We were thrilled to be onboard a cruise ship again. We enjoyed what I can only describe as a “normal” cruise; we went on shore excursions, enjoyed the shows, played trivia and ate too much. It was glorious!
All of this occurred despite the havoc the pandemic had wrought on the cruise industry. Before leaving we became well versed in the enhanced protocols around safety, completed all the paperwork and submitted to all the testing as required. We knew there would be a number of changes in how Norwegian Cruise Lines, and I am sure many others, operated as they returned to international waters. Covid aside, many of these changes were positive and ones we hope will become the norm.
So for those of you looking forward to a cruise here are our top 5 changes that we hope will remain as cruising returns post pandemic.
- Online Check-in
Previously the online check in was an opportunity to record passport and other personal information. This time around we had to submit
our own security photos (which meant I got to take and reject the ones that I didn’t like), choose a check in time at the dock, complete a health questionnaire as well as all the other information we usually provided at check-in. As a result the check in process at the port was much faster and there were no crowds at the dock. After a security check we showed our vaccine paperwork, they took our temperature and then handed us our ship card. We had already had our antigen test off site (at a hotel in Pireaus), and wore wristbands to show our negative result status.
- Fire Muster
Newly added to the online check was 1 ½ minute safety video. The same video was also linked in an email which we received later and was playing on the television in our room when we boarded the ship. All that was left to do after boarding was to go to our muster station as indicated on the map on the back of the stateroom door where our ship card was scanned by a crew member and we were done. It was so much less invasive and time consuming than the old method of corralling everyone together in a crowded space on deck in order to achieve the same outcome. Crew that we talked to loved the new fire muster process – a lot less time, less contentious, and no crowding.
- Health protocols
Along with the antigen test, temperature taking and being vaccinated all of which are related to covid, it was some of the other protocols that we would be happy to continue. Handwashing was enforced before using the buffet, sanitation stations were located throughout the ship, and enhanced cleaning protocols not only in staterooms but also in all public areas were observed. Even before covid other health issues, such as the norovirus, were an issue on cruise ships and hopefully these new protocols will continue in order to protect passengers.
The only thing that I am sure will not continue is that the buffet was not self serve. Some items were pre-plated such as salads, desserts, drinks and condiments, and the rest were scooped and served by a crew member. One benefit other than being a healthier option is we felt it reduced food waste.
- Crowd Control
According to the crew we talked to the ship was only at 75% of its capacity in order to allow social distancing. Although that will not be the case as we move forward there were other changes we felt worked much better at controlling the crowds onboard. For example emptying the theatre one row at a time, only allowing passengers to enter the theatre to wait for your shore excursion 5 minutes before and then sitting in a specific section so when called you could exit in an orderly manner, established lines for approaching the bars or other service areas and limited capacity in the elevators (which encouraged many of us to use the stairs more).
- Enhanced Consideration of Others
It certainly seemed to us that everyone was more aware of others. We did not witness any pushing, shoving or crowding. Passengers were conscious of those with disabilities or restrictions and patience reigned supreme. Perhaps it was because everyone was so pleased to be onboard a ship that everyone allowed for social distancing. Smiles were easy to see despite the masks and that was the most positive impact on passengers and crew alike.
The one thing we will be happy to leave behind is the mask wearing, and I am sure every passenger and crew feels the same way. They will however continue to wear it without complaint as the alternative is worse. In all honesty it was not as onerous as I thought. We wore them while walking around the ship, in the theatre and casino, and in the bus or walking through town on shore. While actively eating or drinking, while in your stateroom and if you are outdoors and can social distance you can remove your mask. That was most helpful at many of the archeological sites we visited during the extreme heat of a Greek August.