While it's easy to forget (and some people don't want to remember) the Covid pandemic devastated the cruise industry. All sailings from U.S. ports stopped for a roughly 15-month period and when they returned, things were not the same.
Once the cruise lines got permission to sail again, it was — at least at first — under heavy restrictions from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Ships sailed at very limited capacity, social distancing was enforced, masks were required in indoor public spaces, and proof of vaccination was required.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line fixing broken (and very important) system
In addition to keeping people apart, the cruise lines also stepped up their cleaning regimen and tried to limit the amount of commonly touched services. For months, it seemed like multiple crew members did nothing but sanitize handrails, and tables could not be used until the had been properly cleaned.
Most cruise lines also largely eliminated paper on their ships. This included having menus and the daily schedule being available via QR codes, although paper menus were always offered for people who requested them.
Getting rid of printed daily schedules including Royal Caribbean's Cruise Compass and Carnival's Fun Times was a controversial decision. It's one that made sense for both safety and environmental reasons, and it also removed an expense for the cruise lines.
Passengers, however, did not like it, and both Royal Caribbean and Carnival have made some changes.
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Image source: Royal Caribbean
Carnival brings pack the paper Fun Times
Royal Caribbean has largely continued to push passengers to use its app for its onboard schedule. You can usually request a paper copy of the Cruise Compass and sometimes they are offered at Guest Services.
Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) has fully reversed its pandemic-ear policy, according to a recent post from Brand Ambassador John Heald.
"Interesting to see that some people didn’t realize that we now have the paper copy of Fun Times" delivered to your cabin and as you see from today’s cover photo, they are available from the coffee shop as well," he shared.
Heald then asked his followers how they keep track of onboard activities, giving them four choices:
- A: I read the paper copy of the Fun Times Plus, and have it downloaded on the Hubb app.
- B: I only read the paper copy of the Fun Times.
- C: I only read the Fun Times from the Hubb app.
- D: I do not read the Fun Times.
Over 4,100 of Heald's followers voted and shared their opinions.
Most Carnival passengers want a paper Fun Times
"On the last few cruises I have learned how to use the Hubb app but I still enjoy coming back to the cabin at night and reading the Fun Times in bed to see what I am going to not miss the next day," wrote Susan Natale.
Many people seem to use both.
"I love both! And, I bring a highlighter to markup the paper copy. It makes my little nerd paper-loving heart happy," shared Linda Leon.
Other passengers like the paper version of the Fun Times as a keepsake.
"I actually grab it from guest services when I walk by not to use on the ship but to have a memory of all the fun events (one day I’ll put it all together in a scrapbook…eventually," added Sara Rose Curry.
Others like to be able to leave their phone in the room.
"I like having the paper copy so I don’t have to always carry my phone or any other device with me," wrote Linda Sargent Carraway.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line shares gross reason for strict rule
But while many people share those sentiments, others don't think the printed version should be left in every room.
"I am sad that the paper Fun Times is delivered to every cabin. It's a waste of paper for many people. Having it available for people who need it is one thing, going back to a paper copy for each cabin creates so much waste," posted Barbara J. Valentine.
Related: Get the best cruise tips, deals, and news on the ships from our expert cruiser
