Carnival Restart Information

[cruisingguy007]

45 minutes ago, dallasdan said:

In my opinion, they are not going to cruise under a 95% requirement.  How do they determine the 5%?  Only kids?  Only Diamond or Platinum?  First on the ship?  I think they will either go 100 % vaccinated or no vaccine requirement.  

 

Easy. Kids 11 and under (who aren't yet eligible to get vaccinated) mostly and those who legitimately can't get a vaccine (very small number of folks) for medical reasons (severe allergy).    

Edited May 12, 2021 by cruisingguy007

[stellarose]

final payment for MG is late September . lets hope she sails in September. 

[NavyCruiser]

Cruise lines should just required 100% vaccinations for all passengers,

so that it'll allow for up to 5% fraudulent vaccination cards/proof...

[Homosassa]

1 hour ago, bitemyfly said:

 

This might be true for the government workers /‘ staff at these  places, but I spent a good part of the weekend at state parks , and there are no restrictions that I saw in place as a visitor. Also caught many fish. 
we also stayed in a beach resort in st Pete beach ,  are in restaurants again no restrictions .

im vaccinated, if I go into a store that requires it I wear it, I honor it  .. but Florida Is open .  Gov. Workers and there leadership might require it, might resist. But Florida is open .

same is tru down in ft lauderdale lsat weekend .

As a visitor, you may not have been aware of the restrictions or curtailment in programs that would have been offered in pre-covid times. 

 

In the park where I volunteer, it is obvious to the many repeat visitors what is no longer offered or open. If you read the website for the park that is attached, there is a statement that the Discovery Center is open. What is not stated is that no exhibits are on display and no staff is present. Empty building, but the rest rooms are available.

 

https://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/ellie-schiller-homosassa-springs-wildlife-state-park

 

 

[slavens_09]

Updated from the CDC. This is good news!

 

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

[broberts]

1 minute ago, slavens_09 said:

Updated from the CDC. This is good news!

 

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

 

Slowly, but surely.

 

I don't really understand the thinking behind the need to wear masks indoors or the comment on "crowded settings".

[ProgRockCruiser]

10 minutes ago, broberts said:

 

Slowly, but surely.

 

I don't really understand the thinking behind the need to wear masks indoors or the comment on "crowded settings".

I hope the CDC really does have the nation's health as their best interests, but I am starting to wonder if the letters CDC really stand for Catatonically Disproportionately Cautious.

[ontheweb]

26 minutes ago, slavens_09 said:

Updated from the CDC. This is good news!

 

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

Sounds like a step in the right direction. 

 

I still wonder if "at their discretion", some cruise lines may try to keep only their bubble excursions allowed. It will be for passenger "safety", not because the cruise lines excursions are a very good source of profit.😉

[txgranny]

5 hours ago, SNJCruisers said:

Do you have a bonafide link to back up your hypothesis?

See the recent cdc guidelines that just updated and posted. 

[40yearcruiser]

32 minutes ago, slavens_09 said:

Updated from the CDC. This is good news!

 

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

If this is legitimate, it is really good news. Now the cruise lines have to bite the bullet and require all passengers must be vaccinated. How else will they be able to determine who can and who cannot go without a mask outdoors or go into port independently.

[ProgRockCruiser]

1 minute ago, 40yearcruiser said:

If this is legitimate, it is really good news. Now the cruise lines have to bite the bullet and require all passengers must be vaccinated. How else will they be able to determine who can and who cannot go without a mask outdoors or go into port independently.

It is indeed legitimate (you can search the CDC website or go to the new thread on this topic that has the link).

 

So...how does this mesh with Desantis's law preventing businesses from demanding proof of vax?  (Rhetorical question - it doesn't mesh.  So something is going to have to give.)

[stellarose]

as long as MG sails before my final payment....

[firefly333]

15 minutes ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

It is indeed legitimate (you can search the CDC website or go to the new thread on this topic that has the link).

 

So...how does this mesh with Desantis's law preventing businesses from demanding proof of vax?  (Rhetorical question - it doesn't mesh.  So something is going to have to give.)

I am so tired of hearing desantis attacked.

 

I live in texas. Hello out there. There are other ports. All I read is about florida. If it's only florida as the problem let's get sailing from Galveston.  .. oh the cdc still is blocking the way? Oh darn, there goes all those blaming florida. I really am interested in restarting...booked on vista. Let's go. 

[ProgRockCruiser]

4 minutes ago, firefly333 said:

I am so tired of hearing desantis attacked.

 

I live in texas. Hello out there. There are other ports. All I read is about florida. If it's only florida as the problem let's get sailing from Galveston.  .. oh the cdc still is blocking the way? Oh darn, there goes all those blaming florida. I really am interested in restarting...booked on vista. Let's go. 

I didn't attack him.  It's his law - he enacted it, and was very proud that he did.  I live in FL.  I am very interested in how this is going to play out.  One or the other has to take precedence: the law prohibiting demanding proof of vax, or the CDC's requirement to be fully vaxxed to have fewer restrictions.

[ninjacat123]

1 hour ago, slavens_09 said:

Updated from the CDC. This is good news!

 

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may gather or conduct activities outdoors, including engaging in extended meal service or beverage consumption, without wearing a mask except in crowded settings.

Fully Vaccinated Travelers

• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that—if they are fully vaccinated—they may engage in self-guided or independent exploration during port stops, if they wear a mask while indoors. The cruise ship operator is additionally advised that foreign jurisdictions may have their own requirements.

Can you post a link?  I did a search and not finding it.  Thx!

[ProgRockCruiser]

1 minute ago, ninjacat123 said:

Can you post a link?  I did a search and not finding it.  Thx!

https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/covid19-operations-manual-cso.html

 

(From the other thread.)

[Lee Cruiser]

One of the most troublesome things from this is the part about distancing.  Much of it requires the word, "must."  These rules will make things very difficult for cruise lines.  It probably will require much fewer passenger counts.

 

Physical Distancing

Strict adherence to passenger and crew testing protocols will aid in identifying potential cases of COVID-19 on board a cruise ship, however, continued prevention efforts are necessary to reduce the possibility of transmission to others if a case occurs on board the ship.

Requirements

To reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators must:

• Implement physical distancing protocols to provide at least 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals who are not traveling companions or part of the same family, and crowd reduction measures in all congregate and high traffic areas of the vessel.
  • Dining (also see Food Services section below)
    • Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all parties remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart (e.g., removing tables/stools/chairs, marking tables/stools/chairs that are not for use)
  • Elevators and Stairwells
    • Limit capacity, provide floor markings, and provide marked queuing areas to eliminate congregation
    • Use floor markings in elevator lobbies and near the entrance to escalators to reinforce physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters). Place decals inside the elevator to identify where passengers should stand, if needed.
    • Post signs reminding occupants to minimize surface touching. They should use an object (such as a pen cap) or their knuckle to push elevator buttons.
  • Entertainment Venues and Activities
    • Limit capacity in areas with performances, dancing, acting, and singing, and similar activities.
    • Provide physical distancing between seating areas, such as by blocking out seats to allow individuals to remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
    • Limit capacity in areas with activities such as rock-climbing walls, zip-lines, mini golf, sports courts, jogging, skating, arcade rooms, and similar activities.
  • Casinos
    • Block out seats and gaming equipment to allow individuals to remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart
    • Limit customers’ sharing of objects (e.g., items used in table games, dice) when possible, and clean and disinfect these objects between uses as much as possible
    • Set up physical barriers where it is difficult for individuals to remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart
  • Gyms
    • Provide physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) between equipment, such as by blocking out or removing equipment
  • Public Toilet Rooms
    • Ensure handwashing facilities are well-stocked with soap and a method to dry hands, such as paper towels or air dryers, in accordance with the 2018 VSP Operations Manual.
    • Add physical barriers, such as plastic flexible screens, between toilet room sinks, stalls, and urinals, especially when they cannot be at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
    • Ensure that people standing in line can maintain a 6-foot (2-meter) distance from one another. Post signs or markers to help attendees maintain the appropriate physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters).
    • Clean public toilet rooms regularly using products from the EPA List N: Disinfectants for Coronavirus (COVID-19)external icon, at least twice per day (e.g., in the morning and evening or after times of heavy use).
    • Provide information on how to wash hands properly. Hang signs pdf icon[PDF – 1 page] in toilet rooms.
  • Gangways
    • Provide physical guides, such as floor markings and signage, to instruct passengers to maintain a 6-foot (2-meter) distance from one another
  • Recreational Water Facilities (RWFs)
    • Reduce the bather load for each facility to meet physical distancing. When physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) between bathers is not possible, such as in small whirlpool spas, RWFs should be used by the same family or traveling companions only. This can be accomplished by close monitoring. Exceptions to physical distancing are permitted when necessary to:
      • Rescue a distressed swimmer, perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), or provide first aid; or
      • Evacuate the water or pool deck due to an emergency.
    • Place seating area items located in or around RWFs, such as tables, chairs, loungers, sun beds, and poufs, 6 feet (2 meters) apart from each other to adhere to physical distancing. These items can be grouped together for families and traveling companions.
    • Follow the physical distancing protocols of 6 feet (2 meters) for lines to use slides and other interactive RWF areas.
  • Access Points (such as dining room entrances, guest services, disembarkation points)
    • Ensure that crew and passengers maintain 6 feet (2 meters) of physical distance while waiting for access.
  • Signs and Messages
    • Post signs, in highly visible locations (such as at entrances and in toilet rooms), to promote steps that prevent the spread of the virus (such as practicing physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters), and properly wearing a cloth mask).

Recommendations

To further reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators as best practices should:

• Consider the use of wearable proximity alerting technology, e.g. proximity bands, to alert the wearer of physical distancing infractions to assist with maintaining physical distancing protocols.
• Implement additional physical distancing protocols to provide at least 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals who are not traveling companions or part of the same family, and crowd reduction measures.
  • Elevators and Stairwells
    • Encourage occupants to take stairs when possible, especially when elevator lobbies are crowded or when only going a few flights.
    • Where feasible, designate certain stairwells or sides of stairwells as “up” and “down” to better promote physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters).
    • Use stanchions (for lobbies only; not inside elevators) or other ways to mark pathways to help people travel in one direction and stay 6 feet (2 meters)
    • Consider limiting the number of people in an elevator.
    • Encourage escalator and elevator passengers to wash their hands and avoid touching their face after holding on to handrails or touching buttons.
    • Consider adding supplemental air ventilation or local air treatment devices in frequently used elevator cars.
  • Entertainment Venues and Activities, Gyms, and Spas
    • Limit to reservation only time slots or limit capacity.
  • Public Hand Washing Facilities
    • Make sure waste receptacles are emptied regularly.
  • Muster Drills
    • Conducted virtually or in a staggered manner to allow physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals who are not traveling companions or part of the same family.
  • Signs and Messages
    • Provide announcements on preventing the spread of the virus in manner that is accessible to all passengers.

Food Services

Passenger interactive experiences include, but are not limited, to interactive cooking, culinary workshops and demonstrations, mixology/blending classes, and galley and other “behind the scene” tours.

Requirements

To reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators must:

• Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart (such as removing tables, stools, and chairs or marking any that are not for use).
• Limit seating capacity to allow for physical distancing of at least 6 feet (2 meters).
• Discourage crowded waiting areas by using phone app, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. Avoid using “buzzers” or other shared objects.
• Eliminate self-service food and drink options, such as self-service buffets, salad bars, and beverage stations.
• Provide eating utensils in a way that prevents handling by more than one person.
• Install physical barriers, such as sneeze guards and partitions in areas where it is difficult for individuals to maintain proper physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters), such as serving stations and food pick up areas.
• Provide physical guides, such as tape on decks and signage, to remind individuals to maintain physical distance of at least 6 feet (2 meters) where food and beverages are served.
• Provide and encourage outdoor dining and bar/beverage service options.
• Provide and encourage in-room passenger dining service.
• Limit any sharing of food, tools, equipment, or supplies by food workers, to the extent practicable.
• Ensure adequate supplies to minimize sharing of high-touch materials (e.g., serving spoons) to the extent practicable; otherwise, limit use of supplies and equipment by one group of food workers at a time and clean and disinfect between use.
• Avoid using or sharing of items that are reusable, such as menus, condiments, and any other food containers. Instead, use disposable menus, digital menus that can be disinfected between each use, online menus that can be retrieved on diners’ personal cell phones, single serving condiments, and no-touch trash cans and doors.

Recommendations

To further reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators as best practices should:

• Consider options for consumers to order ahead of time to limit the amount of time spent in the restaurant.
• Provide alternative meal services options, such as prepackaged grab-and-go meals, for consumption on open decks or in individual cabins to minimize risks associated with congregate indoor dining.
• Use touchless payment options as much as possible, if available. If pens are needed for some purposes, disinfect between uses and/or encourage customers to use their own pens.

Edited May 12, 2021 by Lee Cruiser

[ProgRockCruiser]

23 minutes ago, Lee Cruiser said:

One of the most troublesome things from this is the part about distancing.  Much of it requires the word, "must." 

I see your concern, but I think you are overthinking it, in the sense that the part the cruise lines "must" do are to essentially encourage pax to socially distance - it is impractical, IMHO, to physically police it.

 

e.g. this part under Physical Distancing:

 

To reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators must:

• Implement physical distancing protocols to provide at least 6 feet (2 meters) between individuals who are not traveling companions or part of the same family, and crowd reduction measures in all congregate and high traffic areas of the vessel.

 

The "cruise ship operators must...implement...to provide".  i.e. they have to do things that make it possible, hopefully likely, that everyone stays six feet apart.  Otherwise they could have worded it as something like "implement physical distancing protocols and enforce at least 6 feet between individuals...Those individuals who willfully disregard the 6 foot distance protocols shall be recorded/reported, confined to cabin(s), and disembarked at the first opportunity."  Or somesuch.  Instead it is phrased to let the cruise lines implement the protocols, but not be hard over on enforcement.

 

There are similar waffle-shaped areas of the Food Services area:

 

To reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, cruise ship operators must:

• ...
• Discourage crowded waiting areas by using phone app...

 

They must "discourage crowded waiting areas".  Harder wording would have been "prohibit crowds from gathering, and if they gather, disperse them ASAP" or similar.

 

Maybe I'm just being overly interpretive.

[TNcruising02]

It sounds like the cruise lines might expand the room service menu and eliminate the fee in order to encourage people to dine in their cabins.  I don't mind eating on my balcony if I could get a decent meal from room service.   Actually, that doesn't sound bad.  Sometimes I book insides to save money, but with all of the distance requirements I would really use my balcony.

[stellarose]

as long as I get my breakfast burrito from blue iguana on the Mardi Gras this winter.

[ChutChut]

2 hours ago, firefly333 said:

I am so tired of hearing desantis attacked.

 

I live in texas. Hello out there. There are other ports. All I read is about florida. If it's only florida as the problem let's get sailing from Galveston.  .. oh the cdc still is blocking the way? Oh darn, there goes all those blaming florida. I really am interested in restarting...booked on vista. Let's go. 

Not so fast, Texas. Port of Galveston is a state port funded by taxpayers. It facilitates the operations of any cruise. It is part and parcel to the line's operation. The Texas EO might just apply to Galveston....

[SNJCruisers]

13 hours ago, dallasdan said:

In my opinion, they are not going to cruise under a 95% requirement.  How do they determine the 5%?  Only kids?  Only Diamond or Platinum?  First on the ship?  I think they will either go 100 % vaccinated or no vaccine requirement.  

Real easy.  95% vaccinated adults and 5% under and 11 kids.  Can't have any unvaccinated adults because of the new CDC mask guidelines for vaccinated cruisers.  If there was a mixture of vaccinated and unvaccinated adults, there would be no way to tell who was who so the new mask guidelines can only be implemented if there are 100% vaccinated adults on board. 

[SNJCruisers]

10 hours ago, 40yearcruiser said:

If this is legitimate, it is really good news. Now the cruise lines have to bite the bullet and require all passengers must be vaccinated. How else will they be able to determine who can and who cannot go without a mask outdoors or go into port independently.

100% vaccinated adults 5% unvaccinated 11 and under kids

[topaz123]

16 hours ago, ProgRockCruiser said:

I hope the CDC really does have the nation's health as their best interests, but I am starting to wonder if the letters CDC really stand for Catatonically Disproportionately Cautious.

Or..The Center to Destroy Cruising..

[asalligo]

15 hours ago, TNcruising02 said:

It sounds like the cruise lines might expand the room service menu and eliminate the fee in order to encourage people to dine in their cabins.  I don't mind eating on my balcony if I could get a decent meal from room service.   Actually, that doesn't sound bad.  Sometimes I book insides to save money, but with all of the distance requirements I would really use my balcony.

I would prefer it. We often ate on our balcony pre covid. I would just go to the buffet and bring it back to the cabin. My biggest regret on most cruises is that I did not spend more time on my balcony, so why not have my meals there as often as possible.