Coming back to a Carnival cruise ship after a lengthy break felt like a fantasy turning into actuality. The excitement was palpable as I embarked on my eagerly awaited vacation.
The boarding process was smooth and efficient, with mask requirements and document checks in place. The ship had a reduced number of passengers, creating a more spacious and relaxed atmosphere.
Life on board felt surprisingly normal, with all the usual amenities up and running. From bars to restaurants, casinos to theaters, everything was open for business.
Join me as I take you through the exhilarating return of Carnival cruises and the unforgettable experiences that awaited us.
Key Takeaways
- Boarding process includes document checks, testing for unvaccinated passengers, and individual muster drill with life jacket demonstration
- Ship had reduced number of passengers, providing more space and less crowded amenities
- Crew members wear masks, paper menus replaced with QR codes, and daily planner delivered through the Carnival HUB app
- Compliance with COVID-19 rules at the beach varied, with masks required at beach bars but not while sunbathing and distancing measures not strictly enforced
The Boarding Process and Muster Drill
I went through the boarding process and had my documents checked before boarding. I was required to wear a mask in the terminal.
The boarding process was relatively smooth, with the addition of a quick facial recognition picture taken for boarding.
Once onboard, we had the individual muster drill demonstration. Instead of the usual group gathering, we were instructed to go directly to our cabins and watch a safety video on the TV.
After watching the video, we put on our life jackets and scanned our cards to show attendance. The procedures were explained clearly, and a life jacket demonstration was given.
This new individual approach to the muster drill made it more efficient and took about 10 minutes.
Reduced Number of Passengers and Life on the Ship
Passengers onboard experienced a more spacious and relaxed atmosphere due to the reduced number of people. With an estimated 2500-3000 passengers on the cruise, there was ample space on the ship, especially on port days. Finding seats or chairs was not an issue, and even the buffet was not as crowded as usual.
Life on the ship felt largely normal, with bars, restaurants, casinos, and theaters operating as usual. Social distancing measures were not required, and masks were not mandatory except in ports, except when swimming or eating. Crew members were universally masked, except for outdoor crew.
The availability of amenities was not affected, and passengers were able to enjoy the ship’s facilities without any major disruptions.
Changes on the Ship
The crew members on the ship universally wear masks, except for outdoor crew. It is part of the crew protocols to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone on board.
The dining options on the ship have also undergone some changes. Paper menus have been replaced with QR codes for scanning, reducing contact and promoting hygiene. Additionally, the daily planner is now delivered through the Carnival HUB app, making it easier for passengers to access information about dining venues and their operating hours.
Reminders about mask-wearing and hand washing are regularly communicated to passengers to reinforce the importance of following safety protocols. In ports, masks are required except when swimming or eating.
These measures help maintain a safe and enjoyable dining experience for everyone on the ship.
Compliance With COVID-19 Rules at the Beach
Compliance with COVID-19 rules at the beach was generally followed, with masks required at beach bars and only removed briefly to take a sip of a drink. I observed that most people were adhering to the mask-wearing requirement while enjoying their time at the beach. It was reassuring to see individuals taking this precaution seriously.
However, when it came to distancing measures, the scene was not as strict. While some beachgoers made an effort to maintain a safe distance from others, there were instances where social distancing was not strictly enforced.
It is important for everyone to recognize the importance of both mask wearing and maintaining distance to minimize the risk of transmission. By being mindful of these practices, we can all contribute to a safer beach environment for everyone.
Special Tours and Testing Requirements
While exploring the different tour options, I noticed that unvaccinated passengers had limited choices due to the requirement of bubble tours. Only four tour options were available across three ports, and the cost of bubble tours limited bookings. Distancing and masking were strictly enforced on these tours, creating a rushed atmosphere that made the experience less enjoyable.
In contrast, vaccinated passengers had a wider range of tour options and were not limited to bubble tours. This gave them more flexibility in choosing tours and enhanced their cruise experience. The variety of tours catered to different interests and allowed for more opportunities for exploration.
As for testing requirements, unvaccinated passengers were required to undergo virus testing. The testing process took place in the ship’s comedy club and was relatively quick and easy. Negative test results were received within 15 minutes.
Overall, unvaccinated passengers faced more restrictions and testing requirements compared to vaccinated passengers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Safety Measures Are in Place to Protect Passengers and Crew During the Boarding Process and Muster Drill?
During the boarding process, safety measures include document checks, facial recognition photos, and individual muster drills. Muster drills no longer require huddling together, and attendance is scanned. These measures ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
How Has the Reduced Number of Passengers Affected the Overall Experience on the Ship?
The reduced number of passengers on the ship greatly enhanced the overall experience. With fewer people, there was more space, no issues finding seats, and the buffet wasn’t crowded. It felt like a normal cruise.
What Changes Have Been Made on the Ship to Ensure Passenger Safety and Comply With COVID-19 Rules?
Changes on the ship for Covid-19 compliance include crew members wearing masks, QR codes for menus, and reminders for mask-wearing and hand washing. Masks are required in ports, except when swimming or eating.
Are Passengers Required to Wear Masks at the Beach and What Are the Enforcement Measures in Place?
Yes, masks are required at the beach, except when swimming or eating. Enforcement measures include wearing masks at beach bars and removing them only to take a sip of a drink.
What Are the Options for Special Tours and Are There Any Specific Testing Requirements for Passengers?
There are special tour options available for vaccinated passengers, providing more opportunities for exploration. Unvaccinated passengers are limited to bubble tours, which come with strict distancing and masking requirements. Testing is required for unvaccinated passengers.
Alfons is the visionary leader and driving force behind Voyager Info’s success. As the Editor in Chief, he brings a wealth of experience and an unwavering passion for travel to the helm of our cruise-centric platform.
With a lifelong fascination for exploring new horizons, Alfons discovered his love for the ocean and cruising at a young age. From sailing across pristine Caribbean waters to embarking on daring expeditions to far-flung destinations, he has amassed a treasure trove of first-hand experiences in the world of cruising.
