Prepare for the worst, hope for the best. Good advice, right?
I’m normally an optimist. My family is leaving for a cruise in just a few days. We’ve moved this cruise 3 times already due to Covid, and I’m not moving it again. As I wrote a few weeks ago, my family is barely crawling to the finish line with the last week of school this week.
But, I’m also a realist. As much as I wanted to wait to take this cruise when things were “back to normal”, things really aren’t back to normal. Still, despite the pandemic being mostly over.
Cruise lines are struggling with workforce shortages, just like most other industries. On cruise boards, I’m hearing reports of closed venues, cancelled activities and long lines in the dining room.
In addition, Covid cases are increasing on cruise ships. Cases are not as high as they were in December/January during the height of Omicron. But nonetheless, they are creeping back up.
With all that in mind, I’m changing my expectations for this trip.
Old vs. New Expectations
In pre-Covid times, I would expect to see/do all or most of these things on our cruise:
- Two Broadway shows
- Aqua Theatre shows
- Ice skating shows
- Mini golf
- Pools/spas
- Zipline
- Carousel
- Live music
- Kids/Teen clubs
- Dinners with great service
- Beaches/excursions at four ports
- Relaxation
Now, my expectations are much lower:
- See one show
- Mini golf
- One port/beach
- Family dinners
- Relaxation
Honestly, just reading a book on my balcony with an ocean view is really appealing right now. My kids just want to eat unlimited steak and ice cream. I think we will be able to at least do those things. And if we can accomplish more, bonus.
I’d rather be pleasantly surprised at all we can still do on the cruise than go in with high expectations and be disappointed
Unprecedented Summer Travel
Summer travel is predicted to be up at least 19% over last year, with many people finally traveling after staying home during the pandemic. Expect airports to be crowded, lines to be long and inventory to be low. Regardless of where you’re going, I recommend adjusting your expectations to align with reality.
But hey, even with these potential challenges, travel is still worth it!
Are you prepared for hiccups during your upcoming summer travel?
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
dont over think! You will be fine and have fun!
Thank you!