Current situation on Brilliance of the Seas

I just got off Symphony on 12/23.

There had been Several confirmed positives on the immediately previous voyages.

Masks were required indoors any time not eating or drinking(or in your stateroom, obv) no matter the venue, or your vaccination status. There were no "Mask Police" per say, however, if a crewmember did see someone without a mask, or their mask not properly positioned, they would nicely ask them to take care of it.

Shows were limited, and as Maryred shared, most shows/activities which required direct interaction between guests were limited, or not done at all

All food in the Windjammer Buffet was served by crew.

We sailed on the Majestic Princess in late 2021, no issues, mask used in hall, elevator and inside when not eating or drinking. My biggest issues was personal getting up and not putting on my mask immediately. Basically my wife and I got into the grove and no issues. I usually spent the afternoons in the aft bar, fresh air, great staff and friends.

I can only speak of what was being done in November on Royal as that was my last cruise with them for the year.

- Depending on the ship some activities like the larger Broadway style productions shows, flowrider, or bumper cars can only be reserved once on board. For certain time blocks the reservation system on the app would not allow you to pick a time until the day they occurred.

- Seating in the theater, aquatheater, ice rink, and Two70 had the first 2-4 rows roped off or covered as no seating zone, so as to keep a social distance between the audience and performers. Additionally the staff, especially at vaccinated no mask required shows, discouraged parties that did not arrive together from sitting without at least 2 seats between them, with some shows even having ushers to seat your party. Also to avoid having people line up in the passageways or in front of the venue the doors would open as much as an hour prior to the start of the show. Also show times were very subject to cancelation or substitution, because if 1 cast member tested positive the entire cast would be under observation for several days.

- Occupancy levels for the pools and hot tubs were closely monitored. If the pool attendant on duty felt there were too many in the water already, they would make new arrivals wait in a queue line for others to leave the water.

- Many lounges with evening entertainment like Boleros and Music Hall, would limit the occupancy levels as well.

- Quest was not offered and other passenger to passenger physical interactive game shows were were modified in a way that there was little to no direct contact and pauses while equipment was being sanitized between contestants.

- Depending on the ship and which venue it was held in Bingo generally turned away people with unvaccinated children in tow or adults not sporting their vaccine bracelet.

- Not as many flash sales were held for the retail shops and for the ones that were done various measures were used to keep the passengers socially distanced.

I'm sure there were other little nuances to the new "normal" of cruising that went undetected by myself only because they are measures still being observed locally for us.

This entire statement is why cruises should not allow unvaccinated passengers onboard: to stop the spread. Those Caribbean islands have every right to enforce policies to keep their population safe. They do not have to cater to your comfort level.

Masks help stop the spread. Those "free states" aren't helping to stop the spread.

Cruising is only safe if everyone plays their part to keep it safe.

Peace

I can speak to experience on a recent Oasis of the Seas cruise. The protocols are changing but there were Vax only venues and Everybody venues. That included certain dining and bar venues. Entertainment was also a separated event with some for everyone (families w/kids) and some for vaccinated only. The vaccinated only venues allowed mask-free situation during the event. Everybody venues required masking indoors.

Masking was also required while walking the halls or in most indoor venues not designated as (V). Masks were not required while eating and drinking or in the outdoor areas.

My wife and I found the masking uncomfortable as we've been without for months and going back is not our preference. But we played by the rules. Ran into many others from other free states and they would not masked unless asked. Later in the cruise, the presents of the "mask" police became more active (guessing someone may have tested positive).

It was great getting back to cruising, but not the same as pre-rona. Less food selection, especially desserts, and as the crew had to be masked 100% of the time, it was unfortunate we could not see them (except the small photo badge they wore). Also, many of the Caribbean islands have more restrictions than the ship and many excursions must be procured through the cruise line to "legally/safely" tour. (RCL doesn't advertise that too much, as the protocols are always changing, you may not know the rules until you show up at the port.)

We have 5 more cruises booked of the next year or so, but wouldn't have booked knowing the ongoing on-board and island restrictions. I think more people will become aware (after a return to cruise fix), and maybe back-off booking too many new cruises until things change.

We enjoyed being back, but it was not as pleasurable experience.