What Potential COVID-Related Changes Would You Welcome??

[MistyRo76]

I know there's been a high focus on what potential changes to cruising could lessen the fun for everyone. And I get it...there are certain things I'm not too jazzed about having to potentially do when I cruise next. That's why I booked our next cruise for Fall 2022 in hopes that things would mostly return to normal. 

But not ALL change is bad - usually! So what potential changes could you see Carnival implementing that may make the experience better for you. 

 

For me - the ship capacity limits aren't a terrible thing. I would even be willing to pay a little bit more for things onboard the ship to not feel like the ship itself is overly crowded. Having to wait in lines for everything can sometimes detract from the cruising experience. 

 

Also, I could see Carnival requiring reservations for shows on board to combat over-crowding of the theaters and show-rooms. This would be a plus in my book. It would be nice knowing that I didn't need to show up somewhere 30 minutes early just to get a decent seat. Perhaps they could even use this to add extra benefit for Platinum/Diamond members by giving them access to the show space 10 minutes early to select the seating they'd like. Not sure if that's feasible - just spit balling ideas. 

 

I could also see a move back toward standard twice a day cabin servicing to enhance the cleanliness of the cabins. This one wouldn't impact us as we usually select twice a day servicing anyway. But it seemed like pre-COVID, Carnival was definitely moving toward an eventual fleet-wide once a day stateroom cleaning. 

 

And as has been discussed on other threads, the addition of a virtual type muster drill would be great! While many ships have already gone away from making people stand outside in the heat, smushed together like sardines, even the gatherings in the indoor spaces could get very over-crowded. A virtual format (watching a video before sailing on on your stateroom cabin or the HUB app) could be a big upgrade! 

 

What else could change that would be a positive? 

[Rollin Tide]

Virtual muster drills would be cool. 

Also, at the buffets, having the food served.  I'm sorry, but I'm way too tired of seeing people lick their fingers, then grab the next serving utensil.  Or coughing/sneezing into their hands, then grab the next serving utensil.  I know that just adds to the jobs of the ship employees, but it's very disgusting, even pre-pandemic.

  

 

 

[Texasl8dy]

Bring back the tablecloths in the MDR.  A nice CLEAN tablecloth each evening would be nice.

[4hunters]

I'm going to appreciate being served by a crew member in the buffet.  I've been reluctant to eat at the buffets after watching how some of the passengers partake.  😉

Edited April 23, 2021 by 4hunters

[mondello]

How about food carts or pop-up restaraunts? Spread out the food and the people. Social distancing will be nearly impossible. I really don't see them restarting cruises until the pandemic is fading. Limiting capacity sounds great but they still have to buy nearly the same amount of fuel. Now that I think of it, didn't they propose or have a fuel surcharge back when prices were sky high?

[TNcruising02]

I really don't like the reservation system for shows, so that would be a negative for me.  But I would consider the following things positive changes:

Crew members serving the buffet food

More hand washing machines on the ships

Paper towels instead of hand drying machines.

Buttons that open doors instead of using door handles

Virtual musters

condiments and salad dressing in small cups instead of the large public dispensers and containers

 

[jetsfan58]

I don't think that it would be a good idea for Carnival to provide Diamond/Platinum early seating. Do you know how many cruisers (non Diamond/Platinum) are starving to cruise? God forbid Carnival start that "Preferred Tier" system with every event. There will probably be some sort of "unnecessary" uprising that would take place onboard all cruises.

 

The best thing that Carnival can do to keep us all safe is to thoroughly evaluate "All Areas" of the ship's service and entertainment and make the appropriate alterations. So what if we can't sit beside our Favorite Cruise Nut, we can't lounge all day poolside (this may actually give a few cruisers a chance to finally grab a prized "Hogged" chair), so what if we get "served" our food without being able to grab 12 slices of bacon? In am all for whatever change is needed to cruise "Safely". If this means wearing my "Two" masks in my cabin so be it. 

 

When we are truly dedicated to the Carnival Brand we should be accepting of the things that are going to be initiated for the health of us all!!!   

[nissach]

32 minutes ago, Rollin Tide said:

Virtual muster drills would be cool. 

Also, at the buffets, having the food served.  I'm sorry, but I'm way too tired of seeing people lick their fingers, then grab the next serving utensil.  Or coughing/sneezing into their hands, then grab the next serving utensil.  I know that just adds to the jobs of the ship employees, but it's very disgusting, even pre-pandemic.

  

 

 

Totally agree!!

[Essiesmom]

On ships that require reservations for shows...you aren’t reserving a particular seat.  You reserve space, so that they don’t have more people than seats.  EM

[bdever]

1.Virtual muster drill

2. capacity limits on number of total passengers 

 

3. I would say a reservation system however this is going to be a slippery slope as I believe it most likely will mean reservations for the pools & hot tubs.

[travelplus]

Offer a simulcast of the show on Stateroom Tvs while waiving Room Service fees during select hours. Also perhaps having a second tv on your Balcony would be cool.

[travelplus]

Make the Casino 100 percent smoke Free

[glrounds]

I would like to see Carnival return to cruising EXACTLY like it was in 2019, with the exception of proof of vaccination required to board. Until this happens I'll do land-based vacations. 34 cruises just may be enough, I'm sad to say.

[Cowboys4ever]

1 hour ago, travelplus said:

Make the Casino 100 percent smoke Free

 

What does that have to do with Covid?  I'm not for or against the idea personally, Im good either way but I do not see why that would come out of Covid restrictions.

[Honolulu Blue]

35 minutes ago, Cowboys4ever said:

 

What does that have to do with Covid?  I'm not for or against the idea personally, Im good either way but I do not see why that would come out of Covid restrictions.

I'm pretty sure the logic here goes:

 

• You can't wear a mask while smoking
• Masks are required everywhere indoors because being unmasked indoors spreads COVID-19 to an unacceptable degree
• Smoking is not an essential activity, therefore...
• Ban smoking in the casino

[Honolulu Blue]

6 hours ago, MistyRo76 said:

I know there's been a high focus on what potential changes to cruising could lessen the fun for everyone. And I get it...there are certain things I'm not too jazzed about having to potentially do when I cruise next. That's why I booked our next cruise for Fall 2022 in hopes that things would mostly return to normal. 

But not ALL change is bad - usually! So what potential changes could you see Carnival implementing that may make the experience better for you. 

 

For me - the ship capacity limits aren't a terrible thing. I would even be willing to pay a little bit more for things onboard the ship to not feel like the ship itself is overly crowded. Having to wait in lines for everything can sometimes detract from the cruising experience. 

 

Also, I could see Carnival requiring reservations for shows on board to combat over-crowding of the theaters and show-rooms. This would be a plus in my book. It would be nice knowing that I didn't need to show up somewhere 30 minutes early just to get a decent seat. Perhaps they could even use this to add extra benefit for Platinum/Diamond members by giving them access to the show space 10 minutes early to select the seating they'd like. Not sure if that's feasible - just spit balling ideas. 

 

I could also see a move back toward standard twice a day cabin servicing to enhance the cleanliness of the cabins. This one wouldn't impact us as we usually select twice a day servicing anyway. But it seemed like pre-COVID, Carnival was definitely moving toward an eventual fleet-wide once a day stateroom cleaning. 

 

And as has been discussed on other threads, the addition of a virtual type muster drill would be great! While many ships have already gone away from making people stand outside in the heat, smushed together like sardines, even the gatherings in the indoor spaces could get very over-crowded. A virtual format (watching a video before sailing on on your stateroom cabin or the HUB app) could be a big upgrade! 

 

What else could change that would be a positive? 

 

I think the passenger capacity limits are mostly a good thing, though i don't think they'll last forever.  The buffet changes seem mostly good, though I'm more ambivalent about them than most others appear to be.  The virtual muster drill will help overall convenience.

 

Room cleaning, once cruising resumes, could go either way.  Most hotels in the U.S. have actually cut service and made much of it by request.  I would prefer NOT to see my steward in full PPE twice a day and think service that often is between fluff and overkill - even in times like these.  But, of course, there are many opposing opinions on this.

 

I suppose other changes could be net positives, though I struggle to see them at the present time.

[florida eagle]

6 hours ago, Rollin Tide said:

Virtual muster drills would be cool. 

Also, at the buffets, having the food served.  I'm sorry, but I'm way too tired of seeing people lick their fingers, then grab the next serving utensil.  Or coughing/sneezing into their hands, then grab the next serving utensil.  I know that just adds to the jobs of the ship employees, but it's very disgusting, even pre-pandemic.

  

 

 

There can be less to choose from in total but more main course meats as a choice to being served. I would believe that cafeteria style would not last that long and a return to the old style buffet would return at some point. 

[bluesman0711]

Cruise staff serving at the buffet, this should become permanent.

[travelplus]

If Room cleaning is done every other day then the tips needs to be adjusted accordingly. How about eliminating room service fees?

[JMAE]

I like some of the other suggestions.  How about a virtual check-in: Completing check in at home, a barcode is created in your hub app you scan the barcode when entering the port for check in and board the ship.  

[bitemyfly]

Buffet and all food and. Beverage no self serve, not just for COVID , will help with other bugs.

boarding , hopefully eliminate the crowded lido deck with masses all trying to eat with luggage and carry on all over..  for me truly the only time the ship feels crowded 

Capacity - reduction would be wonderful and I expect the prices to rise .. but can imagine getting a seat by the pool or serenity if you are a late riser lol .

reservations for shows , possibly a revenue opportunity .. I would pay extra  for good seats , I hate waiting on lines. 

[cruisingguy007]

1. Eliminating the Havana area wristband scheme to help spread people out during pool/hot tub use and relive congestion from the other pool/hot tub areas.

 

2. Staff serving at the buffet stations instead of many passengers handling the serving utensils. It should also help cut down on bad behaviors by passengers and reduce chances for noro outbreaks.

 

3. Nothing else, I like it the way it was.  

[cruisingguy007]

8 hours ago, bdever said:

1.Virtual muster drill

2. capacity limits on number of total passengers 

 

3. I would say a reservation system however this is going to be a slippery slope as I believe it most likely will mean reservations for the pools & hot tubs.

 

Virtual muster would be great. 

[Tapi]

Distancing! If there’s one thing that I’ve never understood (even pre-pandemic) is why people feel the need to stand in line so close to you that you can feel them breathing down the back of your neck.

 

I agree with others mentioned (served buffet, capacity limits, virtual musters, etc). All welcome changes. 

Edited April 24, 2021 by Tapi

[Radiioman46]

I haven't read anywhere what the protocol will be for elevators. But to me, this is going to be a real problem if they limit access to the elevators. Meaning, only two ppl can get on an elevator or something along those lines. The elevators can hardly keep up with the demand like it was.