One Step at a Time

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Julie and I just returned from a terrific cruise aboard Majestic Princess.

Like you, we had concerns about what to expect, especially with regard to Covid-19 testing.  We've been vaccinated, but that is no longer enough to satisfy the authorities, who a year ago promised open doors for "Covid passports" in the form of vaccination cards.

Princess suggested several acceptable tests for boarding, including self-tests monitored online.  Long story short, while observed by a stranger over video on Julie's iPhone, we tested negative (that's a good thing) the day before we boarded, clearing the way for us to just walk on the ship after we picked up our Princess Medallions at the front desk.

We had our temperatures tested at the terminal when we arrived at the Mazatlan port, but other than that, no other tests were required.

What was the upside of being tested?

I'd give our vacation's report card straight A's.

We enjoyed all the ports despite not purchasing any shore excursions in advance.

In Cabo, we took a boat ride to Pelican Rock to go snorkeling.  We had snorkeled there three years ago at about the same time of year when high tides had erased the beach, so we were surprised to find we could lounge in the sand between swims to view brightly colored fish swimming by rock-formations near the shore.  Even doing the same thing at another time can be a different experience.

In Mazatlan, we took a golf-cart taxi over to see cliff drivers and then walked back through town to visit the beautiful cathedral in the center of town.  All the time it seems, we were under the watchful eyes of blue-shirted ex-Patriot volunteer guides.

In Puerto Vallarta, we just went to the sunny beach in the morning and again after lunch.

Easy-peasy.

It was the onboard experience that really made the cruise terrific.  A highlight was a show put on by dozens upon dozens of fun-loving dolphins launching through our wake as we cruised toward Cabo.  In the distance, we saw whales spouting and an occasional breach.  Appreciating the ocean is a key part to relaxing on any cruise.

Onboard entertainment was great, as were the service and meals.

Because we braved the Omicron wave, we enjoyed a ship where never more than a third of the seats were in use in any venue.  Majestic Princess carries 4500 passengers at full capacity, but on our cruise, there were less than 1,000 fellow guests.

On the one hand, we felt sorry for the cruise line that must be losing lots of money on every cruise at such low capacity, but as the beneficiaries of such open space and doting service, we managed to belay our tears for the most part and seize the day.

Waiting for someone to give you permission to return to the ongoing adventure of your life is stopping you from the journey of your dreams right now.

The first step is to email Wes@CruisePlanners1.com to get the ball rolling.  Pick an easy cruise that starts relatively close to home, if you're having trouble getting off the sofa.  But don't limit your heart's desires for future travel.