost option in place because of that reason. But when testing gets easier to get all over the world, the price will go up at those same companies to pay for the convenience of not getting one from home. (My theory anyway)

 

[Snowwhyt]

I would be more concerned about what they plan to do if a case is found onboard and as a result no port is willing to let the ship dock.

I would think that would be written in a contract now that people would have port acceptance. Even if it’s only the home port.

 

[MomOTwins]

I don't remember precisely but they say they could stop someone from getting back on board after an excursion if the result was positive.

(So... make sure you all have a passport.)

And ... They said they could make last minute changes to the itinerary as well if they think it's risky for the country or for the guests... So I guess they could very much go back home?

No way. Quarantine in a cabin is one thing, but getting stuck covid positive on an island with no way to get home is nuts. Unless it is Castaway Cay, in which case, I need to figure out a way to fake a positive covid test.

 

[Cheburashka]

they say they could stop someone from getting back on board after an excursion if the result was positive.

That would be the biggest deal-breaker of all, imo. Who would dare get off at a foreign port, knowing that it's possible that the ship wouldn't let you re-board? Especially if you're traveling with your children?