If you’d prefer to watch the video, click below:
I did a COVID-19 antigen test using the Abbott at-home proctored test two days before the UDC. I had previously ordered some to handle my testing needs for this cruise and others in the future. Then, StarVista made all passengers take a test (antigen) just before embarking. I also took a test (antigen) at MCO (Orlando) on Thursday in order to embark on The 80s Cruise two days later. All those tests were NEGATIVE. I didn’t hear of any positive tests while I was on the ship, which doesn’t mean there weren’t any.
Once aboard the ship, masks were optional everywhere onboard for passengers. We were provided two cloth masks by Celebrity. Us passengers were asked to bring more masks in case we needed them in port. Since I didn’t go into either port, I don’t know how strictly this was enforced. I had been to both Cozumel and Costa Maya on the Summit in September, so it was an easy decision for me to stay on the ship.
The Celebrity crew were still required to wear masks, and all crew I saw wore them everywhere. The StarVista staff weren’t required to wear masks, and they mostly didn’t. A small percentage of passengers wore masks in every location – 1 to 2% if I had to put a figure on it. Nobody made a big deal out of anyone wearing or not wearing one, which is as it should be.
What about social distancing? I never went in the elevator, so I couldn’t judge what was happening there. But the theaters weren’t full any time I went. Most shows looked to be about two-thirds full, with Kool and the Gang doing a little better (around 80%) and Expose and the matinee each doing a little worse (around 50%). I arrived about 15 minutes before each show and could usually find a seat in the center and 8 to 12 rows up. Ticketmaster would sell seats that close for premium prices. Even in the seats I had, I usually had a couple of feet between me and my fellow attendees. Of course, there were places where people were squished far closer together, like the front rows and the aisles near the stage.
At the KC and the Sunshine Band show I attended, the gentleman next to me decided to sleep through the last half hour of the show. 😴😴😴 And yes, he was sleeping and not dead – I watched his chest heave in rhythm and he woke up when the show ended. On so many levels this made no sense then, and it still doesn’t.
Other than some small social distancing signs and what I’ve mentioned above, the pandemic was barely mentioned. Many of the bands mentioned their struggles during this time. And Jason, our cruise director, noted that 1) the number of people on this cruise was down from 2020 (no specifics given) and 2) the status of this cruise was in flux as late as a few weeks ago.
I didn’t see anyone in hazmat suits. I didn’t see any quarantine/isolation rooms. I don’t know where they were. The captain didn’t mention COVID at all.
