Johanna JainchillONBOARD THE CELEBRITY EDGE -- The Celebrity Edge left Fort Lauderdale last weekend for the first U.S. cruise since its shutdown. It had to have a minimum 95% vaccination rate, per the CDC conditions.The line could not, however, ask for proof of vaccination because of a well-known Florida law. Celebrity was forced to amend its Florida adult vaccine mandate to cruises. Instead, Celebrity made vaccination a recommendation. It stated that guests who refused to provide proof of vaccination at boarding would be considered unvaccinated and will be subject to additional protocols and restrictions as well as costs for Covid-19 testing.The situation in which the cruise line had to adhere to conflicting CDC mandates as well as Florida law was a major roadblock to the industry's return of service.Once the Celebrity Edge's lines had been untied, the ship set sail for the Western Caribbean. It seemed like it was all a lot of nonsense. Celebrity claims that 100% of adults aboard this cruise have been vaccinated. There were approximately 20 children onboard. This means that about 99% of the 1,200 passengers had proof of their full vaccination.This sailing feels almost normal. Only children and crew wear masks (all crew members are vaccinated, and can remove their face covers as per CDC guidelines). Brian Abel, Celebrity's head for hotel operations, stated that this will probably happen after the first four-five sailings. Social distancing is not mandatory in any situation. For example, at the theater, everyone can sit where they want, even though ushers encourage them to spread out. Restaurant tables are not set six feet apart, and patrons can fill up the bars with as many people as they like. The Silent Disco night was a huge success. A crowd also gathered at the Martini Bar to watch Fain pour cocktails.It was difficult for me to unmask indoors at first. I had not done this in public places yet. I only did it at restaurants once I sat down. I always have the mask ready for when a busser or server comes to the table. After realizing that I seemed to be the only adult wearing a mask, everyone onboard may have thought I wasn't vaccinated, I decided to change my mind. The main reason I changed my mind was that there isn't any safer place than me, despite a 99% vaccine rate. I don't know who has been vaccinated whether I am in a supermarket, a restaurant, or on an airplane.This cruise is not risk-free. Even the most effective vaccines can fail, and there have been some breakthrough cases. Two passengers who were symptomatic on Celebrity Millennium and had provided proof of vaccination, tested positive for Covid. Celebrity did contain it and there was no transmission among fully vaccinated passengers.Feeling "normal" aboardFain stated that this feeling of normalcy was what "we're trying" to achieve.He said, "The first cruise can be as exciting as the first one. Because it's the second cruise, the second cruise will be very interesting. I hope that everyone will say "yes, they are cruising" by the third cruise. Why shouldn't they? We're trying to get things back to normal as fast as possible, so we're working hard to get our ships moving.The Florida law is subject to change. It is possible that unvaccinated individuals will book more and the percentage will drop. Fain is confident that it will not fall below 95%.He said that Florida's situation was "very well managed." "We work with all regulatory bodies. This cruise has been a great example of our ability to work with all regulatory bodies.Fain also stated that Celebrities have the advantage of not having many children. Fain would not go so far as to claim that the line actively discourages unvaccinated sailors from sailing, despite all the restrictions and additional costs that they face.He stated, "We want everyone to be safe and have established the protocols to do that." It is much easier for those who have been vaccinated. The vaccination is good for both the individual and society. We will also accommodate those who do not want to get vaccinated in Florida. However, we must also establish protocols to protect other people."Other ships require masksRoyal Caribbean Group's next cruise will be Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of the Seas departure July 2. It will be quite different. Due to the likely presence of more children and therefore more unvaccinated passengers, mask mandates will be in place indoors. There will also be social distancing measures. Fain stated that guests still have a great time on cruises that include some of these protocols.Celebrity cruises to Greece require that all passengers wear masks, even if they are 100% vaccinated. He said that people still find this attractive and successful.For me, it's been a relief to feel normal again. Silent Disco is much more fun than I expected.
