RHS'69
This is a rolling blog. It will be updated daily as they check out Italy and Spain. New stuff will be posted as it comes in.
Check back often.
Let's get the obvious out of the way...
Vincent, Wendy and another couple are going on a cruise in the middle of this pandemic?
We'll let him explain.
Here’s my overview of each segment of our adventure.
Regulations and Requirements
For two months we went online to check what’s needed. The last 3 weeks we had to fill multiple forms for 4 airlines - Air Canada, Delta, United and Alitalia Air. Entry forms for three countries - Spain, Italy and USA. 1 PCR test and 2 Antigen test for each country we enter. I kept telling everyone that 20% of all tourist will give up and rather cancel their trip. More availability and less crowding for us!
At every check point most of the paperwork were ignored. Most wanted to see our CDC vaccination card….done!
When friends heard we were going to Rome and cruise the Mediterranean, they all said “you crazy”, not in those words but you can see it in their eyes.
Yes, it is risky and there were 3 times we came close to cancelling. But knowing that all of Europe was down 60% to 70% in tourism. It was the best time to go to avoid the crowds.
Look back at some of out photos. Most places were empty of crowds. We had the places to ourselves!
Airlines and Cruise Ships
Everyone wore their mask. You never hear anyone coughing, only yourself and you were trying to hide it.
All the airports were half full. But the flights were all full. Airline use fewer planes and consolidated flight schedules. In the plane it was quiet and everyone wore their mask. The flight attendants made sure all masks were worn properly. You could feel the worry tension, wondering if anyone was carrying the virus.
Cruise ship were strict and always policing to clean hands and wear masks.
Safety
We were the outsiders and did not want to be the cause for spreading the virus. Most of us followed the health regulations. I felt safer in Rome than in Hawaii, knowing Hawaii was going thru a surge!
I always said it is overkill, but if you follow those guidelines, traveling is safe.
Hotel and Restaurant
Most hotels always did a good job keeping the common areas and rooms spotlessly clean, even before the pandemic.
All restaurants have moved their dining outdoors.
Locals and Tourist and Prices
95% of locals did not wear their mask, I guess because they were outdoors. Just arrived tourists wore theirs but after the second or third day, no mask.
No crowds and no lines. It was a wonderful time to see Rome and Barcelona.
Prices are very similar to Hawaii, as will as the weather in September and October.
