When you imagine COVID-related restrictions, what timeframe do you have in mind?

[Missingmypooh]

Without vaccinations for kids, Disney is going to be out awhile. You can't have half the people at risk for exposure and transmission. Even if kids are generally milder on symptoms, nobody is going to let a boat full of carriers ashore. Other lines could restart with adult only cruises (requiring proof of vaccination) and be successful. Disney is going to require some creative policies to start again.

This is not correct though.
Those vaccinated will/could still spread covid19 (Dr.Fauci just did an interview about this- See details here )

vaccination doesn’t detail success. It’s still a layer.

wether children are vaccinated or not is not the question.

the question is how to cruise will reducing and preventing the spread of covid19 (and what to do when it does spread, and what treatments are available). Everyone is a potential carrier- especially since boosters could be necessary each year if covid19 becomes endemic.

the best indicator would be an approved treatment like tamiflu, that can be given at first sign of symptoms to make sure people aren’t dropping like flies.

 

[tvguy]

The US is speeding along but many other countries not so much, and its not like everyone is going to get vaccinated.

There are currently huge differences in the U.S. in availablity of vaccine. One medical group here just canceled 90,000 (yes, 90-thousand) appointments for the second shot of the vaccine because there is no vaccine to give. And we are still in the FIRST vaccine tier. We don't have enough vaccine for everyone over age 65.
But yes, other nations.....many which cruise lines draw them staff from.... are behind us, some not even having any vaccine or even a plan. As I posted before I suspect residents of those nations who want the vaccine so they can leave the country and work on a cruise ship are going to be WAY down the priority list to get the vaccine.

 

[princessmommyx3]

And we are still in the FIRST vaccine tier. We don't have enough vaccine for everyone over age 65.

This varies by location. Here in NC, we are vaccinating group 3 (essential workers) as of yesterday, and group 4 (underlying health conditions) can make appointments starting March 24.

 

[cpep42]

I heard masks will be going to be needed into early 2022 so i'm sure they would still be on the ships - if the cruises are sailing by then.

 

[Travel60]

We are scheduled on WBPC March 2022 (we are adults only). We are getting second vaccine today so that's one layer of protection. I plan to wear masks on much of cruise, probably will not do organized excursions -maybe just walk around port areas (if allowed) and, depending on conditions a year from now, may eat some/all meals in room. That last one...eating in rooms...is the only one I feel will be a loss. I'm REALLY missing restaurant dining and always enjoy Palo. Not sure how we'll deal with entertainment venues....we like the piano bar and the sports bar but not a big deal. We have a verandah so may just have to be content to sit out there.

A year is a long time, things may change for better or worse.

 

[tvguy]

This varies by location. Here in NC, we are vaccinating group 3 (essential workers) as of yesterday, and group 4 (underlying health conditions) can make appointments starting March 24.

That would be tier 1 here. Your group four would be in the group here that is tier 1B which are eligible for vaccines starting March 15. However, the bottom line is, it doesn't matter who is eligible if there isn't vaccine available.

 

[ThistleMae]

I feel by Christmas more things will be opened and at fuller capacity but we will still be wearing masks into 2022. And if the new strains are proving to be more problematic, which we don't really know yet, we could be going into spring and summer of next year. Ugh. Hope to be wrong!

 

[Blondie58]

All a guess. One day at a time. And for sure this is difficullt for all us type "A"personalities.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

I heard masks will be going to be needed into early 2022 so i'm sure they would still be on the ships - if the cruises are sailing by then.

Someone knows this already? I don’t know if anyone actually knows, most are just speculating. I think that masks will gradually go from being required to recommend, then only certain places until everyone gets rid of them. I don’t think it will be like: oh Jan 1 2022 no masks. I think by end of 2021 they will gradually start lifting restrictions.
I don’t know anything just what I THINK.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Someone knows this already? I don’t know if anyone actually knows, most are just speculating. I think that masks will gradually go from being required to recommend, then only certain places until everyone gets rid of them. I don’t think it will be like: oh Jan 1 2022 no masks. I think by end of 2021 they will gradually start lifting restrictions.
I don’t know anything just what I THINK.

I would think while seated in a theater masks would seem to be a logical requirement for a period of time. As part of the transition period. It would come just before no masking anywhere as stranger sit on all sides of a person.
So from 6 feet, to 3 feet, to next to, to without/recommend.

 

[soniam]

There's a very good chance of stuff being "normal" by summer 2022. However, it's not a guarantee. Plus, what is "normal"? Vaccines supplies are still questionable, at least I won't believe it until I can actually get one, or two. The variants could cause problems, and there's a good chance of needing boosters every year, like the flu. We are hoping to move our summer 2021 to summer 2022, when those are released. I don't think this summer is even remotely close to normal.

 

[Hegemon]

I just wanted to jump in and thank everyone for their thoughtful responses. It's really helpful context as I try to process all of the other forums.

 

[ThePies]

Honestly, I'll probably keep wearing a mask for a long time. I haven't had a single cold this year. It's been amazing. Humans are gross.

 

[mevelandry]

Honestly, I'll probably keep wearing a mask for a long time. I haven't had a single cold this year. It's been amazing. Humans are gross.

I finally got to wear a mask in public transportation during flu season without people looking at me like I am a weirdo!

 

[Joe Brig]

Many companies will keep the covid rules for as long as they can. It reduces their liability if people get sick and cuts costs. WDW has full ticket prices but no shows, fireworks and limited housekeeping. Saving the company millions a week.

My greatest fear about our upcoming cruise would be if DCL plays a recording every 10 minutes telling us to wear a mask, social distance and wash our hands. Just like they do at WDW.

 

[DCLMP]

Honestly, I'll probably keep wearing a mask for a long time. I haven't had a single cold this year. It's been amazing. Humans are gross.

By doing so you will also have a very weak immune system the rest of your life.

To answer the original question. I don't think things will ever go back to what we all consider normal. Not unless people say enough is enough.

 

[squirk]

In response to the OP, a mask mandate on the ship is a deal-breaker for me. I am booked next for May of 2022. In my mind’s eye, mask mandates are gone by then.

Some port countries may still have mandates, but I feel like I can work with/around those.

 

[kathi]

We are 5 cancelled cruises in and next booked 9/25 on the Fantasy. We will get on that ship if it sails. Masks, distancing, reduced experiences, that's fine, it will still be wonderful - I'm on that ship!

 

[ThistleMae]

I'm thinking no cruising until next year, when no masks or distancing will be required (hoping it's next year). No Disney until then either, but will do HHN at Universal in the fall, masks or no masks.