The pandemic hit tourism hard – the cruise industry being no exception. After being shuttered for months, cruise lines are pulling out all the stops to regain customer confidence. My family and I were looking for a fun way to spend time together – a late Christmas gift to ourselves – so we decided to take advantage of the low fares and set sail.
Great deals in the industry abound as ships set sail at low capacity – our ship had around 1,200 passengers but could hold 3,600. There were no waits for anything, deck chairs were abundant, and the staff went out of their way to ensure that everyone’s cruise vacation was magnificent.
We set sail with Royal Caribbean out of Galveston, Texas.
At press time, all passengers must show their vaccine card and present a negative Covid test taken no longer than forty-eight hours patio to travel. Once onboard, guests must wear masks in indoor public areas, unless eating or drinking. Very similar to the rules on dry land. All cruise staff are fully masked at all times and, according to RCI, fully vaccinated.
We had a ball on board – two of the four full days were at sea. A wide variety of activities for all ages are offered throughout the day. The ship has a basketball court, pickleball courts, two giant waterslides that jut precariously over the ocean, even a nine-hole miniature golf course. Of course, there are pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, and a full-service spa.
Cruise ships are known for an abundance of food selections, and this one was no exception.
In addition to the traditional dining room meals, there were several fine ding experiences available at an additional fee, along with the vast buffets, salad bars, and sandwich stations. The only difference from pre-covid sailing was that staff filled plates at passengers’ directions on the buffet line.
Each evening brought plenty of entertainment options, from fun games and karaoke for the more raucous crowd to themed piano entertainment and acoustic groups. There were even several comedians. Of course, the lavish Broadway-style song and dance productions went on in the main theatre each night.
Our itinerary made two stops.
The first was Costa Maya, Mexico, where we took a tour to visit Mayan ruins. The other was in Cozumel, Mexico, where we enjoyed a day at Mr. Sancho’s Beach Resort. Food and drink are included in the price, along with kayaks and snorkeling equipment. Parasailing, ATV rides, and horseback riding are available at an additional fee. There is also a full-service spa where my husband and I enjoyed a massage on the beach.
Overall, our family had an excellent time on the voyage. We felt the cruise line had taken adequate precautions as travel begins to return to normal. The staff was attentive and went above and beyond expectations.
If you’ve been hesitant about booking a cruise, you may want to take another look. Fares are low, crowds are small, and service is high—the perfect high-seas trifecta.
