Will cruise lines require passengers to wear a Face Mask? - POLL

[soniam]

My wife and I were discussing this. We have never cruised but last Feb. we booked a cruise for 8/31 on the Fantasy for our 20th anniversary this year. We said that we wish they would release something because we don't want our first cruise to have a ton of limited experiences and required to wear masks the entire time. I would be inclined to do it for shoes or something similar but not the entire time. What do you all think? Knowing that it's our first cruise ever and a special one at that.

I would consider canceling if you still can without financial penalties. We have been on several cruises and don't mind wearing masks. Yes, I know stuff will be hot; I wear full motorcycle gear, ie full face helmet, pants, jacket, and boots, in 100F+ temperatures in rush hour traffic in Texas, so heat and humidity aren't really an issue for me. However, I think there were other considerations that made me thankful that DCL canceled our 7/18 cruise. I think if this were my first cruise, I would not want it to be like this. Good luck!

 

[DIS_MIKE]

My wife and I were discussing this. We have never cruised but last Feb. we booked a cruise for 8/31 on the Fantasy for our 20th anniversary this year. We said that we wish they would release something because we don't want our first cruise to have a ton of limited experiences and required to wear masks the entire time. I would be inclined to do it for shoes or something similar but not the entire time. What do you all think? Knowing that it's our first cruise ever and a special one at that.

I am on that same cruise as well. I just try to remain optimistic at this point and wait for the next announcement. I really do not want to cruise with limited activities and mask requirements. Who knows where things will be 3 months from now but we can have a little hope knowing Universal and Disney Springs are reopening in phases.

 

[mmackeymouse]

With reduced capacity, opening Cabanas as an 4th MDR and 2 seatings, that should be possible to have more distance between people. If they go to 30% - 50% capacity. And yes, I think all outside food will probably be closed. And as we see in Asia, you can take your mask off during dinner, it's a short period, you are only surrounded by your family.
Here in NL they are talking about re-opening restaurants by having a 'pick up'-table instead of servers coming to your table. The server leaves your food at a nearby table, and you pick it up from there.

While I do agree that utilizing Cabanas as a 4th MDR is likely, I do find myself wondering further about the value of a Disney cruise at that point. Especially for a 3 night sailing. You are essentially not able to experience one of the themed dining rooms. Which, I am sure for some people, it wouldn't bother them. But for others, they are probably thinking..."Uh I paid for the full experience." Considering how much the cruises would be giving up, in entertainment, in characters, in dining experiences, would we see a refund or shipboard credit to people? Probably not.

This. Disney is definitely straining the affection of their guests (both cruise guests and WDW resort guests) by keeping their summer travel plans up in the air until the last minute.

I endorse this, as the kids say.

I've been pretty patient. And, if anything, my attitude has been one of understanding and leniency. This is after all, a once in a multi-generation event. No one knows how they would handle anything in such a position. It's understandable that Disney, or any company, don't have the users manual on opening after Covid19. They are flying blind too, just like the rest of us.

BUT.

They just need to rip the bandaid off. If it's a yes, it's a yes. If it's a no, it's a no. But, the whole "re-evaluating every 2 weeks" thing is starting to get old.

 

[Karin1984]

While I do agree that utilizing Cabanas as a 4th MDR is likely, I do find myself wondering further about the value of a Disney cruise at that point. Especially for a 3 night sailing. You are essentially not able to experience one of the themed dining rooms. Which, I am sure for some people, it wouldn't bother them. But for others, they are probably thinking..."Uh I paid for the full experience." Considering how much the cruises would be giving up, in entertainment, in characters, in dining experiences, would we see a refund or shipboard credit to people? Probably not.

I think that Disney will be very clear on what they will offer during this period and that people who do want to sail agree to that.
People who do not see the value at that moment, should decide not to sail, till a later period.

 

[Primeval Princess]

I think that Disney will be very clear on what they will offer during this period and that people who do want to sail agree to that.
People who do not see the value at that moment, should decide not to sail, till a later period.

I do hope that they'll be clear and give customers the opportunity to bow out without financial penalty if the guest experience is going to be radically changed. Waiting until late in the game to share that information still makes it difficult for customers, though. Airline tickets have already been purchased or else need to get purchased before they become unaffordable. Many types of alternate vacation plans can only be made with a certain amount of advance notice, etc. The longer DCL waits to share the news, the harder it is on customers.

 

[MomOTwins]

I do hope that they'll be clear and give customers the opportunity to bow out without financial penalty if the guest experience is going to be radically changed. Waiting until late in the game to share that information still makes it difficult for customers, though. Airline tickets have already been purchased or else need to get purchased before they become unaffordable. Many types of alternate vacation plans can only be made with a certain amount of advance notice, etc. The longer DCL waits to share the news, the harder it is on customers.

Funny, I just noticed they still have really old information about covering your mouth when coughing on their COVID-19 notice on the website that implies that they won't require masks: "Guests are also advised to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue (or upper sleeve) when sneezing, and avoid sneezing or coughing into their hands or without covering their nose and mouth." They really need to replace that language, asap.

 

[Primeval Princess]

Funny, I just noticed they still have really old information about covering your mouth when coughing on their COVID-19 notice on the website that implies that they won't require masks: "Guests are also advised to cover their nose and mouth with a tissue (or upper sleeve) when sneezing, and avoid sneezing or coughing into their hands or without covering their nose and mouth." They really need to replace that language, asap.

Which website is this on? WDW's or DCL's?

 

[MomOTwins]

Which website is this on? WDW's or DCL's?

DCL's -- it's just on the page where they have the Covid-19 cancellations.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/

 

[Primeval Princess]

DCL's -- it's just on the page where they have the Covid-19 cancellations.

https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/guest-services/advisory/

DCL hasn't indicated that they will require guests to wear masks, though. So I don't know why they'd take that advice down.

 

[BadPinkTink]

Very interesting looking at the results of the poll one year later. DCL are restarting sailing in July 2021 and ARE requiring masks onboard, but the poll of Disboard members had a majority who said said that DCL would not require masks

 

[Maggie'sMom]

Very interesting looking at the results of the poll one year later. DCL are restarting sailing in July 2021 and ARE requiring masks onboard, but the poll of Disboard members had a majority who said said that DCL would not require masks

A lot has changed in the past year. I wonder what the results would have been if this survey had been repeated last month before the rules for the UK Staycation cruises were released.

I remember a very early post, late January 2020, on this board from someone asking if they should be concerned that their spring break cruise would be cancelled. I responded I didn't think they had anything to worry about. I figured it would take longer than a couple months to spread to the US. Oops! Then I remember a post you made in late February 2020, just a month later, when portions of Italy were being locked down, and someone was concerned about their summer Med cruise. You said they didn't need to be concerned because the areas being locked down were so distant from the ports where the ships would dock. I remember that post of yours just because I was so surprised that with the speed at which things were spreading, you thought the virus wouldn't spread those x number of kilometers in the months before the Med cruises. Of course, at that point, I wouldn't have believed that just 3 weeks later all the 70K+ employees of my company would be moved to work from home status and that over a year later, the vast majority of us are still working from home with no idea as to when we might return to the office.

So it's interesting to look back and see how things have changed, and how we have changed.

 

[mostlytraveling4food]

I imagine mask policies will be similar to those we encounter on a daily basis, often times not making any sense.

No mask required while in the pool or seated while dining or drinking, but mask required as soon as you stand up.

Our local community center pool that is indoors has this same rule. Everyone can be next to each other unmasked while in the pool, but during break time when everyone is out of the water and sitting 20 feet apart, you have to have a mask on.

 

[easy1234]

I imagine mask policies will be similar to those we encounter on a daily basis, often times not making any sense.

No mask required while in the pool or seated while dining or drinking, but mask required as soon as you stand up.

Our local community center pool that is indoors has this same rule. Everyone can be next to each other unmasked while in the pool, but during break time when everyone is out of the water and sitting 20 feet apart, you have to have a mask on.

Wrong, you will need to put your mask back on when finished eating while sitting at the table. You will also need to wear a mask while poolside, even though you are outdoors and socially distanced.

 

[AquaDame]

I shudder to think how many masks are going to go overboard in the wind...

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

Wrong, you will need to put your mask back on when finished eating while sitting at the table. You will also need to wear a mask while poolside, even though you are outdoors and socially distanced.

Don't we do that now on land as well? At least that makes sense to me. I don't go out to dinner much, but the times I did in 2020/2021, I kept my mask on until the food arrived, and made sure I had it back on whenever the waiter came by to check up on us and to arrange the bill, etc.

The poolside thing I can't picture... the seating alone is crazy. Reminds me of the airports; seats blocked off so that everyone is socially distanced, giving families no place to sit together. But once you're on the airplane 30 minutes later you're surrounded by everyone in an enclosed space. You bet I wear my mask in the airplane. But masks on outside by the pool with all lounge beds 6 feet apart, crazy!

That said, I'll still do it though if it means I can cruise! A piece of fabric in front of my nose and mouth doesn't take anything away from my experiences.

 

[mostlytraveling4food]

Wrong, you will need to put your mask back on when finished eating while sitting at the table. You will also need to wear a mask while poolside, even though you are outdoors and socially distanced.

Oh, are you the cruise director? Please show me where these rules are posted and date issued.

 

[mmouse37]

Oh, are you the cruise director? Please show me where these rules are posted and date issued.

I believe those are the current requirements for the UK cruises this summer on the Magic. As well as having to make reservations for the main stage shows and virtual queue for the pool. No one knows if they will follow through to all the ships when cruising begins again but the possibility is high some requirements will carry over.

MJ

 

[mostlytraveling4food]

I believe those are the current requirements for the UK cruises this summer on the Magic. As well as having to make reservations for the main stage shows and virtual queue for the pool. No one knows if they will follow through to all the ships when cruising begins again but the possibility is high some requirements will carry over.

MJ

I try not to talk definitively on a thread about opinions.

 

[Robbydj13]

Most likely and I will not get on a cruise as long as masks are required. Never mind requiring a vaccine. But I cannot imagine cruising with a mask on 95% of the time. It’s ridiculous to even think about

 

[Chrissy-Mickey]

I shudder to think how many masks are going to go overboard in the wind...

If WDW's parking lots are anything to go by; a lot!