Just completed our first cruise since pre-covid. It was great to be back on the ship again and the staff was happy to greet us. However, they are still trying to put everything back in place. On this cruise our cruise director told us as of the next cruise all of their 26 ships will once again be at sea. Like land-based businesses, they are having trouble finding crew members for all the duties required. That's their biggest problem. An officer told us there are delays in bringing on new crew due to the timing it takes to get their visas. During that two-year lapse, those who used to be on the ships found other jobs. Staffing was cut at embassies/state depts who process passports and visas. Cargo connections they once had disappeared in many cases, and they need to find new sources.

We boarded our ship in Miami, which is always a mad house, even with boarding at 1:00 PM. However that went quickly and efficiently. They checked your COVID cards and ID, then take your picture. You'll get your SeaPass card once allowed into your stateroom. For our cruise, that time came at 2:00 PM.

We booked a veranda and when I entered the room, I thought there would not be enough space to store all our clothing. but we soon discovered there are hidden cabinets behind mirrors and drawers with more space then expected. I also liked the reading lights on each side of the bed. If possible, take a small power strip with you since there are only two outlets in the room which are by the desk. The bathroom has a single dispenser for use as shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. If you bring your own travel size shampoo and conditioner, make sure you lay them flat on the small rack above the soap dish. As I took my first shower, I picked up one of the bottles which caused two others to tilt and become projectiles on my toes. Wow! Did that hurt and create a big black and blue mark! Read more