Sky Princess implements new mask wearing rule … sip and cover!

[wannagonow123]

I booked a 7 day cruise, then added the next week to make a back to back. Travel summary shows 2 trips with 2 confirmations codes. The app shows a 14 day.  So do I fall under 7 & 7 or 14?

 

I wish the honchos that run Carnival, Princess and Holland would take a cruise on Royal Caribbean to see how pleasurable cruises can be during these times. They have vaccinated areas where masks are not required. Vaccinated folks are given a wristband, and masks are optional in most lounges, in the casino, and most lounges as they are for vaccinated people only. If you are traveling with children that cannot get vaccinated, you are considered unvaccinated,  They do have people that roam throughout the ship to enforce. Very enjoyable. Then we went on Carnival... all I can say is that we cancelled future bookings. I am hoping that whatever the policy is at the time we board, it is enforced. 

[wrongwaywatson]

Well, I will say it.....sip and cover is stupid.   I will avoid areas I am required to wear a mask.  That just means I will spend a lot less money.  I will spend my time at the pool, on my balcony, on the promenade deck and anywhere else outdoors.

[coo359a2]

It's not just Princess or any cruise line that requires you to "sip and cover".  After serving drinks and snacks, Southwest flight attendants were reminding everyone to sip/bite and then mask up after taking a sip or bite of a snack.  This was back in June flying from out of Las Vegas.

[GonzoWCS]

2 hours ago, awhcruiser said:

More room for the rest of us.  

This

[lljost]

I am willing to wear my mask whenever and however requested.  Those of you who say you cannot  and will not wear a mask per the ship and/or the CDC suggestion/request...think about the ships crew who have no choice but must wear a mask ANYTIME they are on duty. If they can manage so can YOU! 

[Blackduck59]

49 minutes ago, lljost said:

I am willing to wear my mask whenever and however requested.  Those of you who say you cannot  and will not wear a mask per the ship and/or the CDC suggestion/request...think about the ships crew who have no choice but must wear a mask ANYTIME they are on duty. If they can manage so can YOU! 

 

I'm pretty sure that most of us who feel the mask rules are over the top will choose not to cruise. My wife works in health care and wears a mask for her entire shift. She often has her lunch in the car just to get some time without it. My mother in law lives in an assisted living community and we have to put on a new mask when we clear screening even though we have masks on when we come through the door. (just more garbage in the land fill) We will choose to pass on the cruise while lift and sip is a thing. The crew is being paid to be there and I would be he one paying them. Those that feel the rules are fine as they are...enjoy your cruise. We will choose to pass on the cruises while this continues. I'm really not sure where you identify the difference between good science with safe practices from paranoia.

We all live and work in places with unvaccinated people every day, we wear our masks according to our local health orders. Why on earth would I pay thousands of dollar so I can follow even more stringent restrictions? Why would anyone? I guess the part that I live in a place many people seem to want to spend thousands of dollars to visit makes me happier to stay at home.

Edited October 17, 2021 by Blackduck59
spelling

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

This is really difficult for me because basically I follow rules. I am generally not one to rebel or to push things to the limit except when I feel it necessary. On this occasion I want to comply simply because it is a rule and I should follow the rules but I am struggling to justify this one.

 

I would like to see the justification. Are cruises of over 10 nights getting many more breakthrough cases? I have not seen any statistics to suggest that anywhere. If they have no evidence, and are not prepared to make that evidence open to public scrutiny, then it is just an arbitrary rules and I am not inclined to comply. 

I am a huge supporter of masks and totally comply normally so don't think I am a mask basher. I strongly believe that they do help to prevent the spread of covid and so I am a supporter of masks when it makes sense. But sip and cover simply does not make sense.

 

So, wearing a mask when moving around? yes, of course. But I am dead against wearing masks when seated in a bar, with excellent aircon.

This rule was sprung on us a week before our cruise... that is just not fair. We took a 4 night cruise in September to see if we could cruise with the mask rules. We decided it was OK because when seated with a drink we could remove the mask. So we booked a longer cruise and this happens. We would have book a shorter cruise if we had known.

[devonuk]

I’m currently on the Sky and despite repeated requests to wear a mask in the indoor areas and to sip and recover etc there are still many, many people who are not. 
 

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

10 minutes ago, devonuk said:

I’m currently on the Sky and despite repeated requests to wear a mask in the indoor areas and to sip and recover etc there are still many, many people who are not. 
 

Rules are good. They protect us all when we don't necessarily know we need protection. But the sip and cover rules is not going to protect anyone any appreciable amount as far as I can see. 

 

I am on Sky next week for 14N... I have decided that I will follow the sip and cover rule when it makes sense... if I am in a crowded bar and there is little space between us then it makes sense to wear masks no matter how uncomfortable or inconvenient it is. I can always choose to go somewhere less crowded if I don't like it. But if I have space around me and I don't consider it any risk then I will not be sipping and covering. I feel very uncomfortable not complying but not because I feel I would be increase the covid risk but because I don't like breaking rules. I am the kind of person that always follows rules and it is alien for me to not do so. But on this occasion I will make an exception. I am not having my cruise ruined (it would ruin the cruise for me because I spend a lot of time in  the bars!) because of some arbitrary rule that has nothing to support it.

 

I guess this is a result of the increased capacity. I suspect that they need to increase capacity for financial reasons and so felt that have to do something to counteract the increased risk. The thing is that I am convinced this new rule will not actually reduce the risk by any appreciable amount. 

 

I am not sure how the crew will handle those that don't comply... we will see.

[caribill]

48 minutes ago, Snaxmuppet said:

 

I would like to see the justification. Are cruises of over 10 nights getting many more breakthrough cases? I have not seen any statistics to suggest that anywhere. If they have no evidence, and are not prepared to make that evidence open to public scrutiny, then it is just an arbitrary rules and I am not inclined to comply. 
 

 

Since Covid-19 cannot be detected by tests until 4-7 days after becoming infected, people can be boarding with Covid-19 that is not detectable at the time the pre-cruise Covid-19 test was taken.

 

In addition, passengers could become infected from being near local populations at a port stop.

 

Testing at the stated intervals can help prevent such infections from being undetected.

[wowzz]

12 hours ago, lx200gps said:

That would help explain things. The original post did not mention the duration of the cruise, so if it is longer than 10 days, then this nasty new rule would apply. AFAIK the Sky is not yet on its TA, and I wasn't sure what trip it is currently on.

 

Can anyone help out, what itinerary is the Sky currently on and is it longer than 10 days?

Just a 7 day cruise to France and Spain

[wowzz]

6 hours ago, dave_k58 said:

I am on the TA Nov 5 and never got this email.  I am thinking that they must have lost my email, or maybe it doesn't apply to TA

It is not an email. It is a letter delivered to every cabin. 

[Alcairns]

It is one thing creating a masking policy it is another thing enforcing it! We got off the Sky on Friday after a great cruise however the masking policy was not being enforced particularly in the casino where masks were either improperly worn or not at all. I complained to the cashier staff about this on several occasions to no effect! On one occasion i saw the casino manager chatting to a passenger who was not wearing a mask. One would have thought he would have said something but no! In Princess 

Live it was hit or miss whether you were required to wear a mask or not. There is a lot is inconsistency!

[devonuk]

2307 passengers on this cruise for info. 

[Guest Snaxmuppet]

3 minutes ago, devonuk said:

2307 passengers on this cruise for info. 

I am on the cruise after yours I think (depart 22nd October). They seem to be increasing capacity on each sailing so I would expect ours to sail at about 2500.

[john1970]

We had a lovely trip on Regal Princess in September and were happy with the mask rules. On our cruise though,  there were many people that ignored the rules and not once did I see a crew member say a word to them.  I would adhere to the new regulations but I am sure constantly taking off and putting on a non medical mask would make it totally useless and unhygienic. I feel it's a bit like airport security in that it won't do much but might make us feel a bit better. I haven't got a cruise booked until April next year in the hope that things are a little more normal by then and we would have got through the winter surge of covid.

[pms4104]

Lacking meaningful enforcement,

 

The policy is merely smoke and mirrors and theater.

[Ginnyfyr]

11 hours ago, wannagonow123 said:

I booked a 7 day cruise, then added the next week to make a back to back. Travel summary shows 2 trips with 2 confirmations codes. The app shows a 14 day.  So do I fall under 7 & 7 or 14?

 

I wish the honchos that run Carnival, Princess and Holland would take a cruise on Royal Caribbean to see how pleasurable cruises can be during these times. They have vaccinated areas where masks are not required. Vaccinated folks are given a wristband, and masks are optional in most lounges, in the casino, and most lounges as they are for vaccinated people only. If you are traveling with children that cannot get vaccinated, you are considered unvaccinated,  They do have people that roam throughout the ship to enforce. Very enjoyable. Then we went on Carnival... all I can say is that we cancelled future bookings. I am hoping that whatever the policy is at the time we board, it is enforced. 

I wish I hadn't seen this comment (though I appreciate you sharing it). Hubby and I tacked on a 6 day Carnival cruise a few days after our upcoming Virgin cruise as their pricing was so good and we figured we're already going to be in Miami anyway. We were on Majestic Princess in Alaska last month and I was pleasantly surprised at how many guests opted to wear masks indoors (and even outdoors sometimes! It did help to keep the nose warm on Glacier Bay day) in areas where they weren't required. I would say upwards of 95% of passengers wore them when moving about the ship going from A to B, even though masks were only required in the casino, shops, elevators, and in crowded situations (ship was only at 65% capacity). I was hoping passengers on other cruise lines would follow suit, though I did see someone comment on the Carnival boards that her friend is on Freedom (the ship we're going on) and had remarked that not many were masked. Ah well, sounds like hubby and I will be in the minority wearing masks indoors on our Carnival cruise!

Edited October 17, 2021 by Ginnyfyr
not enough coffee in me to spell properly yet

[PACD_JG]

Why doesn't Princess apply this policy in their dining areas?  If you think "eat and cover" goes too far, I ask you....what's the difference between that and "sip and cover" in a bar?

[wrongwaywatson]

10 hours ago, lljost said:

I am willing to wear my mask whenever and however requested.  Those of you who say you cannot  and will not wear a mask per the ship and/or the CDC suggestion/request...think about the ships crew who have no choice but must wear a mask ANYTIME they are on duty. If they can manage so can YOU! 

 

I didn't see anyone say that they are going to go and not comply.  Just some people (myself included) saying that Sip & Cover is a bit ridiculous.  The more you touch your mask, to take it on and off, the more unsanitary it becomes.  You are getting germs on it every time you touch it.   You also run the risk of transferring those germs every time you touch any other item.  So, yes, I think it is 100% for show.  I do not think it will do a darn thing to prevent the spread.   

All i said was that I will avoid the areas where it is required.  I will spend my time on my balcony, by the pool, on the promenade deck.   

[Steelers36]

6 hours ago, caribill said:

Testing at the stated intervals can help prevent such infections from being undetected.

I'd rather they take some tests - at their cost - if they want and then make the masking optional.  

Eventually, TPTB will decide that the math indicates time to relax things and make them optional.

[eclue]

1 hour ago, Ginnyfyr said:

I wish I hadn't seen this comment (though I appreciate you sharing it). Hubby and I tacked on a 6 day Carnival cruise a few days after our upcoming Virgin cruise as their pricing was so good and we figured we're already going to be in Miami anyway. We were on Majestic Princess in Alaska last month and I was pleasantly surprised at how many guests opted to wear masks indoors (and even outdoors sometimes! It did help to keep the nose warm on Glacier Bay day) in areas where they weren't required. I would say upwards of 95% of passengers wore them when moving about the ship going from A to B, even though masks were only required in the casino, shops, elevators, and in crowded situations (ship was only at 65% capacity). I was hoping passengers on other cruise lines would follow suit, though I did see someone comment on the Carnival boards that her friend is on Freedom (the ship we're going on) and had remarked that not many were masked. Ah well, sounds like hubby and I will be in the minority wearing masks indoors on our Carnival cruise!

We were on a Carnival Dream cruise two weeks ago - they strictly enforced the mask wearing. A crew member stood at the entrance to the buffet and if you did not wear a mask - he gave you one. In the casino, there was less smoke b/c no one could just sit at the bar and smoke - I applaud that ship for its excellent mask enforcement and cleanliness..... it is not a big deal to just wear the mask and enjoy being on a cruise....Wake up - don't be so self centered - covid is still possible being vaccinated. Health care workers wear masks all day long and don't complain - so do the crew members. Happy sailing!

[PrincessLuver]

11 hours ago, lljost said:

I am willing to wear my mask whenever and however requested.  Those of you who say you cannot  and will not wear a mask per the ship and/or the CDC suggestion/request...think about the ships crew who have no choice but must wear a mask ANYTIME they are on duty. If they can manage so can YOU! 

 

Princess should not have to enforce a basic protocol that they have established for public safety.  It should be up to each passenger to comply with what is expected of them to do for the safety of all.  It just is not that big a deal and it is done on airlines all the time.

 

In the day and age of "me first" I can hardly wait to see what happens if there is ever a ship emergency on Princess and everyone is expected to comply to evacuate a ship......I suspect it will not go well because of the entitled and selfish attitudes that are so pervasive now in society.  

Some people just appear like they cannot handle much of what life throws at them.....it is just too much to deal with!   There is only one thing worse then wearing a mask and that is hearing someone complain about having to wear a mask.

Edited October 17, 2021 by PrincessLuver

[5:00_Somewhere]

As others have said, the rules for bars and dining are similar to the rules on airlines (at least US airlines). I was just on a 6-hour flight on Friday where these exact rules were in place and enforced, and no one complained. We will be sailing on the Sky in December and I, for one, am happy for them. Is it inconvenient? Yes. But, if it will help protect the health and possibly lives of myself and others, I personally feel a little inconvenience is a small price to pay to enjoy the other benefits of air travel or a cruise vacation. Of course it's not exactly like it used to be, but nothing is at this point. Just my 2¢. Happy and safe cruising to all. 😷🚢👍

[Ginnyfyr]

10 minutes ago, eclue said:

We were on a Carnival Dream cruise two weeks ago - they strictly enforced the mask wearing. A crew member stood at the entrance to the buffet and if you did not wear a mask - he gave you one. In the casino, there was less smoke b/c no one could just sit at the bar and smoke - I applaud that ship for its excellent mask enforcement and cleanliness..... it is not a big deal to just wear the mask and enjoy being on a cruise....Wake up - don't be so self centered - covid is still possible being vaccinated. Health care workers wear masks all day long and don't complain - so do the crew members. Happy sailing!

Thanks for providing a positive review of your cruise before insulting me. I am happy to wear a mask on board and plan to do so even when it's not required, as I did on my last cruise...not sure how that makes me self centered.