QV Masks are back

[Poole Boy]

letter in the state room this morning, so far no other changes all facilities are open.

[Host Hattie]

Thanks for the update, hope you're enjoying your trip.

[Victoria2]

Excellent news. Thank you.

 

[57eric]

Sad, but no big surprise.  The current COVID rate in Germany is very high.

[njguy_south]

I truly thank you for posting this.

 

Nothing in an email has been sent about masks for QM2, yet, and we are sailing on Friday 7/1.  Also, the website (updated very recently on April 13, 2022 - lol) is still stating ("Correct as of June 6, 2022" - lol) that "Our protocols can evolve as we work with experts and government bodies to respond to the latest advice, and regularly update our website if and when changes do occur. We recommend revisiting this page before you sail to ensure you’re up to date with the very latest information."

 

So I revisited this page again today (6/29/2022) and it clearly states, "Mask-wearing - We recommend that guests wear masks on board, but they’re only required in the medical center.

 

It would seem that Cunard is more interested in keeping mask wearing a secret -- until one is onboard.

Edited June 29, 2022 by njguy_south

[Host Hattie]

21 minutes ago, njguy_south said:

It would seem that Cunard is more interested in keeping mask wearing a secret -- until one is onboard.

Passengers on the current crossing were told the day before boarding as reported here last Thursday.

[njguy_south]

1 minute ago, Host Hattie said:

Passengers on the current crossing were told the day before boarding as reported here last Thursday.

That is a convenient way of Cunard not informing people properly. If the current crossing is wearing masks, then Cunard needs to come clean and let those who are sailing next know the situation, so that they can make a properly thought out decision. This will not bode well for the future of the Cunard Queens if the company cannot keep its customers informed.  As mentioned, the website is currently stating that NO masks are being required, when, in fact, they currently are.  A website can be changed instantly in 2022 -- this is not the old Betamax days.  

 

There is NO excuse for not keeping customers informed when there are changes.  Yes, things can change at any time, due to changing conditions, but when they do change, let the customer know right away.

[Melissa Roberts]

Thank you @Poole Boy Are you currently onboard QV as I am curious if mask wearing is mandatory or an advisory? I am unsure of Cunard’s definition of ‘ask’ as outlined in their letter. Thanks

[57eric]

The OP stated that the letter was left in his stateroom this morning, so I conclude he is on board.  I interpret 'ask' as a polite way of stating a requirement.

[Melissa Roberts]

1 minute ago, 57eric said:

The OP stated that the letter was left in his stateroom this morning, so I conclude he is on board.  I interpret 'ask' as a polite way of stating a requirement.

Thank you. I read that the letter was in the stateroom this morning and not his stateroom hence my question. 

[moses0]

2 hours ago, njguy_south said:

I truly thank you for posting this.

 

Nothing in an email has been sent about masks for QM2, yet, and we are sailing on Friday 7/1.  Also, the website (updated very recently on April 13, 2022 - lol) is still stating ("Correct as of June 6, 2022" - lol) that "Our protocols can evolve as we work with experts and government bodies to respond to the latest advice, and regularly update our website if and when changes do occur. We recommend revisiting this page before you sail to ensure you’re up to date with the very latest information."

 

So I revisited this page again today (6/29/2022) and it clearly states, "Mask-wearing - We recommend that guests wear masks on board, but they’re only required in the medical center.

 

It would seem that Cunard is more interested in keeping mask wearing a secret -- until one is onboard.

It seems like it. That is what happened to us in March. Stepping onboard QM2 maskless following the latest Cunard Web page instructions got us severly rebuked. Was pretty upsetting. I guess its all left to the Captains  discretion but I do wish the web page would keep up. 

[BouncingWheel]

I think the website, and the policy, is correct at the moment in that masks are recommended not mandatory. However, if infection rates rise on a particular ship then they may have to re-introduce the mask policy (and possibly other policies like 4 in a lift etc...) to help reduce infection. As soon as rates reduce then the impacted ship will immediately revert back to policy.

I feel Cunard should add this extra piece of information on the same page as that is also current policy.

[Alslc]

It doesn’t look like a letter just for QV. To me it looks like a generic letter, so it may well mean a change of policy 

[WestonOne]

Under the image of the letter it says "so far no other changes all facilities are open."

Can a recent traveller elaborate on that?  Just having the rooms open is one thing, but especially Transatlantic much of the entertainment relies on socialising - lectures, dancing, bridge, shared dining tables (for those who choose that) and so on.  Are these all continuing?

[Alslc]

42 minutes ago, WestonOne said:

Under the image of the letter it says "so far no other changes all facilities are open."

Can a recent traveller elaborate on that?  Just having the rooms open is one thing, but especially Transatlantic much of the entertainment relies on socialising - lectures, dancing, bridge, shared dining tables (for those who choose that) and so on.  Are these all continuing?

I would not read too much into it. I think they are doing a general review of all the ships safety procedures, but I wouldn’t think they will shut activities. One of the thing they shut first are the laundrette. 
 

[Bell Boy]

2 hours ago, WestonOne said:

Under the image of the letter it says "so far no other changes all facilities are open."

Can a recent traveller elaborate on that?  Just having the rooms open is one thing, but especially Transatlantic much of the entertainment relies on socialising - lectures, dancing, bridge, shared dining tables (for those who choose that) and so on.  Are these all continuing?

I have just returned from Queen Victoria's return to regular service ( June 5th)  Everything  onboard was just the same as usual , Dancing in the Queens Room & evenings in the Yacht club ,  sitting at the Bar Top in the various bars, Laundrettes open,  Bridge,  Masks 'optional' in the theatre,  all other facilities open.

 

I'm so sorry to read Poole Boy's  post , just when I thought things were returning back to some sense of normality. I had a wonderful and relaxing cruise on the 5th June itinerary down to the Med, a good demographic of guests, many familiar faces, Cunard seasoned guests who respected the evening dress codes ensuring every evening was a sense of occasion. 

No-one  mentioned the dreaded covid word !  no testing onboard , no calls from the Pursers office for people to return back to their cabin , as far as we know there were no problems with either guests or crew members. 

 

Edited June 30, 2022 by Bell Boy

[lindylooellalouise]

19 hours ago, Poole Boy said:

letter in the state room this morning, so far no other changes all facilities are open.

Thank you Poole Boy for the information I really hope this stays in place for my next voyage on QV in July, I’ve just disembarked from the Emerald Princess and was shocked by the total disregard from other passengers no one apart from us were  wearing masks, the lifts were packed, passengers handling food in the buffet people coughing and sneezing not covering their mouths or noses and we noticed many passengers appeared to have flu like symptoms we were relieved to get off the ship, I agree we have to live with covid but we also need to show respect for other passengers.

[Bell Boy]

Interesting , I've just messaged a friend who is onboard Q.Victoria at the moment to ask if this recent announcement ( of the 29th)  is mandatory .

 

The reply I have just received is, Quote  "Not mandatory, but some people are complying with it"  🤷‍♂️

[Melissa Roberts]

3 minutes ago, Bell Boy said:

Interesting , I've just messaged a friend who is onboard Q.Victoria at the moment to ask if this recent announcement ( of the 29th)  is mandatory .

 

The reply I have just received is, Quote  "Not mandatory, but some people are complying with it"  🤷‍♂️

Good news and I hope it remains that way until our Sept cruise.

Edited June 30, 2022 by Melissa Roberts

[cook68]

Looks like i'm the only one who is quite upset to hear this. We booked back in November right before Omicron hit and Cunards T&C's were if you cancel you lose all your money. I personally would not have booked have we foreseen this. At the time things were looking so much brighter.  As it was Cunard were holding all or money from past cancellations so we can not afford to just pull out. I was so pleased to see masks were going. 
I will, internet permitting, let you know how things are going once onboard this Sunday. 

[Melissa Roberts]

6 minutes ago, cook68 said:

Looks like i'm the only one who is quite upset to hear this. We booked back in November right before Omicron hit and Cunards T&C's were if you cancel you lose all your money. I personally would not have booked have we foreseen this. At the time things were looking so much brighter.  As it was Cunard were holding all or money from past cancellations so we can not afford to just pull out. I was so pleased to see masks were going. 
I will, internet permitting, let you know how things are going once onboard this Sunday. 

You are not alone. We think the same and my post above saying ‘good news’ was the fact masks are not mandatory….so far! We booked a long time ago well before Omicron as you guys did.

 

[Host Hattie]

1 hour ago, Bell Boy said:

Interesting , I've just messaged a friend who is onboard Q.Victoria at the moment to ask if this recent announcement ( of the 29th)  is mandatory .

 

The reply I have just received is, Quote  "Not mandatory, but some people are complying with it"  🤷‍♂️

That's a worry if they are reading the same letter posted here, I would hope that everyone would be complying with it, not some.

[cook68]

I will assume this is it moving forward but, as yet, we have no email stating any of this for Sunday's sailing. There will probably now be one in my inbox just as I send this!

[Victoria2]

4 hours ago, Melissa Roberts said:

You are not alone. We think the same and my post above saying ‘good news’ was the fact masks are not mandatory….so far! We booked a long time ago well before Omicron as you guys did.

 

I don't think it matters when any booking was made. This virus and its protocols seem to be a moveable feast and as such, anyone booking should be prepared to go with last minute changes of flow or move the bookings to '23 or '24.

[2BACRUISER]

@cook68 @Melissa Roberts have to agree with you both. People need to get over this covid thing, its here to stay period and if you're still windy about after being triple vaccinated and already having had it don't cruise. Simples. 

I wear glasses and am slightly hard on hearing and hate masks 😷 but will wear one if it's mandatory but the world and cruising need to move on nothing to see here.