By: Tracy Hope, a Marvelous Mouse Travels agent
When I was offered the opportunity by Royal Caribbean Cruise Line (RCCL) to join the Ovation of the Seas simulation cruise to Ketchikan, Alaska I couldn’t wait to jump on board! While cruising might be a bit different than we were previously used to, cruising is still a great vacation experience. It is evident that Royal Caribbean wants to provide the best possible customer service for all guests. After 18 long months, staff and crew members on board the Ovation were anxiously awaiting our arrival. We were greeted with clapping, words of welcome and happy smiles as we entered the vessel. This expression of gratitude for joining them was continuous throughout the cruise. So you might ask, what does cruising now look like?
Prior to heading to the pier, via the Royal Caribbean app, all guests must sign a consent to acknowledge that taking part in a cruise may be a risky activity. Also, 24 hours prior to sailing all guests receive an email that they must complete a health questionnaire prior to boarding. Upon arrival at the port passengers must show proof of vaccination. Vaccinated guests are given a white wristband which must be worn throughout the cruise. Unvaccinated guests do not receive a wristband and must complete COVID testing at the pier prior to boarding.
Once onboard, the Royal Caribbean app is used to make reservations for most dining venues including the main dining rooms. Reservations are also required for shows taking place in 270 and in the Royal Theater, activities such as Flow Rider, iFly and the North Star as well fun activities in the Seaplex such as bumper cars. It is easy to make reservations and to keep track of your daily calendar which automatically populates with your reservations on a daily basis.
It is evident that RCCL is very serious about maintaining all safety protocols as it relates to COVID and social distancing guidelines. Masks must be worn while walking around inside the ship at all times whether vaccinated or not. There are plenty of reminders posted throughout. It is clear when a mask is not required such as while inside the Solarium (available to vaccinated guests only), outdoors on the deck and while at the pools. You must sanitize before entering all dining establishments, bars, shows, and activities. There are sanitizing stations EVERYWHERE! There is also one way in and one way out at most venues. Crew members can be seen wiping down high touch surfaces such as railings, chairs, tables and elevator glass. The elevators are limited to 4 guests at a time or if you prefer, your own travel party only.
All bars and dining venues are practicing social distancing and are not at full capacity. Tables that are not available are marked “Reserved”. Tables that are available have a card indicating “Available”. Once you take a seat at a table, the card gets turned over to read “Unavailable Until Sanitized”. This is so the crew is aware once you leave that the table needs to be sanitized prior to another person sitting there.
Dining is a bit different. For instance, when dining at the Windjammer, the popular buffet style venue onboard, there is no self-service. Crew members hand you your plate, napkin/utensils, serve you in the buffet line and get you beverages. This is also the case in venues such as Sorrentos, 270 and just about any other venue on the ship. Another big change to note is that paper dining menus are no longer used in the main dining rooms. Instead, there is a QR code on your dining table which allows you to easily access the menus on your mobile device. Paper menus can be requested if needed.
Some venues on the ship are for vaccinated guests only (noted with a “V” on the Cruise Compass) and some venues are open to everyone (noted with an “E” on the Cruise Compass). The same goes for entertainment, some are specifically for vaccinated guests and some are open to everyone. The Royal Theatre is open to both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests but guests are separated by decks. If a venue is for vaccinated guests only, once inside, you are free to remove your mask for the duration of the event. Unvaccinated guests must keep their masks on at all times. The Royal Theater also practices a staggered exit at the conclusion of the show by excusing sections one at a time in order to avoid large crowds in one area at time. Shore excursions are available to all guests, however unvaccinated guests must return to the ship immediately following the excursion, they currently not permitted to spend time exploring ports.
As you can tell, a lot has changed but what hasn’t changed is that the crew is fantastic, the ship is beautiful, the staterooms are amazing, the food is delicious, the entertainment is great and Alaska is gorgeous! The protocols in place are necessary to make cruising a safe, healthy vacation for everyone. Following the guidelines is clear and easy. I had a great time on this cruise and I cannot wait to get onboard again soon!
Please reach out to Tracy, an agent with Marvelous Mouse Travels to plan your next vacation or you may contact Marvelous Mouse Travels.
