Changes to Cruises since COVID
#1
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Changes to Cruises since COVID
Hi all,
My sister has decided she would like to do a cruise for her 50th bday this September. We are schedule to take the Royal Caribbean cruise Freedom of the Seas to Bermuda and was wondering if anyone has taken a cruise since the COVID outbreak. What changes have been but into place? I assume the buffet style eating has changed but was also wondering what changes are in place when you reach your travel port(s)? Can you explore on your own or are cruise lines strict about making sure passengers stay on cruise line excursions only? We have all received our vaccinations. Also, is it worth signing up ahead of time for extras like My Time Dining? Booking specialty restaurants ahead of time? Assuming the number of passengers will be reduced as well due to COVID concerns...
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Norah
My sister has decided she would like to do a cruise for her 50th bday this September. We are schedule to take the Royal Caribbean cruise Freedom of the Seas to Bermuda and was wondering if anyone has taken a cruise since the COVID outbreak. What changes have been but into place? I assume the buffet style eating has changed but was also wondering what changes are in place when you reach your travel port(s)? Can you explore on your own or are cruise lines strict about making sure passengers stay on cruise line excursions only? We have all received our vaccinations. Also, is it worth signing up ahead of time for extras like My Time Dining? Booking specialty restaurants ahead of time? Assuming the number of passengers will be reduced as well due to COVID concerns...
Thanks in advance for any insight!
Norah
#2
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Things are changing and different lines have different rules, some lines requiring passengers be vaccinated, some not. Also each port has their rule about testing, etc.
The best thing to do is consult with a rep from the cruise line. I recently spoke with reps from both Carnival and RCCL. They were both knowledgeable and informed about current requirements. You can go online and find port requirements as well.
The best thing to do is consult with a rep from the cruise line. I recently spoke with reps from both Carnival and RCCL. They were both knowledgeable and informed about current requirements. You can go online and find port requirements as well.
#4
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As of two weeks ago, when I spoke with the reps, Carnival was not requiring vaccinations. RCCL was requiring full vaccinations unless you have a medical reason not to be vaccinated.
We rarely reserve anything on Royal, but go ahead and do it if there is something you really want.
Be aware that September is hurricane season, and if there is a storm, you could miss Bermuda. That happened to us. We spent three days on the ship, just avoiding the storm.
Just read that Carnival will have vaccine requirements for Alaska cruises this Summer.
We rarely reserve anything on Royal, but go ahead and do it if there is something you really want.
Be aware that September is hurricane season, and if there is a storm, you could miss Bermuda. That happened to us. We spent three days on the ship, just avoiding the storm.
Just read that Carnival will have vaccine requirements for Alaska cruises this Summer.
Last edited by Sassafrass; May 21st, 2021 at 09:38 AM.
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Yeah, I won’t be going on Carnival any time soon. I can’t imagine going on a cruise with unvaccinated passengers. What is Carnival’s rationale for this policy? It is not my cruise line of choice anyway, but my Granddaughter likes Carnival and it has departures from a close port. Too bad.
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Yeah, I won’t be going on Carnival any time soon. I can’t imagine going on a cruise with unvaccinated passengers. What is Carnival’s rationale for this policy? It is not my cruise line of choice anyway, but my Granddaughter likes Carnival and it has departures from a close port. Too bad.