HAL requiring masks?

[ShannonB]

20 hours ago, jayhawk66 said:

I just read that Carnival and Princess are requiring masks indoors beginning August 7. Has anyone been notified by HAL?

Yesterday we got our letter from HAL that masks mandatory on our Sept 5 th cruise from Athens to Venice. We just got home from a HAL Alaska trip that was massless and wonderful. 

[atexsix]

10 minutes ago, rucrazy said:

I have a feeling most of us want to return to our passion of cruising .. and the sooner the better!

But as a matter of thought has anyone considered, that not enough of the world has not been vaccinated yet?

Maybe we are putting the azimuth thrusters in front of the ship?!

 

I agree.  If it wasn't for Dear Dad I'd cancel, I can find plenty of things to do with the money, I got my eye on that new Google Pixel coming out in the fall 🙂  

 

For now I have no choice but to go with it.  Will try to get the appointments, since we're local we can go way out into the boondocks if need be.  Then we'll cross our fingers the results come quickly.   In the meantime we hope to get clarity on type of test and all the other unanswered questions.

[Destiny0315]

Millie, exclamations  marks, and protocols: On July 26 when I posted the news here from the Alaskan media about the Covid case being reported on the Celebrity Millenium ship that had just docked with the HAL NA in Juneau it was immediately challenged here as being "unimportant", "not newsworthy", "having no connection to HAL", and definitely not worth four exclamation points. That's despite it being the first reported breakthrough case from a major cruise ship with paying customers that was sailing in Alaskan waters and docking at an American port. Now it seems like 10 days later the poop has hit the rudder and the whole cruise industry is trying to prevent a stall.

[panamashark]

Has anyone heard if masks will be required in the gym?  This indoor area was not specifically mentioned in the notice from HAL as required.  We are hoping to use the gym in off hours when it is not crowded as it is hard to workout in a mask.  Cheers

[syesmar]

HAL Brand Ambassador SETH WAYNE 

Seth Wayne made a post a little while ago and is directing folks to the Worry-Free page on HAL’s website, but has interacted with some on FB. Hopefully, he’ll help get some solid answers on some things that are unclear.

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3921235191316312&id=275491239224077

 

[aliaschief]

16 minutes ago, panamashark said:

Has anyone heard if masks will be required in the gym?  This indoor area was not specifically mentioned in the notice from HAL as required.  We are hoping to use the gym in off hours when it is not crowded as it is hard to workout in a mask.  Cheers

It’s a public area with folks breathing hard. So you can pretty much count that mask will be required. 

[roxybear135]

1 hour ago, atexsix said:

I agree.  If it wasn't for Dear Dad I'd cancel, I can find plenty of things to do with the money, I got my eye on that new Google Pixel coming out in the fall 🙂  

 

For now I have no choice but to go with it.  Will try to get the appointments, since we're local we can go way out into the boondocks if need be.  Then we'll cross our fingers the results come quickly.   In the meantime we hope to get clarity on type of test and all the other unanswered questions.

I'm not sure how rural the area is that you're in but my fiance lives in Snohomish county and they're doing the PCR test at CVS (with appointments now through 8/19) or the rapid test at Walgreens (but appointments seem to only be available 2 days out).  Hopefully you have one of those near you

[atexsix]

11 minutes ago, roxybear135 said:

I'm not sure how rural the area is that you're in but my fiance lives in Snohomish county and they're doing the PCR test at CVS (with appointments now through 8/19) or the rapid test at Walgreens (but appointments seem to only be available 2 days out).  Hopefully you have one of those near you

We have a couple of CVS's and I'm going to try and get appointments as soon as the period of time falls within the window for our cruise.  We actually have a Walgreens right down the street, but 2 days out just won't cut it, maybe as a Plan B, I don't know.  Because we're booked at a HAL hotel we don't have as much time as others, 2 days instead of 3.

[atexsix]

41 minutes ago, syesmar said:

HAL Brand Ambassador SETH WAYNE 

Seth Wayne made a post a little while ago and is directing folks to the Worry-Free page on HAL’s website, but has interacted with some on FB. Hopefully, he’ll help get some solid answers on some things that are unclear.

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3921235191316312&id=275491239224077

 

Somebody needs to.  Even Cruise Critic's own article failed to point out the logistical challenges.

[idiebabe]

2 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

95% vaccinated??  And then it says all fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral Covid-19 test.  What about the 5% who aren't vaccinated??  This doesn't even make sense.

I'm confused on that, too, but the Website the 2021 Cruises are for Vaccinated Only.  This was updated yesterday.  If you go into FAQ's, it says just for Vaccinated Guests.  

 

Carnival is requiring 95% Vaccinated with Testing within 72 hours.  If not Vaccinated, they require the Test within 72 hours as well as will Test at Pier (I believe the fee is $150).  

 

Health Protocols For Your Cruise

A Safer Way To Cruise And Travel — Updated August 4, 2021

At Holland America Line, our highest priorities are compliance, environmental protection and the health, safety and well-being of our guests, crew and the communities we visit.

All of our 2021 cruises are available for guests who have received their final dose of an approved COVID-19 vaccine at least 14 days prior to the beginning of the cruise and have proof of vaccination and proof of a negative, medically observed viral COVID-19 test (PCR or antigen) taken within 72 hours of their embarkation. For guests embarking in Europe, we are conducting mandatory COVID-19 antigen testing at the pier pursuant to the EU Healthy Gateways Protocols. This test will be complimentary, and a negative result will satisfy our new testing requirements.

Requirements for 2022 published itineraries will be announced on a rolling basis, prior to final payment due dates, in accordance with CDC guidelines and as updated travel protocols are provided by governments, ports and public health authorities.

As these cruises are for vaccinated guests, we will continue to offer the award-winning cruise experience that Holland America Line is known for, with very few changes to the onboard experience. Dining will be available in The Dining Room, specialty restaurants, popular casual venues (our team will serve you at all times, even in the Lido buffet), and in-room dining. Enhanced reservation systems will be available via our website and Navigator® app to make planning your dining reservations easier than ever before or during your cruise. Entertainment will be in full swing throughout all our popular live music venues and World Stage, along with engaging activities and enrichment programming.

[panamashark]

31 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

It’s a public area with folks breathing hard. So you can pretty much count that mask will be required. 

While I mostly agree with you, if it was that obvious, they would have included the gym in the required list.  It may be possible that masks will be required when the gym is busy and not required at other times.  We will have to see what happens on the cruises that start on August 7th.

[aliaschief]

1 minute ago, panamashark said:

While I mostly agree with you, if it was that obvious, they would have included the gym in the required list.  It may be possible that masks will be required when the gym is busy and not required at other times.  We will have to see what happens on the cruises that start on August 7th.

I just think there not going to name every venue on the ship. To me Public pretty much entails all areas except when your dining or seated having a cocktail. Will find out this weekend.

[atexsix]

1 hour ago, syesmar said:

HAL Brand Ambassador SETH WAYNE 

Seth Wayne made a post a little while ago and is directing folks to the Worry-Free page on HAL’s website, but has interacted with some on FB. Hopefully, he’ll help get some solid answers on some things that are unclear.

https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=3921235191316312&id=275491239224077

 

Seth's Facebook page is the online equivalent of this famous scene from Jaws:

 

 

[Roz]

1 hour ago, panamashark said:

Has anyone heard if masks will be required in the gym?  This indoor area was not specifically mentioned in the notice from HAL as required.  We are hoping to use the gym in off hours when it is not crowded as it is hard to workout in a mask.  Cheers

 

I'm doing cardiac rehab at a hospital right now, and we have to mask up during the entire workout.  I wouldn't be surprised if masks are required in the gym.   

[Torquer]

37 minutes ago, aliaschief said:

I just think there not going to name every venue on the ship. To me Public pretty much entails all areas except when your dining or seated having a cocktail. Will find out this weekend.

 

The HAL wording is very confusing.  It starts by saying masks are required "indoors" in red letters.  Then it goes on to list some places it is definitely required, some places it is not, and then ends with:  "You may occasionally be asked to wear a mask in other designated areas where larger number of guests may congregate."

 

If it really is every place inside the ship, then it should just have said that and listed the exceptions (like when eating).  Maybe they want to let people retain some hope of not always having to wear a mask, before they actually arrive for the cruise, instead of cancelling now.

[Heartgrove]

We just returned from a week's cruise around Iceland sailing with one of the "same-small ships" cruise line. I will just say that I am glad I have four HAL cruises booked through Fall 2022 as we are a better fit for HAL! 

 

We were required to wear masks everywhere except in our cabin, spa, and while seated eating and drinking. Riding buses on excursions also required masks. Actually wearing a mask was rather easy as "VO" provided two 10-packs of masks.

 

Further protocols were included. A spit sample was collected for a daily PCR test. We also wore contact tracers on a visible lanyard although some passengers circumvented the intention by placing it in their pocket, etc. Amazing as to where some admitted carrying it! TMI! All passengers were 100% vaccinated and they used Verifly  for proof. Yet there were still three positive cases detected on three of the cruises. A number of passengers were initially quarantined due to close proximity using the contact tracing data. Originally all cruises were to be in a "bubble" with no independent excursions ashore. But that was lifted before the 1st cruise. Now six weeks later due to the increase of COVID in Iceland, the "bubble" will be implemented on cruises from August 7 onward.

 

"VO" did a good job of being concise with what the requirements actually were. But initially played the fence on enforcing rules probably to prevent offending anyone - until the scares with positive cases. Having the police escort excursions back to the ship, one ship ordered back to Reykjavik two days early by the Icelandic Coast Guard, and not allowing disembarking in some small ports after the positive result scare somehow changed the cruise itineraries. No sea days scheduled but were substituted.

 

 

 

 

Edited August 5, 2021 by Heartgrove

[Sir PMP]

50 minutes ago, atexsix said:

Seth's Facebook page is the online equivalent of this famous scene from Jaws:

 

 

That's why he's new at Hal..

[panamashark]

1 hour ago, aliaschief said:

I just think there not going to name every venue on the ship. To me Public pretty much entails all areas except when your dining or seated having a cocktail. Will find out this weekend.

You are probably correct.  The next thing that will change is that passengers will only be allowed off the ship for ship excursions.  While masks inside suck on fully vaccinated cruises, only ship excursions would ruin the trip.  We will probably cancel or 24 day September cruise on Monday.  Bummer

[Tridentnyc]

4 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

95% vaccinated??  And then it says all fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral Covid-19 test.  What about the 5% who aren't vaccinated??  This doesn't even make sense.

The 5% who aren’t vaccinated were always required to be tested and were required to wear masks in public areas onboard. Nothing much has changed for them. 

[julia]

1 hour ago, Heartgrove said:

We just returned from a week's cruise around Iceland sailing with one of the "same-small ships" cruise line. I will just say that I am glad I have four HAL cruises booked through Fall 2022 as we are a better fit for HAL! 

 

We were required to wear masks everywhere except in our cabin, spa, and while seated eating and drinking. Riding buses on excursions also required masks. Actually wearing a mask was rather easy as "VO" provided two 10-packs of masks.

 

Further protocols were included. A spit sample was collected for a daily PCR test. We also wore contact tracers on a visible lanyard although some passengers circumvented the intention by placing it in their pocket, etc. Amazing as to where some admitted carrying it! TMI! All passengers were 100% vaccinated and they used Verifly  for proof. Yet there were still three positive cases detected on three of the cruises. A number of passengers were initially quarantined due to close proximity using the contact tracing data. Originally all cruises were to be in a "bubble" with no independent excursions ashore. But that was lifted before the 1st cruise. Now six weeks later due to the increase of COVID in Iceland, the "bubble" will be implemented on cruises from August 7 onward.

 

"VO" did a good job of being concise with what the requirements actually were. But initially played the fence on enforcing rules probably to prevent offending anyone - until the scares with positive cases. Having the police escort excursions back to the ship, one ship ordered back to Reykjavik two days early by the Icelandic Coast Guard, and not allowing disembarking in some small ports after the positive result scare somehow changed the cruise itineraries. No sea days scheduled but were substituted.

 

 

 

 

@Heartgrove... thx for sharing.

I'm sure VO was doing everything in their power to keep people safe, but spit samples, contact tracers, bubbles and Coast Guard just sound a bit too Utopian for me. 

[ShannonB]

On 8/4/2021 at 12:36 PM, jayhawk66 said:

I just read that Carnival and Princess are requiring masks indoors beginning August 7. Has anyone been notified by HAL?

YES

[KirkNC]

1 hour ago, panamashark said:

You are probably correct.  The next thing that will change is that passengers will only be allowed off the ship for ship excursions.  While masks inside suck on fully vaccinated cruises, only ship excursions would ruin the trip.  We will probably cancel or 24 day September cruise on Monday.  Bummer

I would not bet against you.  After all if the others steps are necessary, it would seem this one would be as well.

 

I just hope the industry can survive this sucker punch.

[TiogaCruiser]

18 hours ago, AncientWanderer said:

 

Me...I'd have my ducks in a row before I ever got on a plane.  But I still think they should offer it for those willing to take the chance, or who live in remote areas where testing is hard to access.

Maybe HAL is working on pier testing, but not yet ready to roll it out. Time will tell. Being it appears it is hard to get the tests locally at the embarkation port, it seems it would make a lot of sense for the cruise lines to provide them. What about the locals need for testing, if scarce tests are being taken by travelers?

5 hours ago, Cruising-along said:

95% vaccinated??  And then it says all fully vaccinated guests to produce a negative viral Covid-19 test.  What about the 5% who aren't vaccinated??  This doesn't even make sense.

When did it go to 95%? Did HAL send out a generic Carnival email?

 

Wow. Really glad I don’t have anything booked.

Edited August 5, 2021 by TiogaCruiser

[TiogaCruiser]

4 hours ago, rucrazy said:

I have a feeling most of us want to return to our passion of cruising .. and the sooner the better!

But as a matter of thought has anyone considered, that not enough of the world has not been vaccinated yet?

Maybe we are putting the azimuth thrusters in front of the ship?!

 

Well said.

[Heartgrove]

9 minutes ago, julia said:

@Heartgrove... thx for sharing.

I'm sure VO was doing everything in their power to keep people safe, but spit samples, contact tracers, bubbles and Coast Guard just sound a bit too Utopian for me. 

 

I appreciate the candor of your response. This is/was required to not have outbreaks like what occurred on cruise ships  last year.  The cruise experience was undeniable enjoyable! Just different due to social distancing. In case anyone is wondering, the ship has a capacity of 930 passengers but our cruise only had 860 passengers. VO has a business plan of included excursions in every port. We were assured of stepping foot on land every day.