We had a ridiculously good time on this boat.

Due to either RC’s own restrictions on capacity or a mere lack of customers, the boat was only about a fifth to a quarter full, with (I was told) about 1,400 passengers aboard a ship with a capacity for 6,600. The result was no lines for water slides, largely empty restaurants, and free loungers everywhere, even though most of them had been removed for social distancing purposes. The ship also had a more intimate and cozy environment than we were expecting, with the passengers getting to know each other more than they might on a fully booked mega-ship. Additionally, there seemed to be a crew to passenger ratio of at least 1:1, leaving us all feeling thoroughly spoiled and attended to. Even at the Windjammer buffet, crew members were finding us empty tables, fetching us food and beverages and checking up on us repeatedly. Due to the lack of passengers, there were great deals to be had with cabin upgrades and specialty restaurant meals, though we did not take advantage of either.

As per recently enacted laws of The Bahamas, anyone 12 years old and older entering their country—even on a private island—must be vaccinated against Covid. Therefore, despite the best efforts of Florida’s governor, the only people allowed on the boat were vaccinated people 12 and older and unvaccinated younger children. This was communicated to us about one week before the trip, which must have irked the unvaccinated adults who had booked the cruise, though the news pleased me. Moreover, everyone had to get a negative PCR Covid test within three days of departure, and the children were tested upon boarding and again while on the ship. Families with unvaccinated children also could only depart the ship if they were going on an excursion booked through RC, so that Covid safety standards could be maintained. While on the ship, everyone was required to wear a mask indoors, except while eating or in their cabins, but could remove masks in any outdoor spaces, such as the pool deck and boardwalk. Social distancing was maintained throughout. Read more