When they went to the no tablecloth look, they added new tabletops, that presented a finished wood like appearance (do not really know the composition). While it was an adjustment, it is now the norm. Not a biggie by any means.
There is a reason that an overloaded boat is out floating in the Caribbean Sea. Nobody gets picked up that does not want to. I have witness three of these. In every case (and I am sure it was the case here) once spotted they were asked in they needed assistance. It is a requirement, but I am sure our local expert could chime in.
That is why options are always a good thing. For the record, if and when they do this, the segments would in all likelihood not be months at a time, but more like 3 to 4 weeks.
No dog in this fight, but my comment to you was you missed the point. His job is get and engage people engaged in Carnival discussions. Just like you and I are doing now. I can tell you that some of his topics are things that they do in fact discuss. Did he say it was def going to happen?