Post-Pandemic Cruising: What to Really Expect

Welcome to an in-depth exploration of what it’s truly like to embark on a cruise after the global health crisis, focusing on our unforgettable experience aboard Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess during its eagerly awaited return to Alaska. This isn’t just a trip; it’s a testament to renewed adventure and a commitment to unparalleled safety.

This post is sponsored by Princess Cruises. All opinions are my own, reflecting a genuine and unbiased perspective on post-pandemic cruising.

Cruising has always offered a unique blend of relaxation, adventure, and culinary delight, all without the logistical headaches often associated with multi-destination trips. The good news? It can still be all of that, even safer and cleaner than ever before. With Princess Cruises’ unwavering commitment to guest well-being, embarking on a voyage now means stepping into a meticulously maintained ‘safe bubble’ that allows you to fully immerse yourself in vacation mode.

Princess Cruises has implemented an extensive array of enhanced health and safety protocols. This includes upgraded HEPA filters and advanced HVAC systems, significantly increased cleaning frequencies across the entire vessel, and a proliferation of hand washing and sanitization stations conveniently located for all passengers. Furthermore, strict requirements for masks, pre-boarding testing, and full vaccination ensure a highly controlled environment. Having cruised with Princess nine times, I can confidently say that every ship I’ve been on has been spotless, but the Majestic Princess, in particular, felt exceptionally pristine. Frankly, I felt far safer onboard than I have in many hotels, restaurants, or airports since the pandemic began.

The atmosphere onboard was genuinely uplifting. Fellow cruisers and the dedicated crew shared a palpable sense of joy and gratitude to be traveling again. While mask-wearing wasn’t anyone’s favorite activity, the collective respect for each other’s comfort and safety was remarkable. There were no issues or discomforts that detracted from our fantastic time. This unified spirit stood in stark contrast to some of the negativity experienced elsewhere post-pandemic, making our cruise a truly refreshing and welcome change of pace.

If your ideal vacation involves exploring diverse destinations, indulging in an array of world-class dining, enjoying captivating live shows, discovering vibrant new bars, lounging by the pool, and even dancing the night away—all within a secure and managed environment—then a Princess cruise should undoubtedly be at the top of your travel consideration list. It offers a unique opportunity to experience the world with peace of mind.

P.S. For those who appreciate a unique theme, be sure to explore Princess’s new theme cruises this winter! I’m particularly eager to book one of their exciting 80s-inspired sailings!

Our journey began with an invitation from Princess Cruises to participate in their highly anticipated relaunch to Alaska in 2021, marking one of their very first cruises back after an unprecedented hiatus of over 500 days without sailing. This voyage was my ninth Princess cruise, and my inaugural experience aboard the Majestic Princess. This magnificent vessel, originally designed with the Asian market in mind, is now charting new courses in the Western US (including Mexico Riviera from Los Angeles and Alaska routes) and Australia for the foreseeable future, making it an exciting new option for travelers.

The Majestic Princess swiftly ascended to become one of my favorite ships in the Princess fleet. It proved exceptionally well-suited for cooler weather itineraries, boasting unique features such as an inviting indoor pool club – a delightful alternative to the “Sanctuary” found on many other Princess ships. The ship also hosts Harmony, a specialty Chinese restaurant exclusively available on the Majestic, which was an absolutely phenomenal culinary experience I wish more ships offered. Additionally, guests can savor a full selection of Yao Family wines from NBA legend Yao Ming’s Napa Valley winery, alongside other distinct offerings that set the Majestic apart.

Despite the abundance of activities and attractions in our Alaskan ports, the ship itself offered so much that we barely scratched the surface of all we wanted to do onboard. I would gladly book future routes with several days at sea on the Majestic, simply to explore its many facets and partake in the myriad activities. Its expansive design was particularly appreciated in a post-pandemic world, contributing to a feeling of spaciousness; the ship never once felt crowded. While our late August sailing, being one of the final voyages of the season, typically sees fewer passengers than mid-summer, the Majestic Princess is designed with enough inherent space to prevent overcrowding even when operating at full capacity. Keep an eye out for my comprehensive review of the Majestic Princess, coming soon!

Our specific itinerary was the Glacier Bay with Inside Passage Route, commencing and concluding in Seattle. We visited the captivating ports of Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan—a classic Alaskan cruise route renowned for its jaw-dropping scenery, abundant wildlife, and the awe-inspiring glaciers of Glacier Bay National Park.

Traditionally, this route would either begin or end in Vancouver. However, due to Canada’s borders being closed to cruise ships at the time of our sailing, Princess was granted a special exemption from the lesser-known US rule requiring foreign port stops, allowing them to facilitate the industry’s return to operation. This resulted in our roundtrip departure from Seattle. Although I was a little disappointed to miss Canada, the excitement of returning to sea after a two-year hiatus since my last Princess cruise for the launch of the Sky Princess in 2019 was overwhelming.

For some time, I’ve harbored a desire to take my children on an Alaskan cruise. While I was a bit sad they weren’t eligible to sail with us on this particular trip (being under 12 and not yet vaccinated), my husband and I had such a wonderful time that we’re already looking into booking a family sailing for next summer, hoping that travel will have returned to a more normal state. Princess makes traveling with families and groups incredibly easy with their MedallionClass experience, and we eagerly anticipate them enjoying their very first cruise soon!

Prior to my blogging career, I enjoyed a Princess cruise with my family and absolutely loved it. In subsequent years, my cruise adventures have often been with my cousin or friends, as cruising offers an exceptional setting for girls’ trips! My husband and I also celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on the Sky Princess. While I personally enjoy far-flung, adventurous trips that can sometimes be a bit wild (my husband might even say they give him heartburn!), we both deeply appreciate how cruising offers a unique opportunity to truly relax and unwind in a way other vacations simply cannot. He had always been skeptical of cruising, but our experience on the Sky Princess, coupled with the exceptional Princess Cruise standard, completely converted him.

Our voyage on the Majestic Princess coincided with the peak of the Delta variant surge. Yet, remarkably, we felt an undeniable sense of safety onboard, surpassing what we experienced in airports, hotels, and even local restaurants back home. Princess Cruises has truly gone above and beyond with its profound commitment to passenger safety.

After the challenging years we’ve all endured, we approached the idea of traveling with some hesitation, but our excitement to truly vacation again was paramount. Our cruise exceeded all expectations, proving to be even more relaxing, invigorating, secure, fun, and thrilling than we could have ever imagined. I am already counting down the days until our next cruise adventure!

Our voyage took place during the initial re-opening of the 2021 cruise season, specifically during the peak of the Delta variant’s prevalence. Consequently, our experience may diverge from what others might encounter today as protocols continue to evolve. Princess Cruises is dedicated to adapting and improving its health and safety measures, consistently aiming to exceed CDC guidance.

For the most current safety information directly from Princess Cruises, please click here.

During our trip, the following regulations were in effect:

• All cruisers were required to be fully vaccinated with a CDC-approved vaccine, with the second dose administered more than 14 days prior to embarkation.
• A negative COVID-19 test result was mandatory within 3 days of boarding (Princess has since updated this to 2 days).
• Masks were required indoors at all times, except when guests were seated at tables in restaurants and bars while actively eating or drinking.
• Elevator capacity was limited to fewer than 10 people, with a strong preference for only one party per elevator. Even when indoor mask mandates were briefly relaxed on previous cruises, masks remained compulsory in elevators.
• While masking had been required in ports, during disembarkation, embarkation, and in crowded indoor areas prior to our cruise, the indoor mask order remained in place throughout our sailing.
• Tour operators mandated masks on buses, trains, boats, or any other enclosed spaces, as well as during group activities. For instance, a show we attended required masks except when seated or consuming refreshments.

Should you need them, masks were readily available for purchase in the ship’s gift shop or conveniently through the MedallionClass app.

The crew demonstrated an impressive level of vigilance regarding mask compliance, hand washing, and the use of hand sanitizing stations positioned strategically throughout the ship. Their approach was consistently polite yet firm, ensuring adherence to all protocols for everyone’s safety.

Before entering the buffet or being seated at any restaurant, guests were kindly but firmly asked to wash their hands (at the buffet entrance) or utilize hand sanitizer, reinforcing the ship’s comprehensive hygiene strategy.

One of the most compelling reasons to choose Princess Cruises, particularly in this new era of travel, is their revolutionary Ocean Medallion technology. This game-changing accessory and integrated platform elevate the cruising experience, making it not only more convenient but also inherently safer.

The Ocean Medallion itself is a small, innovative token that can be effortlessly worn in a lanyard, bracelet, necklace, or simply clipped to your clothing. This means you can bid farewell to the hassle of traditional room keys or cumbersome cruise cards, simplifying your onboard experience from the moment you step foot on the ship.

At the heart of the MedallionClass experience is seamless connectivity. Utilising the interactive screens strategically placed around the ship, your stateroom television, or the intuitive MedallionClass app on your personal smartphone, a world of possibilities opens up. You can effortlessly order delectable room service, book exciting shore excursions and rejuvenating spa appointments, navigate the ship’s daily schedule with the comprehensive Journey View, secure dinner reservations at your preferred restaurants, and even locate friends and family traveling with you. For those who enjoy a bit of thrill, the Medallion also connects you directly with casino games.

MedallionClass is designed to cater to your personal comfort level. If you prefer a more private and secluded experience, you can enjoy the stunning balcony views from your stateroom while ordering drinks, delicious meals, or even gifts directly to your door—often arriving just as quickly as if you were seated at a bar or restaurant. Conversely, if you’re eager to socialise with other vaccinated and tested passengers, you can easily pull up a stool at a vibrant spot like the Good Spirits bar, where you’re treated to an entertaining mixology show alongside your bespoke cocktails.

For world-class entertainment, Princess Cruises offers an array of options. Enjoy spectacular productions in the Princess Theater, featuring incredibly talented casts (a special shout-out to Ashley Rose for her phenomenal voice!). Beyond the main stage, you’ll find live music, stand-up comedy, captivating magicians, and engaging bartender mixology shows at various venues. If a quieter evening is more to your liking, catch first-run blockbuster movies under the stars on the massive outdoor screen, or delve into the extensive catalog of TV shows, films, and original programming available in your stateroom. Princess offers a vast selection of in-room movies, complemented by their partnership with the Discovery Channel, providing an abundance of engaging content. You can also tune into informative lectures, live ship shows, and other Princess original programming from the comfort of your room. And, perhaps most impressively, MedallionClass internet provides the best connectivity at sea. We were able to stream “Ted Lasso” effortlessly while cruising somewhere off Juneau, a feat impossible on other ships! The MedallionClass internet even allowed me to live stream the breathtaking views directly from Glacier Bay National Park! With so much on offer, boredom is simply not an option, regardless of your desired level of interaction.

Beyond convenience and entertainment, the Ocean Medallion serves as a highly effective contact tracing tool. Although initially conceived before the pandemic, this feature is now more invaluable than ever, enabling Princess to swiftly identify and notify anyone who may have come into contact with an individual experiencing illness onboard, thus bolstering the ship’s health and safety measures.

Gone are the days of tedious check-in procedures. The MedallionClass app empowers you to complete all necessary pre-cruise preparations long before you even arrive at the port. This includes securely pre-loading your health information, answering all required health questionnaires, adding your payment details, and setting your preferred dining and room configurations. By taking advantage of these advanced features, you can effortlessly sail through the embarkation line and immediately begin your relaxing vacation.

By diligently completing the health information questionnaire prior to boarding, we were granted “green lane” status. This meant my husband and I simply needed to present our negative COVID-19 test results, vaccination cards, and medallions upon checking in at the cruise terminal, allowing us to bypass queues and head directly to our vacation.

Hot tip: To avoid any potential connectivity issues at the port, I highly recommend having a screenshot of your negative test result readily available on your phone, or even better, a printed copy. Port employees were incredibly understanding and patient as this seemed to be a common issue, but saving yourself the frustration can kickstart your vacation even more smoothly!

Hot tip: To enhance your arrival experience, consider pre-ordering flowers or special gifts for your room through the app. Imagine stepping into your stateroom to find a beautiful bouquet or, for a truly celebratory welcome, champagne and strawberries awaiting you. Arranging this before you even board ensures everything is perfectly set up for your first day at sea!

For veteran cruisers, the embarkation day muster drill was a familiar ritual: heading to a crowded assembly point for a safety presentation that was often difficult to hear, challenging to pay attention to, and involved long waits in a densely packed area. Princess Cruises, through its innovative MedallionClass app, has completely transformed this process for the better.

Now, upon entering your stateroom, you can conveniently watch the essential safety information video on your room’s TV at your leisure. Following this, you simply scan your Medallion at your designated muster station before the ship sets sail. This updated procedure is not only far more comfortable and efficient but also significantly improves information retention. Even after nine previous Princess muster drills, I found this new method made the critical safety information much clearer and more digestible.

This reimagined muster drill, though planned prior to the pandemic, has proven incredibly valuable in maintaining physical distancing on board. I can confidently say I won’t miss the crowded theaters and bars that once characterized the first-day muster drill!

The OceanMedallion app’s “Dine My Way” feature has revolutionized onboard dining, making dinner plans an absolute breeze. This intuitive system allows us to effortlessly make reservations for our evening meals, whether we chose one of the main dining rooms (with the flexibility to select any room based on ambiance) or a specialty restaurant.

Using the app is a game-changer, especially for specialty restaurants, which can book up quickly. Instead of rushing to reserve all your dinners on embarkation day, you can now do so at your own pace, even before you step foot on the ship. Moreover, “Dine My Way” significantly reduces wait times and congestion in the main dining rooms by intelligently pacing diner arrivals, contributing to a more relaxed and socially distanced experience. The buffet, quick-serve food bars on the pool deck, and Alfredo’s Pizzeria do not require reservations.

I am a fervent advocate for the “Dine My Way” feature. It not only contributes to a seamless service flow but also plays a crucial role in managing guest traffic, ensuring appropriate distancing for everyone’s comfort and safety.

Imagine a late-night craving for crispy chicken fingers at 11 PM, or the desire for freshly brewed coffee and a delicious breakfast in bed to start your day. Perhaps an afternoon calls for a gourmet cheese plate, creamy hummus, and a glass of fine wine enjoyed on your private balcony. With MedallionClass, these desires are effortlessly fulfilled.

The OceanNow service within the MedallionClass app allows you to order virtually anything you desire, right from your phone. Choose from an extensive menu of food and beverages, a curated selection of goods and gifts, or even essential room services like extra hangers, pillows, blankets, or a technician if needed. This comprehensive service means your every whim can be catered to with unprecedented ease.

The truly remarkable aspect? Your order will find you, no matter where you are on the ship! One evening, I ordered some late-night snacks while relaxing in the Hollywood Pool & Club, and to my delight, they were delivered directly to me, all thanks to the precise location tracking of my Medallion.

Princess has been progressively integrating the MedallionClass program across its fleet, and with each cruise, the technology evolves, offering even more sophisticated features. For me, the Medallion significantly reduces common cruise frustrations and helps keep everything organised. More importantly, it provides substantial advantages for post-pandemic travel, by minimising the need to touch various papers and surfaces, and enabling seamless communication with the crew without direct face-to-face interaction. Princess has also proactively implemented additional pandemic-specific measures to further reduce touch points, including a thoughtfully updated buffet setup.

Your Ocean Medallion cleverly acts as your personal room key. As you approach your stateroom door, the embedded technology detects your presence and unlocks it automatically! No more fumbling for cards or keys – just a smooth, convenient entry every time.

Thanks to the versatile MedallionClass app, all the information you need is at your fingertips, accessible via your personal iPad or smartphone. Let’s be honest, we all carry our devices everywhere, especially with the exceptional MedallionClass internet and the desire to capture every moment. This means you can forgo brochures and physical papers, drastically reducing touch points and waste. From a simple tap of your Medallion or a quick click on your app, you can effortlessly manage your daily schedule, locate friends onboard, make reservations, order drinks, access your vacation photos, pay for purchases in gift shops, and even engage in casino gaming. This seamless digital integration made me feel much more organised, allowed me to discover and participate in more activities I might typically miss, and eliminated the need to carry a purse for purchases – simply wearing my Medallion was enough!

Undoubtedly, the most common question I received on Instagram about cruising was concerning the buffet: “Is it open post-pandemic, and how does it work?” I must confess, I was pleasantly surprised by the new buffet operations, and I sincerely hope these changes become a permanent fixture. They not only significantly reduce the risk of coronavirus transmission but also help prevent the spread of other common illnesses.

Diners now have the option to pick up individually plated items, such as fruit salads, certain soups, and desserts, all served in their own hygienic bowls or cups. For other hot and cold buffet selections, a diligent crew member stands ready to plate items for guests according to their preferences, working from behind a protective plexiglass shield. I initially wondered if this system would create bottlenecks or slow down the lines, but I never observed any issues. The food remained visually appealing, and these enhanced protocols instilled even greater confidence in dining from the buffet.

I’ve always cherished Princess’s buffet for its delicious and diverse choices, including fresh, lighter options and a constantly rotating menu that offers something new throughout the day. With these thoughtful improvements, my appreciation for the buffet experience has only grown!

Cruising might not have been your immediate consideration before the recent global events, but it has emerged as one of the most compelling and sensible vacation choices available today. Where else can you explore multiple breathtaking destinations while traveling with a community of individuals whose vaccination and testing status are verified? Such an assurance is simply not guaranteed in most restaurants or hotels, yet on a cruise, you can confidently indulge in diverse dining experiences, vibrant bars, captivating live performances, energetic nightclubs, refreshing pools, and even the spa and gym – all within a controlled, safe environment.

The beauty of cruising lies in its inherent flexibility, allowing you to tailor your experience to your exact comfort level. Whether you’re a social butterfly eager to meet new friends and engage with fellow travelers, or you prefer to stick with your own group and maintain a safe distance from others, a cruise ship provides the ideal setting. The expansive nature of modern cruise ships means there’s always ample space to spread out and enjoy your privacy.

There is an astonishing array of activities and relaxation opportunities available on a cruise ship, many of which can be enjoyed right from the sanctuary of your stateroom. Our experience perfectly exemplified this. We spent countless hours simply soaking in the magnificent views from our private balcony, witnessing majestic whales breaching, marveling at the colossal glaciers of Glacier Bay and Marjorie Glacier, and enjoying the serene sail-in to Juneau. We even toasted to the start of our journey with champagne while watching the picturesque San Juan Islands drift by on embarkation day. Honestly, we could have happily remained in our room the entire trip and been perfectly content (though with so much to explore on the ship, how could we resist?).

The collective mood on our cruise was nothing short of amazing. Passengers radiated gratitude and excitement to be back exploring the world after a challenging period. While we’ve all heard stories of travel frustrations in airports and hotels, none of that negativity touched our ship. Everyone we encountered was genuinely happy to breathe the fresh ocean air, respectfully observed all protocols, and simply embraced the joy of being on vacation. It was such an incredible journey, I almost shed a tear upon leaving the ship!

For more insights into our incredible voyages with Princess Cruises, delve into some of our favorite trip recaps and delicious recipes inspired by our memorable cruises below:

Why Book an Alaska Cruise? Discover the Magic!

Majestic Princess Dining Guide: What To Eat Onboard

Ketchikan, Alaska: Your Essential Cruise Port Guide

Skagway, Alaska: A Comprehensive Cruise Port Guide

Juneau, Alaska: Your Ultimate Port Guide

What It’s Really Like To Cruise After The Pandemic (Another Look!)

Top 11 Things To Do On The New Sky Princess Cruise Ship

Easy Greek Tzatziki Recipe (Cruise Inspired!)

Drømmekage (Danish Dream Cake)

The Ultimate Sky Princess Bar Crawl

The Top 13 Ways To Make A Cruise Romantic

Top 10 Reasons to Book an OceanMedallion Cruise

Cruising With Celiac – Caribbean Princess Gluten-Free Dining

Ocean Medallion on Caribbean Princess: A Full Review

The Best Easy Pina Colada Recipe

Four Citrus Margaritas: A Zesty Cruise Cocktail

You can also find our entire cruise travel archives here, or visit our complete travel index here for a broader range of travel inspiration.

Are you ready to cast off the anxieties of the past few years and embark on a truly rejuvenating vacation? Let the stresses sail away and rediscover the joy of travel with Princess Cruises. Their unwavering commitment to meeting, and often exceeding, CDC guidance for safe cruising ensures that you can truly relax and savor every moment of your journey.

If you haven’t considered cruising in the past, or if previous perceptions held you back, now is the perfect time to reconsider! Princess Cruises offers an unparalleled blend of safety, luxury, and adventure, making it an ideal choice for your next escape.

Check out some of their exceptional offers below and start planning your dream vacation:

Take advantage of up to $200 onboard spending money per stateroom. Available on all cruises and cruisetours. BOOK A CRUISE TODAY!

Princess is back on the California Coast! Guests and crew together again starting October 6 aboard Majestic Princess! We will operate these cruises consistent with CDC guidelines for a vaccinated cruise. Book now!

Explore Princess Cruises – Alaska 7-Day Voyage of the Glaciers (Northbound) – Interior from $899* per person. BOOK TODAY, TO SAIL LATER!