The Return To Ship Life

So we all know that the ships are getting ready to sail again and there are many people with suitcases packed since last year waiting to return. Amongst these barely patient cruisers are the crew. Some of these crew members has been at home anxiously awaiting the return of the cruises, me being one of these members. We were repatriated in 2020 without a clue of when the ships will sail again.

After a year of being home working for minimum wages or for some being unemployed, the new adaption was becoming unbearable. Receiving that email, You are scheduled to join the ship in Montenegro was an amazing feeling. Being back onboard the ships is an amazing feeling, many crew members from different countries whom haven't seen friends from other countries were happy to reunite again with the thought of being able to once more support your love ones.

But before that journey would start there were many processes to undergo. Full medical exams and swab test (PCR test). Coming onboard, we were met with warm smiles and pleasant greetings from captain all the way down to co-workers, but no socializing. From the first step of doing the PCR test before boarding the plane to isolation and another PCR test in the hotel, one would think this was much, well, we were again given the PCR test at the gangway then put into isolation. One last PCR test was done before our release from isolation.

The ship then set sail from Bar, Montenegro and headed to Athens in Greece. Crew members whom couldn't get the vaccine in their home country, were taken in bus loads to a facility in Greece where we were given the Pfizer vaccine and immediately returned to the ship. Crew are being instructed to wash hands before and after every meals, things we were taught as children, but strictly enforced now. We also need to have our temperature taken twice a day. But in all that, no one was upset to follow these procedures as we all were just happy to be back to work and also to be the first set of crew called to re-launch the first of many ships for this year.

Now we are just onboard preparing the ship for the first set of guests scheduled to come onboard in July 25th 2021. There are many trainings as well so that when our loyal customers return, we have already shaken of the rust and is ready to give them the cruising experience they have been awaiting for many months/ years. The new norm will be, guests and crew sailing onboard the ships will need to be fully vaccinated before boarding the ships. Us being the first of many was given the opportunity to have our vaccine done while there are no guests onboard but our replacements won't be so lucky as without the vaccine they can't join the ships.

More updates to follow as we embark on this journey of the new way of life, or as some may say, the new adjustment of life during the worst pandemic of the 20th century...........