Soon…

Soon…cruise ships will again be sailing from U.S. ports.

Soon…cruise line hospitality desks will again be buzzing with activity in the lobby of hotels near the cruise port.

Soon…the greeters at the airport will be welcoming passengers on arriving flights and directing them to their ground transportation.

Soon…the parking lot attendants will be directing cars to open spaces and the shuttle bus drivers will be loading up their vehicles with passengers and luggage.

Soon…the local police and port security officers will be coordinating the heavy traffic that always accompanies a turnover day, with passengers embarking and disembarking at the same time in coordinated chaos.

Soon…the porters will once again be bringing their luggage carts to the cars and buses, loading them with bags that will magically appear outside the passenger’s stateroom later that day.

Soon…agents will scan passports and boarding passes as customers arrive for their embarkation appointment.

Soon…chefs will supervise the loading of the food, including 2,100 pounds of lobster, over 12,000 pounds of seafood, 10,000 pounds of chicken, over 22,000 pounds of beef, over 18,000 pounds of assorted fruits, almost 15,000 pounds of potatoes, over 1,700 gallons of milk, roughly 700 gallons of ice cream, and so much more for a typical 7-night cruise.

Soon…a voice will echo throughout the terminal as the announcement that “boarding is now open” is made.

Soon…passengers will walk the zig-zag path up the gangway to the ship.

Soon…eager crew members will again welcome passengers back onboard after a fifteen month absence.

Soon…the lido deck buffet will serve the first meal to passengers, for some their first-ever meal onboard a cruise ship.

Soon…every passenger will participate in the required muster drill, learning the location of their lifeboat station and safety procedures.

Soon…the familiar ship’s horn will signal the beginning of the sailaway, followed by the telltale sound of the ship’s side thrusters slowly pushing it away from the pier.

Soon…the ship will begin the journey towards the first port, where locals will welcome cruise passengers to their country, many for the first time in over a year.

Soon…the ship’s nightlife will be as robust as ever, with passengers enjoying Broadway-calibre stage shows, bars and entertainment throughout the ship, fun and games with the entertainment staff, and even trying their luck in the onboard casino.

Soon…the therapists in the spa will again offer relaxing massages, facials, mani/pedis, and other services designed to make your vacation even more special.

Soon…the chefs and waiters will be doing their highly-choreographed dance to bring meals to thousands of passengers and crew in dozens of dining venues across the ship.

Soon…crew members you will never see will work around-the-clock to ensure your vacation is safe and without incident. Maintenance crews, engineers, and many others spend their time fixing issues you don’t even know existed on a ship that typically is running 24/7/365.

Soon…Guest Services will again be assisting customers and answering questions. Please be kind to them. They want to help.

Soon…jokes will be told in the ship’s comedy club.

Soon…the ship’s pools and hot tubs will be filled with happy passengers enjoying getting to know new friends and enjoying an adult beverage or two. Or twenty.

Soon…the sound of the word “Bingo!” will echo throughout the main theatre, signaling a passenger who has now re-paid the amount the cruise cost them, or perhaps even more.

Soon…the ship will arrive in its first port, passengers watching from the rail or their balcony as they eagerly await their chance to go ashore. For some, it will be their first time in a foreign country.

Soon…the other day-to-day activities and happenings that make up cruise ship life will occur. In a few instances, things might look a bit different, and one or two features might not currently be available. But a ship sailing at 95% of its potential is better than all of the people mentioned previously being out of work and unable to deliver great vacations to their guests.

Soon…we will have a chance to make the cruise industry even better than it was before. Let’s all do our parts – passengers, crew, everyone – to be kinder, to be better, and to be safe.

Soon…the staff of Premier Custom Travel will be onboard as Carnival Breeze sails her first cruise in over a year. Watch for our blog posts, videos, photos, and more on our social media channels.

Soon…you could again enjoy one of these amazing vacations. We’re here when you’re ready.