Enforcement of the new guest vacation policy

[nyllrap]

I understand if masks will be required when cruising is back from US ports, and if I chose to go on a cruise, I would definitely abide by the rules. But I won't choose to go on a cruise if I have to wear a mask. I have trouble getting enough oxygen with masks on. A mask would ruin it for me, and would not be worth the money to cruise in that case. Who knows, I may never cruise again, unfortunately.

[hallux]

26 minutes ago, fla gang said:

I've read posts where people were saying once the ship sails the mask is coming off and they can't make me wear it!

Except that they CAN!  Just as stores can force people to wear masks while inside, so can cruise ships.  Cruise ships are a private entity and can enforce whatever rules they want in order to allow you to remain on board.  If you don't follow the rules as laid out in the cruise contract you can certainly be sequestered to your room or disembarked at the first opportunity.

 

The Captain rules the ship, it is not a democracy...

[twangster]

In the past cruise lines were hesitant to enforce some rules and when some cruisers discovered the lack of enforcement they had no issues knowingly breaking the rules.  Chair hogs are an obvious example.  

 

On the other hand there were other rules that were enforced more stringently.  Typically these involved safety concerns either for that guest or an action that put others at risk.  

 

As cruising restarts I think we'll quickly see the same guests that didn't think the rules were important testing the boundaries of what they can get away with.  It will start with arriving to check in whenever they feel like it despite what I think will be enforced appointment times.  "I'm XYZ status, let me in".  

 

I think that cruise lines will take the course of action they have typically taken when safety is in question.  Refusing to wash or sanitize hands when entering the WJ, mask policies, refusing to follow other rules that pertain to virus mitigation I believe will be more stringently enforced based on the safety aspects.  I believe there will be people who test to see what they can get away with for every new rule.  The resulting threads here on CC will be quite interesting and entertaining to read.  "Who knew you had to wear a mask?  They made me wear a mask.  I'm not wearing a mask, it's my vacation, I paid for it" and so on.  

 

As someone who does my best to follow the rules (okay, I admit taking happy hour drinks out of the lounge) I'm hoping they enforce the rules quickly and without mercy and I'm hoping there will be pictures posted as they are escorted onto the pier in some distant port.  

 

I'm probably not going to fly for a 3 night cruise so sadly I'll have to watch it unfold here on CC.  In preparation I'm heading to a warehouse store to buy a mega pack of microwave popcorn.   

[time4u2go]

For those suggesting that violators should be booted off at the next port (which I think is the right thing to do), what do they do about people that violate the rule after the last port of call?  I suppose they could confine them to their cabin.

[ipeeinthepool]

2 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

For those suggesting that violators should be booted off at the next port (which I think is the right thing to do), what do they do about people that violate the rule after the last port of call?  I suppose they could confine them to their cabin.

 

Still the same answer:  Walk the Plank

[boscobeans]

11 minutes ago, twangster said:

In the past cruise lines were hesitant to enforce some rules and when some cruisers discovered the lack of enforcement they had no issues knowingly breaking the rules.  Chair hogs are an obvious example.  

 

 

Smoking in places where or when it is against the rules.

Smuggling booze.

Cheating on beverage packages.

And so many others that will either get you flamed or thumbs up in discussions.

 

For decades the popcorn has been brought out on almost a daily basis with that dumb excuse :

 

"...it's my vacation, I paid for it",

 

 

Being out and about on a daily basis there is always that one person (or more) totally ignoring even the simplest rules like social distancing in a line at the local Lowes.  ????? 

 

Back 20+ years ago if you were more than 15 minutes late at your dining time or weren't wearing proper attire you were out of luck. AND IT WAS ENFORCED. 

 

Not saying we turn the calendar back 20 years BUT FOR HEAVENS SAKE LET'S TRY TO GET BACK CRUISING, even if it requires a few easy to follow rules...

 

[fla gang]

1 hour ago, hallux said:

Except that they CAN!  Just as stores can force people to wear masks while inside, so can cruise ships.  Cruise ships are a private entity and can enforce whatever rules they want in order to allow you to remain on board.  If you don't follow the rules as laid out in the cruise contract you can certainly be sequestered to your room or disembarked at the first opportunity.

I for one will wear a mask if I am on a cruise but the others not abiding is what will be frustrating!

 

The Captain rules the ship, it is not a democracy...

 

[BirdTravels]

1 hour ago, fla gang said:

I've read posts where people were saying once the ship sails the mask is coming off and they can't make me wear it!

Enforcement is pretty easy. If you refuse to comply when asked, then you are confined to your cabin and disembarked at the next port. The "problem" is solved. Yeah,,, we'll see endless whining here on CC, but strict enforcement of the rules will keep the cruise lines sailing. 

 

On an airline, if you fail to comply, you are put on the no-fly list. If you are landing in a connecting city, you can't board your connecting flight. 

[twangster]

25 minutes ago, time4u2go said:

For those suggesting that violators should be booted off at the next port (which I think is the right thing to do), what do they do about people that violate the rule after the last port of call?  I suppose they could confine them to their cabin.

 

It's not unheard of to see a chair with security sitting on it outside someone's cabin.  I imagine this special treatment can sometimes include an invitation to never sail with them again.  Seems appropriate.  

[BirdTravels]

7 hours ago, Wannacruise81 said:

How do you think the cruise companies will deal with violators of the guest vacation policy? Will security now be policing around and telling people to wear their mask or will they just go with it with a blind eye? 

If the cruise lines want to have a successful come back, the passengers also need to do their part when onboard. If not, i don't think the cruise lines have a chance of surviving if another mass outbreak occurs. 

We've been to Vegas twice and Atlantic City once since reopening. All employee (security, management, dealers) were very polite and requested guests to properly wear their mask in public spaces and follow distancing rules at tables. In our hotel, security was stationed at the hotel elevator lobbies with boxes of masks to ensure everyone leaving their room had a mask on. To be effective, all crew on the ship should do the same. You station a "washy washy" crew members  in public spaces reminding people to properly wear their masks. 

Edited September 13, 2020 by BirdTravels

[twangster]

The "washy washy" singers become the "wear your mask" singers.  

 

"Wear your mask it's the right thing to do.  You only have one so cover it too"

Edited September 13, 2020 by twangster

[Tree_skier]

3 hours ago, A&L_Ont said:

Currently Caribbean islands are having Covid tests for those flying in, taken within a set number of days before arriving and then uploaded onto the government’s web portal.  We currently have no idea what the Islands will demand when ships set sail. Parts of Mexico have said they are ready in a news article, but that was dependent on ships getting approval to sail. 

I am sure that a condition for sailing will be a rapid test at the pier.  This would assure places like the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, et al that every passenger had had a negative test within the last few days. As long as the excursions were controlled like they are on MSC, cruise ports could have a degree of confidence that debarking passengers would be virus free and only circulating in controlled groups.

[Tree_skier]

2 hours ago, TravelerThom said:

I’m pretty sure that in the case of MSC everyone involved (ship, port, passengers) were Italian. It will get interesting when (for example) a Bahamian ship refuses rule breaking US citizens reboarding while they are considered in-transit in Saint Maarten, and Sint Maarten refuses to take them as landed passengers. Stay tuned...

Actually it is not just Italian passengers, it is passenger from any of the Schengen area.

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schengen_Area#Current_members

 

 

[Tree_skier]

1 hour ago, BirdTravels said:

Enforcement is pretty easy. If you refuse to comply when asked, then you are confined to your cabin and disembarked at the next port. The "problem" is solved. Yeah,,, we'll see endless whining here on CC, but strict enforcement of the rules will keep the cruise lines sailing. 

 

On an airline, if you fail to comply, you are put on the no-fly list. If you are landing in a connecting city, you can't board your connecting flight. 

 

1 hour ago, twangster said:

 

It's not unheard of to see a chair with security sitting on it outside someone's cabin.  I imagine this special treatment can sometimes include an invitation to never sail with them again.  Seems appropriate.  

I expect the rules to be mercilessly enforced. The cruise lines and their employees know that their economic survival depends of it.  

[A&L_Ont]

51 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

I am sure that a condition for sailing will be a rapid test at the pier.  This would assure places like the Bahamas, Mexico, Grand Cayman, et al that every passenger had had a negative test within the last few days. As long as the excursions were controlled like they are on MSC, cruise ports could have a degree of confidence that debarking passengers would be virus free and only circulating in controlled groups.

The gangway lines are interesting enough on ports days under normal conditions.  
 

The idea reminds of the old days when non-US citizens had to clear US Customs when porting in St Thomas, only this will be a longer process. I personally would not want to go through that process at every port of call. I would just stay on-board, hang in my cabin and enjoy the balcony view.  I’m glad my first cruise as of now is in March of 2021.  At this rate our next one, October of 2021. 
 

It really is a lot of cart before the horse as the CDC has still yet to give approval to sail, let alone ports determine if they will accept cruise guests. LOL, CC is a lot of the cart before the horse. 

Edited September 13, 2020 by A&L_Ont

[twangster]

1 minute ago, A&L_Ont said:

It really is a lot of cart before the horse as the CDC has still yet to give approval to sail, let alone ports determine if they will accept cruise guests

 

There seems to be a sense that we are very close to a restart but I'm not so sure.  I hope that isn't the case but fear my May cruises are on the bubble.  The cruises I have booked before May are just in case cruises do occur.

[A&L_Ont]

17 minutes ago, Tree_skier said:

 

I expect the rules to be mercilessly enforced. The cruise lines and their employees know that their economic survival depends of it.  

Agreed 100%. The CDC will yank their “license” to sail, faster than they gave permission to return. 
 

When sailings return I expect our media feeds will be splashed with video meltdowns on ships, as well one time wonders doing drive by postings here on CC. 🍿 

Edited September 13, 2020 by A&L_Ont

[Milwaukee Eight]

2 hours ago, Tapi said:

or if someone wore shorts to the MDR for dinner,

That’s a suggestion not a hard fast rule. 😇

 

M8

[Milwaukee Eight]

I still think the most pressing issue is......  IF there is an outbreak onboard, how will it be handled up too and including facilities and staff and quarantine protocols. The most important issue I believe the CDC has....  will they dump COVID19 exposed off in US Ports. 
 

M8

[twangster]

2 minutes ago, A&L_Ont said:

The CDC will yank their permit to sail, faster than they gave permission to return. 

 

Agreed.  The people that will try to break the rules have no clue how they are putting an entire industry in jeopardy.   

 

The CDC will be watching closely and may even put observers on some ships.  If the cruise lines do not adhere to the protocols approved they will quickly face action from the CDC.

 

This is not the time to test what you can get away with.   Now is the time to comply or don't get onboard. 

 

I'll be applauding every enforcement action that is taken.    

[Sunshine3601]

2 hours ago, twangster said:

 

As cruising restarts I think we'll quickly see the same guests that didn't think the rules were important testing the boundaries of what they can get away with.  It will start with arriving to check in whenever they feel like it despite what I think will be enforced appointment times.  "I'm XYZ status, let me in".  

 

MSC has set appointment times for passengers.  I read that if your appt is for 1030 and you arrive at 10 you are not allowed in the terminal till your scheduled time.  This allows them to do proper screening and salvia test  without terminal being overcrowded.   Pretty easy to implement this procedure.

I also read they put your luggage on a cart when entering terminal it gets sprayed with disinfectant and stays on that cart till you pass your salvia test.

They asked for minimal carry on luggage for minimal contact thru security.  

No need to wear a mask at pool deck as chairs are spaced out appropriately.   Easy to do with sailings of reduced capacity.

All works for me...

[Tree_skier]

1 minute ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

I still think the most pressing issue is......  IF there is an outbreak onboard, how will it be handled up too and including facilities and staff and quarantine protocols. The most important issue I believe the CDC has....  will they dump COVID19 exposed off in US Ports. 
 

M8

I think a ship at each port cooperatively staffed by all the cruise lines sailing out of that port could be a reasonable option for any positive tests that occur onboard. They are all going to have spare ships hanging around, this might be a good use for them.

[Tree_skier]

7 minutes ago, twangster said:

This is not the time to test what you can get away with.   Now is the time to comply or don't get onboard. 

👍

[Sunshine3601]

11 minutes ago, Milwaukee Eight said:

I still think the most pressing issue is......  IF there is an outbreak onboard, how will it be handled up too and including facilities and staff and quarantine protocols. The most important issue I believe the CDC has....  will they dump COVID19 exposed off in US Ports. 
 

M8

If you keep cruises to 7 days or less and no b2bs allowed as europe cruises are doing that lowers your chance of any outbreak.

Sure someone may test positive after a cruise but who is to say where they got the virus...maybe while they flew home..maybe when they got home and went food shopping...we are exposed every time we walk out or front door.

MSC has set up designated cabins for anyone that comes down with the virus while on board and are using the wow bracelets for contact tracing.  So far no one has tested positive on their cruises.

Also if we do sailings out of us ports with only us residents for the beginning there shouldn't be any issue on where they get their care, if needed.

They may do the same as europe and not allow passengers from states with high covid cases to board in the beginning.  

 

Edited September 13, 2020 by Sunshine3601

[cured]

4 hours ago, jptoz said:

It's very easy, follow the rules. Wear the mask or don't go. Your on private property, at sea. Don't like it don't go, protest at home. So sick of these people making a political statement about a mask. But you know there will be some with there fake medical exemption  card, trying to pull that B.S. 

Hopefully they won't allow any exemptions.  Cruising is a choice, not a necessity, although some may argue that.  If you can't wear a mask, you need to stay home for the moment.

 

There are always rules one must follow.  It is no different than height requirements on the slides. You can't claim a medical exemption because something medical causes you to be too short. It is a safety issue. And I am a parent of a person with special needs, so I completely understand equity.  I still would advocate for required masks, period, no exemptions, if the science still says that will reduce transmission.

 

There is precedent. School districts, including ours, going back. Many will be offering both online and in person school. Masks in most are required. Period.  If you cannot medically wear a mask or just refuse to, from kindergarten and up, including students with special needs, most are saying that you need to stay home.  School is a necessity, so an online option is being offered.