Bell's Travel Company

After 16 months at home wondering what would become of the hospitality and tourism industry, in the last couple of months I have had the pleasure of being on two cruises. Safety was one of the biggest concerns for me for cruising getting back to the new normal. My first cruise was to Alaska on Royal Caribbean. Because Royal Carribean's core clients are families, it was impossible to require 100% vaccination until they approved a vaccine for under 16 years. As a result, there are two tiers of travelers on board. Offered on board are seperate dining venues for vaxxed and non-vaxxed (or mixed) as well as seperate trivia venues. In the large theatre for their production shows, the non-vaxxed or mixed would be on one level and would be required to wear their masks throughout the production. People were required to wear masks in all public areas. I am a diligent masker, and I felt very satisfied with walking through public areas. Staff was exuberant to be working and to be around guests again. It was heartwarming. Obviously, there was no buffet per se, but in the "Marketplace" you just pointed to what you desired and they would serve it to you. For any adults boarding, they were requiring a COVID negative tests from 3 days prior, and proof of vaccine. If you didn't have that, then you didn't get on. Then in October, it was a quick California coast sailing on the Majestic Princess. Princess requires 100% vaccinated guests. And similar situation with buffets (no self service). We were greeted with staff lined up and round of applause. Everyone seemed thrilled to be back. Everything on both ships was immaculate. They were constantly cleaning, and whenever you might look slightly perplexed, there was instantly a crew member that was offering assistance. They are using their Medallion app program on all the ships now, which I found to be a great upgrade to the customer service. And a wonderful way to locate your spouse!! I had been very hesitant to travel again and I couldn't have felt safer.