Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas

In July 2021, I was invited to sail onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Freedom of the Seas 4-night cruise from the Miami port.  It had been at least 18 months since my last cruise and I knew it would look and feel different with all the new Covid protocols. Here is what my experience was like cruising again and why I sailed on two additional cruises just a few months later.  

Pre-departure requirements 

Since every cruise line and every cruise line itinerary has its own set of sailing requirements, it's important you carefully review those protocols frequently. Most sailings are only accepting guests 12 and older who are fully vaccinated and 2-11 year olds with proof of a negative Covid test. 

All passengers need to show proof of a negative Covid test and guests who are not vaccinated may also undergo additional Covid testing at the port, onboard during their cruise and prior to disembarkation.   Additionally, all guests regardless of their vaccination status must complete Royal Caribbean’s health questionnaire which can be completed on the Royal Caribbean app the day before embarkation. These questions pertain to the guests’ current well-being and any Covid-related symptoms they may have experienced within the last 14 days.  

It’s also important to note that all crew members on Royal Caribbean ships are required to be vaccinated and these crew members also wear masks at all times, even outdoors. 

Masks and physical distancing  

Royal Caribbean provides disposable masks and hand sanitizer in each stateroom. Guests are encouraged, but not required to wear masks indoors unless actively eat or outside when they cannot maintain physical distancing.

Areas on the ship that is open to all guests have designated physical distancing markers and signage on tables/chairs which indicate that no one may utilize them. These signs are to prevent parties from sitting too close to one another. Since the ship was sailing at a much lower capacity, finding a place to sit was never an issue even with limited seating. 

Dining and buffet restaurants 

Hand washing and hand sanitizer stations are located at the entrances of every dining facility and all guests are directed to utilize one of these stations prior to entering.  

Stateroom cleanliness and air circulation 

In each stateroom, a visible card on the desk outlines all the cleaning protocols onboard. Royal Caribbean features an HVAC system that continuously supplies 100% fresh, filtered air from outdoors to all indoor spaces. Additionally, Royal Caribbean uses EPA-certified disinfectants and techniques like electrostatic fogging to clean frequently and consistently. Everywhere I turned, crew members were wiping down high touch areas such as handrails, elevator buttons and door knobs. 

Housekeeping service is performed in your stateroom twice a day just like they did on pre-Covid sailings.  

Hand sanitizer stations are visible throughout the entire ship and it is difficult to walk more than a few feet without spotting a nearby dispenser.    Stations are prominently located outside of elevators, entrances to restaurants, theaters and many other ship venues.    My biggest tip would be to make sure you continue to moisturize your hands during your cruise.   While these hand sanitizer stations are essential in helping keep everyone healthy, your hands will feel the effects of the dryness with constant use. 

Bottom Line  

Overall, my experience onboard Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas was absolutely spectacular! I appreciated all the new safety precautions and efforts put in place to help keep all guests healthy.   

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