I recently returned from an eight-day cruise in Bermuda with Viking Ocean Cruises. Combining Bermuda and Viking protocol, I felt very safe traveling during this pandemic.
Before arriving in Bermuda, I had to be fully vaccinated, fill out a health survey, take a COVID-19 test four days before travel, and complete a Bermuda Travel Authorization Application one to three days before the trip.
When I arrived in Bermuda, I showed my travel authorization to officials before retrieving my luggage. Next, I was given a red wristband and took a COVID test before being transported to the ship.
I had to wear the wristband until my COVID test came back negative. If it had been positive, I would have had to quarantine for 14 days at an approved hotel.
Upon checking into the ship, I was given a lanyard with a device and instructed to wear it the entire cruise. If I tested positive for COVID during the voyage, this device would tell health officials who I was in contact with.
Every evening my steward left a plastic tube in my stateroom. I spit in the container for a COVID test in the morning, and the steward picked it up that same morning.
Guests always wore a mask while on the ship except while dining. Viking also installed air purification technology with independent air handling units in every guest stateroom.
My stewards — Raphael and Ranger — disinfected my room twice a day by wiping down all surfaces and stateroom walls as high as they, or I, could reach.
Because of these protocols, no one on the entire ship ever tested positive during the cruise — passengers and crew.
I felt very safe during my journey. And I was.
For more information: Viking Health & Safety Program (vikingcruises.com).
