The cruise industry is slowly beginning to recover from COVID-19, but it still has a ways to go before it’s completely normal.
People are still leery about boarding a cruise ship for a week, or longer. The proof is that our Norwegian cruise from Boston to Bermuda still had room for 1,000 passengers when we embarked on the first of our summer vacations.
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We sailed on the NCL Pearl with a capacity of 2200 guests. I’ve gotta say it was nice not having a full ship.
Expect Changes
NCL did have some COVID-19 precautions in place. Don’t expect to enjoy all of the choices that are normally available on a cruise ship if you plan to take a cruise.
For example, the Pearl only had one show per night, compared to the two shows we had on previous NCL cruises.
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It also seemed like the dining room menus changed slightly, however I don’t know if this is due to COVID or a rebranding by NCL. There were many more appetizer options available than on previous menus, but fewer entrĂ©e options.
The ship was also out of gin and several other liquor options at different bars throughout the ship.
Cleaning Precautions
When it comes to cleaning, crew members constantly wiped down bars and tables.
Housekeeping wiped down and disinfects railings every 4 hours.
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On the flip side, I was surprised to see the buffet remained self-serve, for the most part.
There are also signs in each restaurant and bar telling passengers that masks are required, but no one actually enforces the requirement.
Vaccinations
Crew and passengers are required to be FULLY vaccinated before taking this cruise. If you are not, you’ll need to apply for, and receive, a waiver from NCL before you are allowed to sail.
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Depending on the ports of call, you may not be allowed to disembark. That depends on the rules in each city or country.
You may also be required to show proof of a negative COVID test taken shortly before you sail.
Bermuda is requiring the negative test to enter the country, even after the U.S. dropped its testing requirement. Keep in mind that the U.S. is able to change those requirements at any time.
What are some of the other changes you’ve experienced on your last cruise?
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