What It Is Like Cruising Post-Pandemic

I have recently returned from a fabulous cruise onboard Norwegian Epic in the Mediterranean.  The cruise was 7 nights in duration, allowing guests to embark either on a Sunday in Barcelona or on Tuesday in Rome. The itinerary is fantastic, including Barcelona, Ajaccio (Corsiva), Civitavecchia, Rome, Naples, Pompeii, Livorno, Florence, Pisa, Cannes, Palma and Majorca. 

Although cruising came to a standstill during Covid, I can happily say that it is back in full force.  The cruise I was on in May was full and everyone was happy to be on holiday again and experiencing the beautiful destinations a cruise has to offer. 

It is to be noted that all guests 12 years of age and over must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks prior to departure in order to board the cruise. While Norwegian Cruise Line do welcome unvaccinated children under the age of 12 onboard, it is the responsibility of the guest to be aware of any local protocols and/or travel restrictions in place at the visiting destinations at the time of sailing. Local regulations may have booster requirements to enter certain countries. 

It is highly recommended you do an antigen test prior to the cruise and bring confirmation of your test done 72-hours prior to departure. There is testing available on embarkation at a cost, however if you do test positive, you will be denied boarding, so please rather do the test prior. 

Once you board the cruise, masks are not necessary on board. If you would like to wear a mask, you can do so, but most guests do not wear masks onboard. All crew wear masks and are tested regularly for Covid, but as a passenger, it is not necessary. 

Each day when guests disembark at the destination, you can choose whether you would like to wear a mask. If the destination requires that it compulsory to wear a mask, then you would have to do so, but this was never the case at the ports we visited in the Med. 

Some public transport and shops do request that a mask be worn so it is always a good idea to carry one with you, but this was not the norm. There was never a request at a restaurant or public space to show a vaccination certificate either. Europe is very relaxed now and even in Italy where a specific mask type was previously required, any type of mask was sufficient if a mask was needed. 

Norwegian Cruise Lines currently offer 35% discount per person on their rates with all 5 offers available free of charge (Wi-fi onboard, beverage, specialty dining, USD50 shore excursion credit per port, family & friends sail at reduced rates (on select sailings)). The only additional charge is the service charges on the beverage and dining inclusions. 

Cruising is back with a bang, and it is safe! Now is the time to get the best deals on an all-inclusive cruise holiday where you only unpack and pack once but have the experience of a new destination each day.