November 28, 2021

Reflections

Well my effort to blog failed but I thought I would share some reflections and learning about the new way to cruise. It exceeded my expectations in so many ways. Because everyone was vaccinated and had to prove it, and get a negative test we were able to be mask free on ship. So life was normal. There were some changes. Things like the Captains club did not have food and the buffet was served rather than grab yourself. Ship was half capacity and people were spread out in the dining room- those were awesome changes. No smoking in the casino was really terrific. The biggest noticeable change was in the lack of pushing ship stores in port and shopping. There were no "port shopping" talks, no maps to the recommended stores, and no excursions leaving time to shop- because there were NO shops! Insane- we saw Diamonds International but that's it! Nice empty stores- very sad! Excursions had to make out bus seating charts so they could contact trace if needed. They also had special areas of the beach that were only for our ship- isolating us from public and other ships- that was also nice. Tours were smaller and masks were required in the bus and at port. Jamaica required excursions to get off ship but no one else did. 

Interesting things that happened were 6 medical emergencies! 2 required changes in itinerary to get someone to medical facilities- the others were people being taken off in port. There were many quite frail people on board and at least 3 falls. My theory is that many older persons were more frail than they knew and discovered 2 years made a big difference. I personally observed one fall that resulted in open wound in the elevator and my card playing friends saw two others. 

Judy has taught me how to remain independent longer by being prepared and not afraid to get a scooter and not afraid to ask for what you need. She goes anywhere and everywhere in that 35 pound scooter. I saw it two years ago on our land tour and she's only gotten better with it. I hope I can still travel alone at 78! 

Im scheduled to cruise again over New Years with another friend. I only hope this new variant from South Africa doesn't mess it up. One thing is for certain- we have to be flexible with plans- knowing at any time things may change or be cancelled- its the new normal.