I'm Back

 On November 19, my mom and I left on a Crystal Cruise to the Caribbean.  It was everything we expected, and needed, and more.  First,  there were five other women from Ocean Hills on board that I knew, which mad it all the more fun.  Additionally, my bridge friend Liz, a travel agent specializing in bridge cruises, was also on board with over 20 clients.  With all that, we were never without dinner partners or cocktail parties.  

I felt extremely safe.  Starting with a rapid covid test before boarding, to crew members (all vaccinated) masked at all times, to buffets where only the staff serves the food, to contact tracing watches which were worn at all times, I never felt uncomfortable.  

Our ship had 560 passengers, where capacity is 950, so nothing was overly crowded.  Hand sanitizers were everywhere, temperature checks were done before entering restaurants, and when we disembarked in port, we always wear a mask.  We were the first cruise ship to stop at Key West in 18 months, and were they ever thrilled.  There must have been 100 businesses that came out to greet us with cheering, bands, and signs of welcome.  We loved it.  They were so happy to have us back.  

The entertainment on the ship was the best I have ever seen on Crystal.  The highlight was a comedian from New York named John Joseph.  I haven't laughed so hard in years.  We also had lectures by Roger McGinn, co founder of The Byrds, who had some wonderful stories to tell.  

My mom kept up with women 25 years younger than her, and even solved her hip problem.  After months of suffering, mostly at night, with a sore hip that kept her up, her pain disappeared.  Why?  The only thing we can deduct is that the extensive walking she did on the ship was just what her hip needed.  She is so happy, and plans to continue walking as much as she can at home.

Now, I must tell you about the blue watches that everyone was required to wear all the time while on the ship.  They are for contact tracing.  Each one is specific to you, so if you have more than 15 minutes of contact with anyone who tests positive, they can track you and tell you.  Fantastic.  I think they will be standard equipment on cruise ships, at least for the foreseeable future.

Great trip, great food, entertainment, lectures, and lots of relaxation all add up to 5 pounds.  It was worth it.