Are mask required onboard?

[P.A.]

So I just called Princess to ask if mask are going to be required onboard. The lady would not answer my question instead referred me to the Princess website/CDC. I couldn't find anything about this specific topic. We are scheduled Aug 22nd to Alaska. Our final payment is due this month but we probably wouldn't go if we have to wear mask in all public places. We have both been vaccinated.

 

Does anyone know?

[oskidunker]

The early cruises will likely require masks, although the CDC has said vaccinated passengers do not have to wear masks inside the ship.You probably wont know until shortly before sailing. 
 

if you have a Balcony cabin you do not have to wear-a mask there. Likely with drink in hand or in dining room, no mask.The worst could be walking around the ship..

 

i hate wearing a mask  but would go if they are required. I would work around it. Tired of sitting home .

[Steelers36]

12 minutes ago, oskidunker said:

if you have a Balcony cabin you do not have to wear-a mask there

Doesn't matter what kind of cabin one has - no mask when in the cabin.  And, besides, who's to know?

Edited June 2, 2021 by Steelers36

[Astro Flyer]

1 hour ago, P.A. said:

The lady would not answer my question instead referred me to the Princess website/CDC.

Based on their website Princess hasn’t received an answer yet from the CDC about wearing masks.

 

Will I have to wear a face mask?

We are awaiting CDC guidance on face masks for these cruises.

 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/

[caribill]

4 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

Based on their website Princess hasn’t received an answer yet from the CDC about wearing masks.

 

Will I have to wear a face mask?

We are awaiting CDC guidance on face masks for these cruises.

 

 

That is what Princess said on a webinar last week, waiting for CDC rules.

 

My guess since almost all passengers will have been vaccinated is that the CDC will say:

a) Not out on deck unless part of a crowd

b) Not in a dining room

c) Not in the Princess Theater once seated

d) Not elsewhere inside unless part of a crowd

[TinaLee]

5 hours ago, caribill said:

 

That is what Princess said on a webinar last week, waiting for CDC rules.

 

My guess since almost all passengers will have been vaccinated is that the CDC will say:

a) Not out on deck unless part of a crowd

b) Not in a dining room

c) Not in the Princess Theater once seated

d) Not elsewhere inside unless part of a crowd

I think you're most likely right on these guidelines. I would anticipate we will have to wear a mask in the port terminal before boarding due to crowds. I do wonder if anyone has any word if these first 10 Alaska voyages are going to be capacity limited in any way? As in, you can remove your mask in the theater and be okay, but probably not if the theater is 100% full and elbow-to-elbow? I haven't heard anything about capacity limits, but I'm curious if the ships will be a bit less crowded for these first few at least. 

[Grego]

It is just a fluid situation and it will become even more so now we are getting into the weather season and the wind will blow more and the direction of the guidelines will follow suit.

[MissyKish]

Can I wear shorts in the MDR? Can I reduce my tips? Where are the smoking areas? Can I share my drink package?  Please people, stop with the questions that nobody has an answer to yet. You act line the cruise lines know everything and are keeping it a secret. The science and resulting answers are evolving and will continue to evolve. Best way to ensure no masks would be to convince your anti vaxx friends to submit to the science and get the vaccine.

[TinaLee]

Just now, MissyKish said:

Can I wear shorts in the MDR? Can I reduce my tips? Where are the smoking areas? Can I share my drink package?  Please people, stop with the questions that nobody has an answer to yet. You act line the cruise lines know everything and are keeping it a secret. The science and resulting answers are evolving and will continue to evolve. Best way to ensure no masks would be to convince your anti vaxx friends to submit to the science and get the vaccine.

No need to get snippish - some of those questions can be answered, especially the first 4 you raise. I think people are asking here because they think perhaps they have just missed seeing the guidance and are wondering if anyone else has read something they might have missed. And as a side, if you think it is easy to "convince" an anti-vaxx friend or family member to get the vaccine when they do not want to then you are deluded. Don't assume we haven't been trying all along, and not for the reason of cruising, but for the sake of their health. 

[MissyKish]

34 minutes ago, TinaLee said:

No need to get snippish - some of those questions can be answered, especially the first 4 you raise. I think people are asking here because they think perhaps they have just missed seeing the guidance and are wondering if anyone else has read something they might have missed. And as a side, if you think it is easy to "convince" an anti-vaxx friend or family member to get the vaccine when they do not want to then you are deluded. Don't assume we haven't been trying all along, and not for the reason of cruising, but for the sake of their health. 

I do agree with you! The people who will not get the vaccine will find whatever reason supports them. First it was "the vaccine was rushed." Then they found out science had been working on this type of vaccine for over 20 years. So they moved on to "it is only approved for emergency use." Then it became "it does this, it does that."  

[TinaLee]

45 minutes ago, MissyKish said:

I do agree with you! The people who will not get the vaccine will find whatever reason supports them. First it was "the vaccine was rushed." Then they found out science had been working on this type of vaccine for over 20 years. So they moved on to "it is only approved for emergency use." Then it became "it does this, it does that."  

Absolutely! I work on a fringe of the medical field and it makes me insane some of things I hear! And anecdotal excuses are most often the most maddening!! 

[LawDog61]

We all know that there has always been a certain amount of risk on the cruise ships.  How many times have we come down with a cold or sore throat during or after a cruise.

When this Covid thing is under control, I am thinking that wearing a mask in high risk situations (tendering, debarking etc) might be a reasonable precaution.

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

We have two cruises before our December Princess cruise. Who knows what will happen by then. Just about every week the CDC is changing things. Just about 7 months from now.

[Astro Flyer]

5 hours ago, TinaLee said:

I do wonder if anyone has any word if these first 10 Alaska voyages are going to be capacity limited in any way?

At last week’s webinar they stated that Alaska bookings are being capacity controlled in case the CDC requires it. If not then they’ll sell more cabins later because they didn’t want to have an overbooked situation if the CDC decides to limit the number of passengers onboard.
 

There’s a webinar scheduled for tomorrow to discuss COVID-19 related requirements for passengers so hopefully there’ll be more answers based on CDC requirements.

[JF - retired RRT]

3 hours ago, LawDog61 said:

We all know that there has always been a certain amount of risk on the cruise ships.  How many times have we come down with a cold or sore throat during or after a cruise.

When this Covid thing is under control, I am thinking that wearing a mask in high risk situations (tendering, debarking etc) might be a reasonable precaution.

Every single cruise (25+). I think I'll be wearing a mask, even if it's not required.

Edited June 2, 2021 by JF - retired RRT

[satxdiver]

Princess does not know the answer to the OP's question so they are not able to respond right now.  I imagine we will not know until after they start cruising again and the CDC settles on one answer.  Then there is the problem with the FL government that keeps wanting to be the spoiler while encouraging the ships to return.  

[trbarton]

22 hours ago, P.A. said:

So I just called Princess to ask if mask are going to be required onboard. The lady would not answer my question instead referred me to the Princess website/CDC. I couldn't find anything about this specific topic. We are scheduled Aug 22nd to Alaska. Our final payment is due this month but we probably wouldn't go if we have to wear mask in all public places. We have both been vaccinated.

 

Does anyone know?

I listen to a number of YouTube channels about cruising & most of the cruise lines are sailing are saying no masks when on the outside of the ship maintaining a social distance but when inside, yes, unless eating or drinking.  I feel Princess may have the same regulations. 
 

Tom😀

[P.A.]

21 hours ago, Astro Flyer said:

Based on their website Princess hasn’t received an answer yet from the CDC about wearing masks.

 

Will I have to wear a face mask?

We are awaiting CDC guidance on face masks for these cruises.

 

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/

Thank you for that info.

[P.A.]

Thanks for all your replies. Maybe we'll know more from the CDC before June 22nd which is when my final payment is due.🤔

[caribill]

CDC guidelines. Up to each cruise company how to implement them.

 

Mask Usage and Social Distancing 

The new guidelines state the following: 

• 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.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise crew who are fully vaccinated that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in areas of the ship that are inaccessible to passengers.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos; bars; spas; entertainment venues; and dining areas, including self-serve buffets).
• For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any areas.

Food Services 

As specified in the new guidelines, cruise lines can designate areas as accessible to only fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required, which includes dining venues and self-service buffets. For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, the CDC has offered the following recommendations for dining areas: 

• Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet apart 
• Limit seating capacity to allow for the physical distancing of at least 6 feet 
• Discourage crowded waiting areas by using a phone app, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. 
• Eliminate self-service food and drink options, like 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 in areas where it is difficult for individuals to maintain a proper physical distance of at least 6 feet 
• Provide physical guides to remind guests to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet 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 the use of supplies and equipment by one group of food workers at a time and clean and disinfect between uses.
• Avoid using or sharing items that are reusable.

 

[ALWAYS CRUZIN]

33 minutes ago, caribill said:

CDC guidelines. Up to each cruise company how to implement them.

 

Mask Usage and Social Distancing 

The new guidelines state the following: 

• 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.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise crew who are fully vaccinated that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in areas of the ship that are inaccessible to passengers.
• Cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may designate areas as only accessible to fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required (e.g., casinos; bars; spas; entertainment venues; and dining areas, including self-serve buffets).
• For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any areas.

Food Services 

As specified in the new guidelines, cruise lines can designate areas as accessible to only fully vaccinated passengers and crew where masks and physical distancing are not required, which includes dining venues and self-service buffets. For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, the CDC has offered the following recommendations for dining areas: 

• Change restaurant and bar layouts to ensure that all customer parties remain at least 6 feet apart 
• Limit seating capacity to allow for the physical distancing of at least 6 feet 
• Discourage crowded waiting areas by using a phone app, text technology, or signs to alert patrons when their table is ready. 
• Eliminate self-service food and drink options, like 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 in areas where it is difficult for individuals to maintain a proper physical distance of at least 6 feet 
• Provide physical guides to remind guests to maintain a physical distance of at least 6 feet 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 the use of supplies and equipment by one group of food workers at a time and clean and disinfect between uses.
• Avoid using or sharing items that are reusable.

 

How old is this? 6FT is no longer.

[caribill]

4 hours ago, ALWAYS CRUZIN said:

How old is this? 6FT is no longer.

Mask info seems to be current.

 

Looks like food info should be as follows:

Food service protocols will also change for cruise ships that are fully vaccinated. On ships where both crew and passengers are vaccinated, self-service at buffets and salad bars will once again be permitted aboard vaccinated cruises. Tables will not need to be socially distancing and passengers will be able to share menus.

[Steelers36]

5 hours ago, caribill said:

For ships with at least 95% of crew and 95% of passengers fully vaccinated, cruise ship operators, at their discretion, may advise passengers and crew that they do not have to wear a mask or maintain physical distance in any areas.

THIS is the best of it all.  Hope Princess adopts the above.

 

[Steelers36]

22 hours ago, caribill said:

c) Not in the Princess Theater once seated

This seems a poor guess as what is the point of wearing a mask while entering and leaving with casual, momentary contact with people not dissimilar to walking around central areas of the ship, but then it is okay to be seated for an hour or so without a mask?

[caribill]

18 minutes ago, Steelers36 said:

THIS is the best of it all.  Hope Princess adopts the above.

 

It does say " On ships where both crew and passengers are vaccinated" and I do not know if that really means 100% or if the 95% parameter is reached.