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Freedom OTS 9/27/21 - 10/01/21 - Protocols


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So we are back from our short jaunt to Nassau and Perfect Day. A fun four day break we have been looking forward to for some time.
There have been several questions about the Covid protocols so I thought I would answer them all in one posting.
 
First, as we were going to the Bahamas, the Bahamian Government has mandated all visitors MUST prove their full vaccinations. Not a problem for us, Sheryl and I had our second shots at the end or April.
 
Next requirement was for us to test negative for Covid. Also not so much of a challenge. 2 days prior to boarding, we each used a proctored online antigen test. (we used the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Self Test) The results were negative as expected. In fairness, all crew are vaccinated and it is my understanding they are all subject to antigen testing regularly.
At the terminal, we arrived at our appointed boarding time and our documents were checked, passports, Boarding Documents, Covid Vaccine Cards, and proof of negative antigen test all checked at the door of the terminal.
 
Once through the initial check, we were directed up the escalators to the next point where we were again validated, and this time subject to health screen, including temperature checks. Following that, we were adorned with wristbands (do not remove) which proved to all around us we were vaccinated and negative. All good, now to security.
 
There was a little concern when they scanned my back pack and saw the magnets there, but it was easily resolved with a quick look. Thank you to the security staff for their vigiliance by the way. Their job is to stop anything nasty getting on the ship.
As we boarded Freedom of the Seas, we were once more security screened and all was good. Thereafter we were directed to our emergency muster station for our safety briefing. Then wayhay, we could enjoy.
 
All out door spaces were mask free, and inside the ship, general areas like passageways, the promenade and such were mask mandatory. There were however, mask free zones for the fully vaccinated. Honestly, it was no hardship, I think we have all become accustomed to wearing masks as it is. However, the opportunity to be mask free out doors and in specific areas was more than welcome.
 
There were some changes since our last cruise. For example, at the buffet, it was not self service, staff behind the counters piled the plates on request. Additionally, in the WindJammer Buffet, tables were well segregated, every other table was marked as unavailable, the remainder were open, and in my field of view when they were cleared, they were totally sanitized including seating and table edges. There were far more hand sanitizing stations than ever before, and prior to entering any part of the ship, such as shops, bars, theatre or restaurants, we were asked to use them.
 
I have always been pleased with how Royal Caribbean ships are so sparkling clean, the crew really do take pride in their ships. But on this trip, Freedom OTS was gleaming like never before. More than that, any surface that had public contact was sanitized heavens knows how many times per day.
Even when we used the hot tub, when we got out, a crewmember was spraying down and sanitizing the hand rails we touched.
 
We have cruised onboard Freedom before, (2017) and love the ship herself, but we have to give kudos to RCCL in general, and the ships company in particular, for ensuring she wasnt only looking her best, but was amazingly clean and sanitized.
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23 hours ago, Andy & Sheryl Unwin said:

But on this trip, Freedom OTS was gleaming like never before. More than that, any surface that had public contact was sanitized heavens knows how many times per day.

No kidding. On Ovation a few weeks ago, we saw staff with flashlights/blacklights going over the glass on various handrails and surfaces to make sure there were no spots that had been missed when wiping down.

 

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I was on the same ship at the same time. 

The boarding process took only about 20 minutes in total, I was on the ship by 2pm. It was a breeze. 

While on the ship I felt safe and was happy to see that everybody is following all the rules and respecting all the protocols. 

It really enjoyed this trip. 

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9 hours ago, TonyYOW said:

I was on the same ship at the same time. 

The boarding process took only about 20 minutes in total, I was on the ship by 2pm. It was a breeze. 

While on the ship I felt safe and was happy to see that everybody is following all the rules and respecting all the protocols. 

It really enjoyed this trip. 

A shame we didnt know, we could have had a lava flow together

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