I recently read an article that Carnival (probably other lines also) was looking into making reservations not just for dinner but all public areas. I talked to my cruise rep today and she told me nothing was confirmed yet but they are considering it, First, I don't understand if you have had the covid vaccine that is 90%+ effective why you would need to still get a test 24 - 72 hours before you go when the tests are 60% accurate. Besides that before I go on vacation I don't know what days and time I want to go to the pool, theater or the casino. I don't want my vacation to be that structured that is why I go on a cruise in the first place. If you make friends on board you would never be able to do things together because your reservation times would be different. Am I being to critical or just common sense?
Reservations for public areas?
10 Answers
All good questions. But even the cruise lines don't know for sure what they will be required to do to comply with the CDC guidelines. Like you, I am hoping that having the vaccine will preclude the need for a negative Covid test. I also hope there won't be a need to make reservations for things like the Casino, shows or comedy club on Carnival. Unfortunately, we have to wait and see. Rumors only get our dander up and not worth worrying about.
All conjecture right now. There will be all kinds of rumours, partial truths, etc. Before anything goes ahead there has to be mass vaccinations.
Right now, it's hard to say. I'm not even sure that the cruise lines know what restrictions they'll be under. There's so many unknowns with this virus and the guidelines are always changing. Even at home in the nursing homes, we never know what new restrictions will be thrown at us at any given time.
Heres the article....even "they" seemed to admit these "rules" change with the tides....but I agree....they're making it so that for us, its sitting on the edge of tolerance,,,,,,,,
A lot of hype and speculation. Best to wait and sea what floats their boat and what sinks untill it is actually announced and official.
At least they have not yet hinted that you need to pre-book washroom visits 
I keep going back to what I am reading about the lines that are sailing in Europe. Although some things are different, most people surveyed say the overall cruise experience is "similar" or "familiar" to what they're used to. They give the lines high marks, and I don't see any mention of reservations to hang out at the pool or other public areas.
Besides, If the ships are initially sailing at 50% capacity, I don't see how that could be an ongoing issue. Random & isolated incidents perhaps, although I wholeheartedly agree it would dampen the mood.
Who knows? I'm just "speculating" like everyone else.
HMMMM....."the cruise line has limited how many guests may use them (the pool etc) at a time"....read between THOSE lines...how many of us intend(ed) to spend "the day" or the greater part thereof "at the pool"....think about what that REALLY means...besides....THOSE lines cruising the MED etc..don't have the CDC to contend with......and thats no small concern either....wait till they actually want to cruise from HERE...
