How strict is NCL about Covid?

[LandlockedCruiser01]

Carnival refuge here.  I'm looking to make an exit because CCL became "the fun ships" in name only.  They require masks everywhere.  They eliminated social activities that let passengers make friends.  (Unless it's activities you pay for, like casino games.)  They did away with all paper menus and schedules "for your safety".   Despite being a staunch Carnival fan for 9 years, I'm done with them!  And I want to migrate to another line.  I read good things about NCL; namely, other than the vax requirements, NCL's cruises are like it's 2019.  But how true is that?  I'm looking for input from real-life NCL passengers.  Knowledgeable minds, please share with inquiring minds.  

 

1. Do you have to wear a mask everywhere?

 

2. Do you have to social distance?

 

3. Do they still have fun social games and activities?

 

4. Do they still have paper menus and activity schedules?

Edited November 11, 2021 by LandlockedCruiser01

[shof515]

1. No, it is optional and up to you to wear it if you want. I was on the breakaway and they were still people with mask on

2. No

3. Yes, lots of activities

4. Yes. you will still get the freestyle daily delivered to your room and the dinning room has paper menus too

[craig01020]

1 hour ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

1. Do you have to wear a mask everywhere?

That depends on the destination. I was recently on an NCL western Caribbean cruise from Miami, and no masks were required on the ship (except for the crew), just like 2019!

 

Europe does have mask requirements in all public areas while onboard.

 

See ** footnote here: https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe

[Sthrngary]

I read your post several time.  I have started to do that over the last few years before I respond.  First, I to have cruised with Carnival.  Not my favorite cruise brand.  I have also cruised many other brands in 42 years.  NCL is my favorite mainstream cruise brand.  

 

Now on to my true response.  Every single brand has to make a decision on how they want to approach this pandemic. That response needs to balance the line of profits through sales and requirements of the government.  NCL took Florida to court to be able to do a fully vaccinated cruise.  They then eliminated anyone (children included) from cruising if unvaccinated.  They took lots of heat on the subject.  This decision allowed for some flexibility on some of the items you did not like on Carnival.

 

Carnival did not take the same approach so they made some exceptions to the rules.  Those exceptions allowed more folks to cruise (especially with children that were unvaccinated) so they made the difference with the rules.  Not you, I and everyone else have to make a decision on which brands policies we like better.  Not for ever, just for today.

 

Welcome to NCL.  Just know that Carnival is still Carnival and all your remember about it.  It like NCL and everyone else is just trying to survive.  There will be a time when we can reduce some of those rules you mentioned above.  I don't know when, just in the future.  Just know, all the things you said you did not like are optional on NCL.  All of them.  Just because things are not a written policy does not mean folks won't follow them.  

 

Again, welcome to NCL.  You will have a great time.  Just don't lose faith in Carnival.  They to are a great company still.

 

Cruise well.

 

 

[david_sobe]

Its so funny everyone's different takes on things.  There is a very popular cruise channel on youtube where they are not cruising Carnival anymore because of the lack of masks compared to other ships.  They claim the protocols are not as good as other lines.  I just find it funny how some avoid Carnival because of lack of Covid protocols and the OP is saying the opposite. 

[craig01020]

2 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

4. Do they still have paper menus and activity schedules?

Yes, they did on the Gem.

[Pieson]

I recently did a 7 day Disney cruise and the one thing that was seemingly

obvious to me is that the industry may never be the exact same as how we remembered and experienced it Before.  
 

I honestly think a lot of the changes are here to say and for me a lot of great changes and innovations. 
 

I leave in two weeks on my NCL so I’m curious to see how the two stack up in hope they operate. 

That being said, NCL is indeed taking certain measures to return to a sense of normalcy, or whatever new version of it is. It’s also, as mentioned above, my favorite of the mainstream cruise lines.  So welcome to the fam! 

[julig22]

As already noted, it depends on the itinerary.  Italy requires masking, so masks required onboard, only NCL excursions in Italian ports.  No self-service in the buffet.

[jcscv]

I was on Encore back in September, and no masks were required, once you boarded. However, they were mandatory in all ports (Alaska). I did keep one with me at all times, and did put it on in when in an elevator, or anywhere I didn't fee comfortable.

 

There was not any distancing.

 

No paper menus, all the normal hard menus.  They did have a scanner on the tables, if you wanted to bring the menu up on your phone, but it didn't seem to work for anyone I was with.

 

There were plenty of activities going on everywhere, and all shows were performed.

 

So, basically, it was pretty close to cruising prior to Covid.

 

I love NCL, and hope you find a new cruise home with them!

[psac]

I see you’re from Chicago, so assuming you’re sailing from the US. Welcome to the world of 100% vaccinated and tested.  Except for the staff all wearing masks, and masks required on excursions (depending on the port), welcome to world of no covid zone. Aka the twilight zone. It felt really weird being mask free around other people again!  But it did feel safe. We carried masks with us on the ship the first few days, but never put them on. Some people did, especially in the shows. We also didn’t go to the Howl at the Moon sing along, because we felt that was a little too much projecting. 😁. But it was a great cruise!!

 

 

[ChiefMateJRK]

6 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

I read good things about NCL; namely, other than the vax requirements, NCL's cruises are like it's 2019.  But how true is that?  I'm looking for input from real-life NCL passengers. 

I sailed NCL in 2019 and again last month.  Other than the rapid test before boarding, the hand washing stations at the buffet entrance and the crew wearing masks, everything else was the same.  I like NCL more than ever!!

[julig22]

7 minutes ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I sailed NCL in 2019 and again last month.  Other than the rapid test before boarding, the hand washing stations at the buffet entrance and the crew wearing masks, everything else was the same.  I like NCL more than ever!!

I sailed last month and everything was NOT the same.  It depends on itinerary. Masks onboard (inside anyway), no self-serve in the buffet, NCL excursions only in Italy.  And constant reminders (mostly ignored) to social-distance in the theater when waiting for excursions.  Every third seat in the theater marked as don't sit here (also ignored to some degree). Printed copies of Freestyle Daily in staterooms but no brochures, etc. in the lobby.  No printout of your final invoice delivered to your room - info was available on your tv, final invoice emailed. And no kids.

Sailing again at Christmas, so obviously happy with the way NCL is approaching the situation.  On a non-restrictive itinerary this time, so I expect things to be closer to pre-covid times - maybe even a few kids?

[chaching]

Julig22: What ship were you on last month?

[julig22]

18 minutes ago, chaching said:

Julig22: What ship were you on last month?

Getaway, Oct. 14

[Wendelboe]

European sailings still require masks, but my experience was that it was rather lax.  Greek Isles on the Jade in August.  Buffet was not self serve but there was a full selection that they would serve you so that aspect really didn't bother me.  The buffet food quality was not what I had been used to, likewise O'Shehans food quality was disappointing.  The main dining rooms and specialty restaurants were fantastic.  But I digress, back to the covid restrictions.  Nobody wore masks at dinner between courses.  Nobody wore masks topside, even when social distancing couldn't be maintained.  If you made the barest attempt to look like you were eating or drinking (holding a drink while walking) nobody said a word if you didnt have a mask on. 

 

Only 2 things bothered me.  There was no seating directly at the bars, which is a bummer if you like to sit at the bar and have a conversation with the bartender.  The other was limited capacity for shows, and very few.  There was only one show (which I would have liked to have seen) but it only played on two nights, two showings per night, and at 1/3 capacity.  

[psac]

Definitely different rules for European sailings from US. It’s not NCL’s choice, it’s the rules in the various European countries they have to follow. 

[kylenyc]

12 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

Carnival refuge here.  I'm looking to make an exit because CCL became "the fun ships" in name only.  They require masks everywhere.  They eliminated social activities that let passengers make friends.  (Unless it's activities you pay for, like casino games.)  They did away with all paper menus and schedules "for your safety".   Despite being a staunch Carnival fan for 9 years, I'm done with them!  And I want to migrate to another line.  I read good things about NCL; namely, other than the vax requirements, NCL's cruises are like it's 2019.  But how true is that?  I'm looking for input from real-life NCL passengers.  Knowledgeable minds, please share with inquiring minds.  

 

1. Do you have to wear a mask everywhere?

 

2. Do you have to social distance?

 

3. Do they still have fun social games and activities?

 

4. Do they still have paper menus and activity schedules?

I addition to what others have already mentioned...

 

In order to sail with NCL (again depending on the itinerary), you will need to:

1. Take either antigen or PCR test within 96 hour of boarding in order to qualify for NCL's Sail Safe protection. https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe?intcmp=pdt_sl_SAILSAFEVAC. (For example: Bermuda is different - A negative PCR test, proof of vaccination, and $75 per person non-refundable fee must be sent to the Bermuda Travel Authority for example)
2. You have to take an antigen test at the pier, wait for the test results, and test negative before you are allowed to board. (For example: Bermuda again is different, both antigen and PCR tests are taken for a Bermuda itinerary)
3. As some CC members have reported, once on board, if your PCR test comes back negative you will be quarantined in a hermetically sealed 10x10 cell. Crew in orange hazmat suits will slide your food tray through a slot in the door like Orange is the New Black or OZ. Anyone in close contact to a passenger who tests positive will also be quarantined. I give the odds of being quarantined occurring to be 1 out of 25 or 4% of passengers with 95% confidence level based on Personal Unscientific Pew Pew Pew Research.

The testing requirement adds time to the boarding process. In New York's Bermuda itinerary for example

1. Drop off your luggage at Pier 88.
2. Walk over and wait in line to go inside Pier 90 (the line sometimes stretches outside so dress appropriately, take only essentials, and check in your baggage.)
3. Once inside, wait in line to register with Eurofins for your COVID test(s)
4. Then wait in line for your COVID test(s)
5. Next get your brain matter poked 2 or 4 times with a javelin (cotton swab)
6. Sit in the waiting area for about 30 minutes for your test results. In the meantime, it's like playing a nightmare game of Bingo as a useless automated announcement on the loudspeaker calls out test result numbers about two hundred times "Number fourteen thousand eight hundred thirty three. Your test result is ready." over and over again. Listening to it is pointless because the announcements do not keep up with the test results showing up on the TV monitors so you have to really watch the monitors for your number.
7. If you're one of the unlucky ones on October 17... Watch in horror as the monitors go black and chaos ensues, port agents tablets reboot and they learn on the job how to log on to their tablets. Tip: When your number comes up on the monitor, take a picture of it to show to the person who gives you the wristband.
8. After your number is called, wait in line for your wristband. Show the person a picture of your number to get your wrist band (faster) or have them look it up (provided their tablet works).
9. Finally resume check-in as "normal" (go through security screening, check-in, wait for ship to be cleared for boarding).

The extra freedom on board NCL comes at a ?small? cost.

Edited November 12, 2021 by kylenyc

[LandlockedCruiser01]

12 hours ago, craig01020 said:

That depends on the destination. I was recently on an NCL western Caribbean cruise from Miami, and no masks were required on the ship (except for the crew), just like 2019!

 

Europe does have mask requirements in all public areas while onboard.

 

See ** footnote here: https://www.ncl.com/sail-safe

I cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the West Coast/Mexico.  I'm not interested in cruising in Europe.  But knowing California's stance on Covid, I'll stick to cruising strictly out of Florida.  And maybe the Gulf Coast.

 

12 hours ago, Sthrngary said:

Welcome to NCL.  Just know that Carnival is still Carnival and all your remember about it.  It like NCL and everyone else is just trying to survive.  There will be a time when we can reduce some of those rules you mentioned above.  I don't know when, just in the future.  Just know, all the things you said you did not like are optional on NCL.  All of them.  Just because things are not a written policy does not mean folks won't follow them.  

 

Again, welcome to NCL.  You will have a great time.  Just don't lose faith in Carnival.  They to are a great company still.

Thanks for the welcome!  "Optional", you said.  It seems like cruisers these days divide into two camps: the Covidians and the Covidiots.   These two groups self-segregate extremely well---it goes without saying---and never the twain shall meet.  You can probably tell which one I am.   So as long as I get to have full social experiences onboard with my own kind, I'll be happy on NCL.  As for Carnival, maybe I'll rejoin them in 5 years or so, but for now, they showed their true colors and I want nothing to do with them.

 

11 hours ago, Pieson said:

That being said, NCL is indeed taking certain measures to return to a sense of normalcy, or whatever new version of it is. It’s also, as mentioned above, my favorite of the mainstream cruise lines.  So welcome to the fam! 

Thank you!  My only gripe with NCL is lack of assigned dining---it was a big help for my solo cruises on Carnival.  But I can adapt.  The 2019-style normalcy and the real paper menus are well worth sacrificing assigned dining.  Plus, if I sail on Epic or other ships with Studio cabins, I can join other solos for dinner easily.

 

7 hours ago, ChiefMateJRK said:

I sailed NCL in 2019 and again last month.  Other than the rapid test before boarding, the hand washing stations at the buffet entrance and the crew wearing masks, everything else was the same.  I like NCL more than ever!!

Great to hear! 👍

Edited November 12, 2021 by LandlockedCruiser01

[kochleffel]

4 minutes ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

My only gripe with NCL is lack of assigned dining---it was a big help for my solo cruises. 

 

The Freestyle Daily will list a solo passengers' gathering late each afternoon, with a host from the cruise staff who will, among other things, organize groups for dinner in the MDR and sometimes, if there's interest, in the specialty restaurants. On a large ship with studio cabins it will likely be a fairly large group -- recently on the Breakaway, even at half occupancy, we usually made two tables of eight each in the MDR -- while on smaller ships without it will be a small group.

[Shayhooper]

NCL really caters to solo cruisers, especially on the ships that have solo lounges, so you will quickly find other people to do things with.  I've sailed both lines and honestly I feel as though the good and entertainment is better on NCL.  Hopefully you will enjoy your cruise!

[Susandt]

11 hours ago, LandlockedCruiser01 said:

I cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and the West Coast/Mexico.  I'm not interested in cruising in Europe.  But knowing California's stance on Covid, I'll stick to cruising strictly out of Florida.  And maybe the Gulf Coast.

 

Thanks for the welcome!  "Optional", you said.  It seems like cruisers these days divide into two camps: the Covidians and the Covidiots.   These two groups self-segregate extremely well---it goes without saying---and never the twain shall meet.  You can probably tell which one I am.   So as long as I get to have full social experiences onboard with my own kind, I'll be happy on NCL.  As for Carnival, maybe I'll rejoin them in 5 years or so, but for now, they showed their true colors and I want nothing to do with them.

 

 

 

Great to hear! 👍

Why the name calling?  We are all coming onto Ncl fully vaccinated, and having 2 test right before the cruise.  If someone chooses to wear a mask in addition non of your business.  Be kind!

[LandlockedCruiser01]

3 minutes ago, Susandt said:

Why the name calling?  We are all coming onto Ncl fully vaccinated, and having 2 test right before the cruise.  If someone chooses to wear a mask in addition non of your business.  Be kind!

I wasn't name calling. Those terms were tongue-in-cheek, poking fun at the polarized nature of it all; hence the smile emoji. I'm vaccinated too: both shots and a booster.  As for testing, I can tough out a nasal colonoscopy or two, if it means I can have a 2019-style cruise.

[luckyinpa]

i can compare the recent trip on oasis of the seas to breakway. both done in october

 

it was SO Much better doing NCL with all things open. no masks, no waiting in the theater to exit row by row. just totally normal. except capacity.

 

royal you had to wear masks inside so you literally had to carry one all the time. even to get off on the private island. carnival sounds really like no fun and i'm glad i didnt do pride before she left my area.

 

also even though i hate the tiny atrium on breakway, they had many more activities there than on the larger oasis ship. much more social of a ship the BA was