it’s almost time – Port Side Travel By Jill

Travel requirements continue to change. If you are planning travel, it is SO important to continually monitor sites for changes. Yesterday Princess announced new mask and testing requirements for the cruise after mine through the CDC Conditional Sail Order date of Oct 31, 2021.

Although I don’t have to worry about pre cruise testing (even if vaccinated, which I am), they’re upping the mask requirements. This is the update I received:

“UPDATED MASK REQUIREMENTS FOR YOUR SAILING

We look forward to welcoming you on board your upcoming cruise. In an abundance of caution and in response to the increasing number of cases of COVID-19 caused by the Delta variant, we have made adjustments to our onboard mask policy.

All guests will be required to wear face masks in elevators, entertainment venues, retail shops, the casino, and other designated areas except while eating and drinking. Guests must also wear face masks prior to being seated in all dining venues and may occasionally be asked to wear a mask in other designated areas. Masks are required during embarkation and debarkation in the terminal, and must be worn during the debarkation process on board.

Our crew will continue to wear masks at all times when in guest areas, except when eating or drinking or outdoors when not interacting with guests. As we work with our medical experts to promote the health and safety of our guests and crew, we appreciate the cooperation of all of our guests”.

I know many would want to cancel,, or be upset or even mad at these changes. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed about the change, but it will still allow me to get back onboard a cruise ship and sail away and that thought makes me happy!

Again, if you’re planning travel, particularly with a cruise line or tour company, I cannot stress enough the importance of staying up to date with the ever evolving rules and regs. Hopefully once the CDC date comes and goes, these changes will not be so frequent. Until then I wish you all safe and happy travels!

Well just one week from today I will be boarding the Majestic princess in Seattle for a week long cruise to Alaska!

My medallion has arrived which is what I will use to access my cabin, purchase drinks on my account or items from the shops, and it’s my identifier for checking in-and-out of the ship when I go ashore. It is small and circular and I attach it to my Fitbit band (I will post picture next week).

Princess is currently requiring passengers be fully vaccinated, and they must wear face masks when when boarding the ship so when we’re in line at the port, as well as on transfer busses or tour busses. And Alaska has just requested that we also wear masks if we are unable to social distance or if we go indoors while ashore in Alaska. Because of this I purchased some new Princess masks that they had available at the time I ordered my medalion.

My bag is mostly packed but my mind is fully packed (with excitement lol) and ready to go! I’ll see you in a week!!