Scarlet Lady Embarkation Day

Think back to your days in school.   You had a big test the next day and you couldn't sleep.   That's what it's like when you are cruising on Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady in the midst of this pandemic.   The difference is that you can't study for this test and it's either pass or fail.   Currently an antigen test is administered at the pier.  You must test negative for Covid-19 to board the ship.  No other test results can be used.

Note:   At the time of this writing, Virgin Voyages Terminal V has not been completed.  It will be ready soon, and your experience will differ from ours.

We arrived at the terminal and proceeded to check in.  You show the agent your app on your phone and they scan each passenger's boarding pass.   Prior to arrival, you need to complete several steps using the app including health questions which can only be done on embarkation day.   You've uploaded your vaccination card, passport information, and a photo already.

Our Sailor bands had been mailed to our house, so they just needed to scan them to activate them.  Next we were onto the next station to go through security.   After security, it's time for the all important test.   A few swirls of the swab and we were done for now.   

Tip: Make sure you have your phone, because you'll be checking for an email with your results.   Within 15 minutes you should receive an email with a PDF file attached.  Download the file, hold your breath, and if you pass, go on to show your results and head towards the waiting room.

The picture above means we passed our test and were heading towards the waiting room.   It was around noon when we arrived at the terminal and now it was about 12:30 PM.   We were handed a group number (#3) and directed to the seating area.   We met some of our friends, who had already had their results, and were in the group ahead of us.   

Jacob was one of the greeters who kept us amused in the 1.5 hour wait.  They don't let anyone on the ship until around 2 PM.    Every now and then there would be a cork pop and he'd be celebrating a birthday or other event for a passenger.    There was a constant parade to the vending machines to get some food or drink.  We've been told there will be food and drink in the new facilities when they open.

Once onboard we headed to our cabin to drop off our luggage and then off for some lunch.   There were plenty of crew around to direct you to your cabin and help you get around the ship.   The story continues in our next post.   Welcome aboard Scarlet Lady!

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Celebrity Apex Embarkation Day

Welcome to Port Everglades

Celebrity Apex sails from Port Everglades Terminal 25.  When we first arrived, our shuttle bus driver first went to where Celebrity Reflection was docked.  Everyone on the bus started yelling this is the wrong terminal.

We gathered our hand luggage and checked our bag with a porter.  If you download the Celebrity app, like we did, the embarkation process will be quick and efficient.  Here are highlights from embarkation day.

Prior to arriving at the pier we used the Celebrity app to complete the check-in documents. There are a series of health questions to answer as well as uploading a copy of your vaccination record. 

During the check-in process on the app an embarkation time is generated.  This allows for less congestion making social distancing possible.   Since our group was having a general session with the CEO of Celebrity at 2 PM, we were given priority boarding which superseded the generated times.

Upon arrival at the pier we showed our passports, vaccination cards, negative Covid-19 test results, and the express check-in on the app. After going thru security, we had to show our passports and express check-in on our app a couple more times and then we were on the ship. 

Once we were onboard the ship, we put our masks away as they were not required onboard unless passengers wanted to wear them. The crew wore masks the whole time. On land, masks were recommended.

The embarkation process went very smoothly for the most part.  Celebrity representatives ask you to have all the necessary documents ready to be checked, but there are always a few people that aren't as organized.  That was the only delay as they fumbled around trying to find all their documentation.

After boarding we headed to our cabin and dropped off our carryon baggage.  We then went up to Oceanview Café for some lunch.  We'll dedicate another post to the café.

Not a Fan of Muster Drill?

It's not our favorite thing to do on a cruise either, but safety is the number one priority of the cruise line and crew.  However, thanks to Covid-19, the muster drill has changed.

We watched the required video on our Celebrity app and then could go to our assigned muster station (which can be found on your cabin card) at your convenience.  They simply scan your card and you are all set.

If you have any questions, they will answer them there.

Thanks to the new protocols, embarkation is a smooth process giving you more time to enjoy the ship while maintaining a safe environment for guests.

#2021TogetherConference

Mini-Series

Click on the image on the right to continue our mini-series on Celebrity Apex and our national conference cruise.   Our ship was only 65% full but the crew was at 100% staffing.   This is a great time to be cruising.

Cruising has always been the best vacation value and it still remains so.  Also, it is one of the safest things you can do right now.   The cruise line controls the  environment and with new protocols in place they have been providing safe vacations for thousands of guests for several months now.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

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Welcome Aboard Symphony of the Seas

 Embarkation Day

National Conference 2019

Symphony of the Seas

We arrived at the Port of Miami around 10:00 AM. We got a glimpse of our home for the next week as our bus pulled into the terminal. We had several opportunities to get pictures of Symphony of the Seas as well as construction of a new Norwegian Cruise Line terminal.

click images to enlarge

Tip: Make sure to have all your bags tagged with your cabin information, prior to arriving at the pier, in the event the porters grab your carry-on bags as well.

The bus driver unloaded our luggage and porters were on hand to take our bags to the ship. We were able to get our carry-on  before they loaded them on the cart. A short walk to the terminal entrance and we were on our way through the embarkation process.

First stop was to check our passports and cruise documents, then on to security screening, and finally to the waiting area.  They wouldn't start boarding until shortly before 11 AM.   Turn around day is very hectic for the crew as the entire ship needs to be made ready for the arriving guests.

Tip: Be sure to print your Set Sail Passes or have you phone handy with your Royal Caribbean App.  We opted for paper method, but also had the app installed (always like that assurance in case technology fails us.)

Since we had a large group, and since we had an early general session on board at 1:30 PM, Royal Caribbean had a special waiting area set aside for us.  Much like an airline, they boarded the ship according to your cabin category or loyalty status.   First to board were the visitors who were there to tour the ship, then general boarding.

The cabins aren't ready when you board early, and the watertight doors to the cabin areas are closed.  We were able to drop off our bags in our cabin, however.   They really don't want you in the area while they are turning the ship around, but since we had a large group and were having a meeting in the theater before the ship sailed, they were pretty understanding and allowed us in the area.

Next it was time for some lunch before our meeting.  There were several venues open, but we opted for the Park Cafe in Central Park because it is one of our favorites on Oasis-class ships.   The Royal Kummelweck is their signature beef sandwich.  You can order it with your choice(s) of au jus, mustard, and horseradish.

We also added a made to order salad.  Other sandwiches, soups, and dessert items were also available.  This is an included food venue.

NOTE:  Cruise lines do an excellent job coordinating large groups like ours.  We have over 1100 people attending  our #2019DareConference.   Consider making your next corporate meeting at sea.  We can help you plan any size event.  For large groups you may even have your own Cruise Directory, like we did.

Continue with our Choose Cruise Month mini-series of articles or take a detour by clicking the following banner to explore Symphony of the Seas and our National Conference cruise.

 

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Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

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Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat