How it works and what to expect on your cruise vacation
Each cruise line has a different approach to health and safety protocols to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19 and keep guests and crew safe. Depending on the cruise line, you’ll have a different experience and requirements to board.
As of October 2021, we’ve been on four cruises since cruising restarted after the industry came to a halt due to COVID-19. We’ll share our experiences along with a few tips and tricks for a safe and healthy cruise vacation.
What to Know Before You Go:
As mentioned above, each cruise line has its own health and safety protocols for guests and crew to follow to promote a positive cruise experience for everyone. Before you book a cruise vacation, it’s important to check the cruise line’s COVID-19 policies and boarding requirements to ensure you and your traveling party meet the requirements to board.
Health and safety guidelines may include:
Vaccination requirements
Mask policies
Physical distancing policies
Ports of call regulations (ex. Wearing masks indoors)
Testing for COVID-19
Hand washing/sanitizing requirements before dining
Limitations on shore excursion availability due to vaccination status
To find the cruise line’s guidelines and requirements, visit the cruise line’s website. Health requirements are being updated all the time, so make sure to check before you book and several weeks before the start of your vacation.
Our Experiences Cruising During Covid-19:
As mentioned above, we’ve been on four cruises since cruises started sailing out of the U.S. Here’s a quick summary of our experiences with Celebrity and Royal Caribbean as fully vaccinated adults.
Celebrity Edge sailings out of Fort Lauderdale (June 2021, August 2021)
Prior to Boarding: To book these two cruises, we had to acknowledge that we were fully vaccinated. We also received calls from Celebrity to ask us if we were comfortable showing proof of vaccination prior to boarding.
Checking In at the Cruise Terminal: We had to show our vaccination cards and had to wear masks in the terminal. On the second Edge sailing, we also had to present a negative COVID test completed within 72 hours of sailing. The port staff carefully checked our cards and travel documents before allowing us to proceed to security and the gangway.
Masks Onboard: Fully vaccinated guests were not required to wear masks indoors on either Celebrity Edge sailing.
Masks in Ports of Call: Masks were required at indoor locations in the ports of call. Unvaccinated guests could not freely explore a destination, but could opt to participate in a special shore excursion instead.
Physical Distancing: Since both sailings were at around 40% guest capacity, distancing wasn’t as necessary.
Other Notes: In order to enter our room, the stateroom attendant had to receive clearance from us.
Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas sailing out of Port Canaveral (September 2021)
Checking In at the Cruise Terminal: We had to show our vaccination cards at multiple checkpoints and had to wear masks in the terminal.We also had to present a negative COVID test completed within 72 hours of sailing. The port staff carefully checked our vaccination cards at different stops in the terminal before allowing us to proceed to the gangway. At the checkpoint before security, we received silicone wrist bands to acknowledge our fully vaccinated status. We had to wear these throughout the cruise.
Masks Onboard: Fully vaccinated guests were not required to wear masks indoors in vaccinated only areas and outdoors, but were required to wear masks in common areas (ex. walking through the promenade or down a hallway). Unvaccinated guests were required to wear masks in all indoor locations.
Masks in Ports of Call: Masks were required at indoor locations in the ports of call.
Physical Distancing: Signage was located throughout the ship to encourage people to distance. For example, the tables in the Windjammer Cafe had a sign indicator that told guests whether the table was available and had been cleaned or if it is unavailable due to spacing. We attended an ice skating show where we had to leave space between parties in the theater and sat every other row. Masks were required in the theater regardless of vaccination status.
Other Notes: Hand washing/sanitizing before entering a dining facility was enforced throughout the day.
Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas sailing out of Port Canaveral (October 2021)
Checking In at the Cruise Terminal: We had to show our vaccination cards at multiple checkpoints and had to wear masks in the terminal.We also had to present a negative COVID test completed within 48 hours of sailing (this was an update from the 72 hour policy). The port staff carefully checked our cards at different stops in the terminal before allowing us to proceed to the gangway. At the checkpoint before security, we received ribbon wrist bands to acknowledge our fully vaccinated status. We had to wear these throughout the cruise and could not remove them without cutting them off. The ribbon bracelets were not as comfortable as the removable silicone bands from the previous cruise.
Masks Onboard: Fully vaccinated guests were not required to wear masks indoors in vaccinated only areas and outdoors, but were required to wear masks in common areas (ex. walking through the promenade or down a hallway). Unvaccinated guests were required to wear masks in all indoor locations. Allure of the Seas offered show times for fully vaccinated guests where masks were not required. The show time of the ice skating performance for fully vaccinated guests did not require masks like the Mariner of the Seas cruise required.
Masks in Ports of Call: Masks were required at indoor locations in the ports of call.
Physical Distancing: Signage was located throughout the ship to encourage people to distance. For example, the tables in the Windjammer Cafe had a sign indicator that told guests whether the table was available and had been cleaned or if it is unavailable due to spacing. We attended an ice skating show where we had to leave space between parties in the theater and sat every other row. Elevator signage also indicated how many people could safely ride at one time.
Other Notes: Hand washing/sanitizing before entering a dining facility was enforced throughout the day.
Each cruise has been a little different as the cruise lines work to refine their health and safety procedures. We strongly encourage you to review the cruise line’s policies prior to booking and check your email regularly after booking to ensure you have seen the most updated requirements (ex. timeframe for the negative COVID test).
If you’re looking for a cruise that feels a little more “normal” (aka like how cruising was pre-pandemic), we recommend checking out cruise lines like Celebrity and Norwegian that cater to more of an adult crowd. Since there aren’t as many kids onboard, masks aren’t required for vaccinated guests since the percentage of crew and guests who are fully vaccinated is so high.
We hope this helps. Have a safe and healthy cruise!
Comments