Cruising is back! Recently my husband Wesley and I participated in a simulation cruise for Royal Caribbean International on the Allure of the Seas. It was Royal Caribbean’s first cruise from Port Canaveral in Cocoa Beach in over 18 months. It was a massive step for the cruise industry. The crew was over-the-moon excited to be there. So get excited because Cruising Is Back!
Arrival
Once we were selected to participate in the simulated cruise, we downloaded the Royal Caribbean App on our phones. We could view our documents, register, scan our passports, and answer a health questionnaire on the app. We selected a time to be at the terminal to board the ship.
Our appointment time at the terminal was 11:30, and we were the first group to board Royal Caribbean’s Allure Of The Sea. The terminal staff made sure we were there at the 11:30 appointment time and not scheduled for later. Since this was Royal Caribbean’s first cruise out of Port Canaveral in over 18 months, a news crew was there to report the event.
While standing in line outside the terminal Wesley and I tried to take a selfie, but about the time we got ready, the line started moving for the first group of people to enter the terminal. Once we entered the terminal, everything went quickly and touch-free. We were greeted and moved from station to station to get checked in. We wore masks during the whole check-in process. During check-in, we were given colored armbands signifying that we were vaccinated and had to wear those bands at all times during the cruise.
We boarded the ship and were greeted by applause from the crew, who made us feel like royalty.
Our Cabin
Our room was sanitized and ready when we boarded. We took our luggage straight to our room. I’m unsure if this will be standard or because we were the first to sail in over 18 months. I liked this change because we got to set our belongings down and then explore this insanely big ship. I liked this process much better than waiting on our room to be ready and having our luggage delivered for us.
Changes We Noticed Once On Board
The terminal staff and Royal Caribbean Allure Of The Sea had been training for over two months in preparation for this simulation cruise. Everyone was so excited to be there. All staff was vaccinated and masked. They all wore buttons with their pictures on them to show you the “smile behind the mask.” Even though all the staff and guests were fully vaccinated, the crew was practicing the sailing protocols that will include both vaccinated and unvaccinated guests.
We wore masks indoors on the ship except while inside vaccinated-only venues or events, such as shows and casinos. Masks were not required in any open-air areas. Hand sanitation and hand washing stations were throughout the ship, and we were required to use hand sanitizer before entering shops, restaurants, and venues. The staff made sure that they had sanitized all surface areas often. Cards were placed on the tables letting staff and guests know which tables were clean and which ones needed to be wiped down. Of course, the staff was always on top of sanitization. Social distancing was enforced in venues and restaurants. The elevators were limited to 4 people at a time. We also noticed the elevators didn’t stop to pick up additional passengers and made 1-way trips. Buffets are now served cafeteria-style, and we did not get our drinks, condiments, plates, or silverware. Everything was handed to us by staff.
The Royal Caribbean App was used for planning activities, making reservations, and menus.
There was entertainment for everyone, but no deck parties or entertainment which encouraged crowds to gather. The ship was at a lower capacity than usual, which was nice.
Shore Excussion
While on the cruise, we visited CocoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island. We wore our masks while we disembarked from the ship. Once we cleared the boat, we removed the masks. Royal Caribbean owns CocoCay, and their staff followed the same guidelines as the crew on the ship. It was a perfect day at CocoCay. We rented a floating cabana to enjoy for the day. For us, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was relaxing, and we were pampered by the cabana attendants all day long. After our day of fun in the sun, we returned to the ship. Back on the boat, we wore our masks in the indoor areas.
That evening we attended a vaccinated guest-only show where we were not required to wear masks, but we sat socially distanced from other guests. Other performances allowed both vaccinated and non-vaccinated guests.
Ready To Cruise Again
We were so excited to be back on the ocean and living the cruising life. During our cruise, I felt comfortable with everything they were doing. While there are some noticeable differences, we were happy to follow the new protocols that help ensure everyone’s safety
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We’ve been talking about going on a cruise forever! We know the kids would love it so we should probably start planning for it soon. Good post! Thanks!
Looks and sounds like a great time. That ship is huge. Glad to hear cruises are back. I wouldn’t mind going soon because they are hardly packed. We took our first cruise (4 days) back in 2018 and haven’t been able to go since.
I am so excited! My husband has never been on a cruise so I have been dying to take him!