Cruising is Back!
Cruising is Back!
Getting to set sail on the first cruise ship to depart from the United States in a post-pandemic world is a memory that I and some of Cruise Planners’ Travel Advisors and Home Office Team Members will never forget!
Royal Caribbean International re-launched its “Freedom of the Seas” vessel on 4th of July weekend 2021, with reduced capacity – the first time a revenue sailing cruised from the U.S!
Know-before-you-go!
At the time of booking, we were instructed to download Royal Caribbean’s user-friendly app. This app would serve as our boarding pass, as well as our “go-to” source for almost every aspect of our trip. One day prior to boarding, I received a notification on my phone informing me that I needed to complete the health and safety guideline demonstration, as well as fill out a health questionnaire. Both applications were incredibly easy to use, and it only made arrival at the port that much easier.
Terminal Guidelines
From the moment we got out of our cars at the port, we were blown away by the outstanding customer service provided by Royal. At check-in, we were asked to provide vaccine documentation as well as our typical travel documents. For unvaccinated guests, they were provided with a waiting room to facilitate their rapid covid test(s).
Vaccine Protocols – Clear and Easy
As we made our way up to the stunning “Freedom of the Seas”, we were greeted with cheers, smiles, and a whole lot of love from the crew. As a vaccinated guest, I was given a purple wristband that designated my vaccination status while on board as well as offshore. Royal Caribbean requires guests to always wear these bands to distinguish vaccinated guests from non-vaccinated guests. This in no way was to single people out but to establish social distancing practices throughout the ship’s different venues.
Mustering in 2021
As an avid cruiser, I was elated to witness the new and improved version of virtually mustering on a ship. Guests are required to watch a brief safety demonstration either on their mobile device, or stateroom tv to advance to the muster check-in. Once the video has been completed, guests are required to physically check-in at their designated muster station for a quick recap. This is far superior to the old days of assembling with hundreds of guests!
On-Board Experience – Our Group Felt Safe
Some venues had specific areas that were off-limits to non-vaccinated guests, but these venues were open at different times throughout the voyage to accommodate all guests. Mask wearing was strictly enforced whilst walking around the ship, except for eating, drinking, and in specific areas. I was a little surprised at this rule, but it only added to the sense of security we all had while onboard. Myself, my wife, and everyone in our group commented on how safe we felt throughout every part of our trip. Royal Caribbean has knocked it out of the park when it comes to making sure their guests feel safe and respected.
In the main Dining Room, tables were socially distanced. Guests were allowed to sit with others in their cabin, to increase safety and security. The lounges and bars all had specific, but generous guidelines as to what was required; mask-wearing, vaccine status, social distancing.
Nassau and Perfect Day at Coco Cay
Disembarking from the was completely seamless. The same practices that have been followed for years were also followed on our voyage. To disembark, all guests are required to show their sea-pass card as well as any travel documentation required in each specific port.
At Royal’s private island, Coco-Cay, all the same safety practices were followed, but on a more relaxed scale. As long as we had our wristband on, we didn’t need to wear our mask, which was great! The entire Freedom crew was always masked which is something that I appreciated as well.
Vacations are Back – Our New Normal
In a post-covid world, I was slightly anxious to get back onboard a cruise ship – but I am so glad that I did. I never felt unsafe or at risk. Royal Caribbean should be commended on their commitment to guest safety as well as their upbeat persona. This was the trip of a lifetime, and for four days we all felt normal again.
Thank you, Royal Caribbean. Cruising is BACK!
