It is just three days until we board the cruise ship Symphony, one of the Crystal Cruise lines floating palaces. And of course the new Omnicron has taken off like crazy all over the world. Well, we knew that cruising during a pandemic could be a risk, but all reports at the time that we booked were that ships were operating as normal, ports were open, and covid cases were minimal due to all the mitigating actions in place. How will Omnicron affect our cruise?
It is difficult to tell really. We called the cruise agent today to verify that all was well with our ship. Affirmative. And their sister ship just left a port today without problems.
Today’s photos are from our RV park, Orchid Lake RV Resort in New Port Richey, Fl. We will get to join in more park activities after our return.
So with that confirmation, we did laundry and packed our bags for this 22 day adventure. We leave tomorrow (Friday) for the Miami area and will spend one night there avoiding any major traffic issues on the day of the cruise. Then get up and leave for the 45 minutes or so for the Miami Port terminal to unload baggage and to park the Honda for three weeks. Unfortunately, parking is a small fortune at $22 per day. But, I checked some of the off-site parking and the reviews were not great.
Heated pool 
We both also took the covid PCR tests here locally just as an extra confidence before driving the 300 miles to Miami. Both negative. Of course, the cruise line will do a quick test in the port lounge and requires a negative result before boarding. Things were certainly simpler two years ago when we took a 7 day cruise.
Office and mail room
The ship has a self service laundry that we will use each week. I’ve taken about a week or 10 days of clothing. And that is two suitcases full for me and I’m sure Pat will have the same if not more. Normal trips are a week or less. Packing for 22 days is a different mindset to not forget something.
Main rec hall 
Laundry 
Library and card playing room 
Billiards room
If the ship does have some Covid issues, then at risk would be ports of call of which we have 14 of them. Also, if the entertainers fall sick, then the nightly shows might be cancelled. Worst of all if the chef is in quarantine! All those planned gourmet meals. Gasp!
And then back home in Virginia security camera. Brrrr
We are getting quite excited and also a little nervous until we arrive safely and get cleared for boarding. I plan to have regular blog updates as we get underway and figure stuff out. It should be an adventure.
Take care and God Bless.
Good luck you guys. I do hope all goes well with the cruise. You will have a great time. Bon voyage!
Randy and Pat you all have a great cruise! I’m sure everything will work out just fine unless a seagull poops COVID on the ship! Have a great 50th!!!