Hey there! We’re still in January, so I think it’s safe for me to say HAPPY NEW YEAR! By now, you may already know if you follow me on YouTube and Instagram that I’m cruising again, and I’m soooo happy about it! By God’s grace, I have been able to safely cruise, even now, and as such, I write this to share six tips for you to safely cruise also!

Tip #1: Select A Cruise Line With The Strictest Health & Safety Protocols: Requiring All Crew & Guests Be Fully Vaccinated AND Requiring Testing At The Cruise Port On The Day Of Sailing

There are many cruise lines in the world, and even pre-shutdown they weren’t all equal on certain things. That said, I am not a cruise snob, nor do I snub cruise lines. In normal times, I encourage folks to try different cruise lines in order to truly know what your favorites are. You can’t have sailed only one or two lines and then say that one is your favorite because there are so many other lines out there. We have already sailed 6 different cruise lines, and we are looking to try others.

That said, during the pandemic, the cruise lines vary in health and safety protocols, and for me, those protocols are a major part of my decision-making process. At present, I am selecting only lines that require all crew and guests over five years old be fully vaccinated. As a matter of fact, my very first sailing back was with Norwegian Cruise Line, which requires ALL guests be vaccinated, so there is no exception for children too young to be vaccinated. Basically, if you cannot be vaccinated, then you cannot sail on their ships. 

I am also selecting only lines that require all guests be tested at the cruise port and test negative before stepping on the ship. Let me tell you, that testing at the cruise port piece is one of the most nerve-wrecking feelings, but if you follow my next tip, then it helps to take some of the edge off. 

Tip #2: Get Tested At Least Twice Before Going To The Cruise Port

Personally, I’ve chosen to follow the following testing schedule before cruising:

-       One PCR Test About 2 Weeks Before Sailing.

-       Another PCR Test About 2-3 Days Before Sailing. 

-       A Rapid PCR Test (Walgreens Offers ID NOW) The Day Before Sailing Which Provides Results Within Hours) 

Some may consider this “doing too much,” but as I see it, it’s not doing too much when I’m looking out for the health and safety of others as well as myself. For folks like me who live in New York and tend to fly to cruise ports in other places, then this is very much worth it, so that no one gets stuck in another state or even country if there’s a positive test at the port. That could’ve been avoided by testing in advance. That way, you know your status prior to even leaving home to go to the cruise port. Obviously, do not travel if your test is positive. Travel company policies allow for cancellation with little to no penalties if cancellation is due to COVID-19.

Tip #3: Wear Masks In All Public Areas Of The Ship

We should all already be pretty accustomed to wearing masks by now, and honestly, I can say that keeping my mask on through the hallways and public areas on the ship was really not difficult to do, and it did not take away from a great vacation! As a matter of fact, masks being worn throughout the ships help to put me – and I’m sure others – at ease to better enjoy our vacations during this time. Generally, masks can be removed on outer decks and when taking photographs, and all cruise lines obviously allow for masks to be removed when eating and drinking.

Tip #4: Practice Excellent Hygiene, Including Frequent Handwashing & Sanitizing

I’ve been a stickler for good hygiene from before the pandemic, so that’s just been amplified now. Maybe it’s being the daughter of a nurse, or maybe it’s simply being me. These are my tips for staying healthy through maintaining excellent hygiene during your cruise: 

-       Sanitize stateroom room upon entering (use disinfecting wipes and/or disinfecting spray)

-       Always wash hands before eating

-       When re-entering stateroom after being out and about around the ship or in port:

o   shower before getting on the bed; OR 

o   if going back out around the ship and not yet ready to shower, then DO NOT sit on the bed in outside clothes… sit on the couch instead. 

Tip #5: Pray 

Second-to-last, but definitely not least, pray God’s traveling mercies. We’ve been praying over our travels even pre-pandemic. As a matter of fact, pray before and while making travel plans. We have had a number of shifts in our travel plans over the past two years, and I honestly believe that it’s all been for a reason. We are thankful God has kept us safe throughout our travels, and we thank Him for continuing to do so.

Tip #6: Enjoy Your Cruise!

Through all the challenges, especially of the past two years, we still think that cruising offers THE BEST options for family vacations with onboard amenities, spectacular entertainment, world-class food, and the opportunities to explore new countries in one trip! Add to that, if you’ve followed us for a while, you know that we’ve enjoyed a cruise for just hubby and me for our anniversary and definitely recommend couple’s cruising! As you can see from my recent experiences, cruises are also great for solo travel! So, it’s safe to say, cruising offers THE BEST variety of vacation options. Period!

Have you cruised or traveled at all since the pandemic? What are some things you do to keep healthy and safe?