norahe

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

Sassafrass

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.

norahe

Thank you! Didn't think to check online for port requirements!

Sassafrass

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.

mlgb

That would be the only way they could start as early as this summer without test cruises. But in general Carnival seems to be anti-vaccine.

Sassafrass

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.

norahe

So much for cruising....2nd one cancelled on us. Originally booked Norwegian from NY to Bermuda in Sept. When that was cancelled, we book RCC from NJ to Bermuda in Sept...that one just cancelled last week!!