Sailing around COVID-19 A cruise ship dancer's thoughts.

Hello readers! Welcome back. It’s been a while since my last post. Let’s catch up. When will cruising resume? That is the question. When will anything resume or return to the “normal” we were once so accustomed to? We are all wondering the same thing.

It has been over a year since my contract offer as a performer/entertainer with the cruise line. I was anxious to start traveling and performing, but COVID-19 caused some major delays. My departure date for rehearsals in Miami got pushed back again and again. I am sure I am not the only one who’s game plan got botched. I am guessing a lot of you had plans prior to the pandemic as well, and then COVID-19 came along and dramatically changed your agendas. As a cruise ship performer, I wanted to share some of my thoughts on COVID-19 and sailing again when cruises return.

As you know, COVID-19 has had its effects on society and individuals all over the globe. Just recently, the vaccine has been working its way to hospitals and distribution centers everywhere. I believe this is a critical step in working towards slowing and eventually stopping the COVID-19 pandemic. This new protection from COVID-19 is important because for some people, COVID-19 can cause severe illness or death. With new vaccines available, our immune systems will be more prepared to fight the virus if exposed.

I believe these new developments will help get more travelers back in the air and cruisers back on the seas shortly. I am hopeful that the cruise industry will evaluate the risks of COVID-19 and apply new measures and precautions to their regulations soon. This way, we can all get back to sailing again safely.

How do you feel about traveling or sailing during these times? I know some of my friends and family have mentioned how extremely dangerous and scary it would be to work on a cruise ship right now. Although I understand how risky it is, I do feel the cruise industry is working crazy hard to ensure passengers and crew are safe when cruises return. Their goal is to screen and test passengers and crew prior to embarking so COVID-19 doesn’t have the chance to come on board. Even in the slim chance that COVID-19 does make it's way on a ship, cruise lines are also working to have a plan of action utilizing different tools and procedures to reduce the spread of an outbreak immediately.

The best way to get cruising back up and running is to ensure passengers and crew don’t board the ship with COVID-19. Whether this means requiring negative test results prior to boarding or requiring the guests to be vaccinated, cruise companies are discussing their options attentively. I have faith in the science and medical studies occuring at this present time, but I do think there is always a small chance the illness could find it's way on board. If COVID-19 does find its way on board, and the outbreak is not quickly brought under control, the ship could become a floating petri dish.

On the bright side, we are progressing. Whether it's by small steps or long strides, things are moving forward and that's what is important. Look how far we have come since May. I encourage you to stay informed and continue to wear your masks. Despite the derailment COVID-19 has caused for many of us, things will realign shortly. I am eager to get back to performing. I know health administrations and cruise lines are working together to get the ball rolling again. I am optimistic that we will get to sail and travel again soon.