We are all too familiar with news footage of people seen wearing face marks, we also see them in public places like shopping centers, doctors’ rooms, and on the street, the face mask has become “Coronavirus Couture”.
Consistent with official advice, progressively more people are wearing face masks – allowing some a hint of self-expression amid the pandemic.
But Westerns have long denounced face mask wearing, unlike East Asia face masks have long been a regular feature of daily life.
Whether for fashion or for health purposes, they are sometimes considered a sign of the wearer’s social responsibility, and those who don’t wear masks during public health emergencies are the ones who are stigmatised.
Could the mask trend continue when we stop social distancing and Covid-19 is less of a threat? Maybe…
Deserved or not, cruise lines have been the scapegoat for many in the court of public opinion that they are extra susceptible to person-to-person spread.
But on your next Royal Caribbean cruise you should expect to see some passengers, or crew wearing face masks.
Royal Caribbean is giving a first look at what that future might hold, with the company filing a new trademark for its own brand of sanitary masks called ” SEAFACE™“.
The trademark lists the description of the trademark simply as:
“SEAFACE™ trademark registration is intended to cover the category of sanitary marks for isolation purposes”
Trademark applications usually are quite vague regarding their intended use, so it remains to be seen precisely how it will be used, if at all.
While the application has apparently been accepted by the office, it has yet to be assigned an examiner, a necessary step for the approval of the trademark.
Royal Caribbean Said: “The mask is one in a number of innovations that our teams are exploring as we look forward to a safe, healthy and fun return to cruise.”
All subsidiaries of Royal Caribbean will use the mask if the patent is approved and the company chooses to implement it, spokesperson Jonathon Fishman. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. includes Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara, Tui Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Pullmantur.
It is anyone’s guess as to whether the SEAFACE™ is intended for crew or passengers or both.
The masks are a thought-provoking move for an industry that has taken a enormous hit since the outbreak of the coronavirus (COVID-19) began. There may well be a cause for hope for those looking to begin cruising again as soon as possible.
