I was not as enchanted by the Symphony of the Seas this time. We had been on it in early 2020 before the cruise industry was shut down, so this was our second time on the ship.

We started the cruise on a Saturday, and on Wednesday I became violently ill with norovirus. Our friends, who had gone on the cruise with us, also became sick, as did some others I spoke with. I have cruised for many years, and this is only the second time that I became sick on a cruise ship. I wrote to Royal Caribbean and told them that they need to have their ship cleaned more. I also told Royal Caribbean that the same person who was delivering clean plates, was also picking up dirty ones.

After years of not getting sick on cruise ships, I let my guard down. I will take my own advice here. I advise avoiding getting onto crowded elevators and take the stairs as much as you can. Get your own food, whenever possible, and use your left hand at the buffet to serve yourself, if you are right handed. If you must use the hand railing, use your nondominant hand to hold it. Avoid crowded venues as much as possible. Read more