A year ago vacationing on a cruise seemed nearly impossible due to the global pandemic– Covid-19. However, today, the travel industry on cruises has come back stronger than ever in order to prevent the spread of the virus and allow its guest to thoroughly enjoy their vacation. Major cruise lines like Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Carnival have implemented new safety protocols in order to ensure the well-being of its guests and employees. Recently, I was able to join Carnival Freedom cruise on a week long vacation, and I was amazed on how well they are managing the current situation with the coronavirus pandemic. If you have been on a cruise before, you are aware in how packed it can get. Nevertheless, due to the pandemic (and the school season), the cruise was NOT at full capacity, allowing its guests to spaciously enjoy their vacation. Apart from that, Carnival cruise line requires all guests to provide a negative covid-19 test from 48-72 hours prior to departing. Some ports required guests to be vaccinated before departing the ship. In the case of an unvaccinated guest, they can still vacation on the cruise, just not get down at certain destinations. Carnival cruise lines have prepared social distancing tables for dinner time, and they require all guests to wear masks while in the elevators, theater, lobby and other public places. Although, the cruise line has kept its tradition of service buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Guests who do not feel comfortable with this procedure now have the option to order free room service for breakfast, or eat at their assigned table. Overall, the Carnival Freedom Cruise is now cleaner than ever, practicing social distancing and encouraging all passengers to wear their masks. These procedures were carried out to guarantee the safety of all guests.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at FIU chapter.