Back onboard, at last

Finally, after 560 days on dry land I am back on a cruise ship. Armed with a medical, insurance documents, Covid test results and a folder stuffed full with God knows what else, a week ago, I finally stepped aboard Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas and breathed a sigh of relief. So strict are new rules that the poor fella in line next to me was sent home because his paperwork wasn’t in order. Cruise lines are taking absolutely no risks whatsoever when it comes to the health and safety of their crew and guests.

Part of the new protocols mean that I have to spend two weeks quarantined in my cabin. They bring me food (surprisingly good), I have wifi (predictably bad) and a balcony to enjoy the sun. I'm trying to do a bit of exercise although my FitBit tells me I've only done 28 steps today... it's not a very big cabin. I'm quite happy; keeping busy and not going mad... yet, although another entertainer onboard told me that he's got to the stage of walking past his mirror and shouting “boo!” just to make himself laugh. 

We are in Cyprus now while the ship assembles its crew. In July we start sailing around the UK and I can't tell you how excited everyone on board is to welcome guests back and start doing what we all do best. Let's all hope that things continue to move in the right direction and we can all enjoy a great summer. Who knows, maybe I'll be welcoming you onboard myself.