My Experience: Post COVID Cruise Boarding

My first cruise following the COVID-19 pandemic cruise shutdown was also my first time sailing with Celebrity. It was a different experience than the other cruises I’ve checked in for and boarded in the past. I thought perhaps sharing my story might help to release some anxiety others might feel as they prepare for the same process. I will admit that I had my fair share of anxiousness about it especially since I was traveling alone.

The first step is to check-in for the cruise. I began the check-in process several weeks prior to sailing. I began by checking in on the computer but quickly realized and was encouraged to use the Celebrity App as it would be a great way to complete the process contactless. I received my Xpress Pass with a window of time for check-in and that was all kept in my app for that day.

The next step was to be tested within 48 hours prior to embarkation. I chose to do a home test since I was in Miami for a conference immediately prior. You may have seen my previous article COVID Testing to Cruise which covers the testing process in detail. Having the test results in hand, specifically on my phone, was a big step.

The last piece that I needed was my vaccination card showing verification of my completion of vaccination at least 2 weeks prior to the cruise.

I was sailing on the Celebrity APEX so I arrived at the Pier Terminal in Fort Lauderdale at my appointed time. It was required that I was masked. I dropped my luggage with my room tags stapled on and moved to security. I had all documents easily accessible, my vaccine card, my negative test results, and my Xpress Pass on my phone. There was a very brief line, I showed all documents and breezed quickly on to the security belts. Once through I waited in a short line to get to the people with the iPads. Once there I again showed my Xpress pass and shared my room number. There was a brief moment of confusion because my room had changed as I was surprisingly upgraded to the concierge level! Because I had already uploaded a picture of myself for security, I was walking my way up the gang plank in no time and boarding the ship. As soon as I reached the ship there was someone there to welcome us and assure us that IF we wanted to, we could remove our masks and begin to enjoy our cruise. After a quick trip up to my room to gather my room key and drop my carry-on I was headed to lunch.

The process was the quickest and smoothest check-in that I’ve ever had boarding a ship. Perhaps things have changed for the better in that whole process following the pandemic or maybe Celebrity just really knows how to do it right.

What changes have you noticed in embarking for a cruise since cruising has returned?