Our Royal Caribbean vacation to Alaska on the Serenade of the Seas began like most of our cruises. It had anticipation, excitement, and eager planning for our trip. However, COVID interrupted our cruise journey because my husband and I tested positive part way through our cruise.
So, if you’re fearful of getting COVID during a cruise, read on. Many of us share the same fears, from the uncertainty to what happens if you get sick. This article describes our experience and what we learned during our ‘COVID cruise.’
However, without too much of a ‘Spoiler Alert,’ you will see that we still LOVE cruising and have taken four more Alaska cruises.

While much of the COVID protocols are behind us, the cruise line you are traveling on may handle COVID differently from our experience due to many different factors. You can read our full review of the Serenade of the Seas cruise ship.
COVID Guidelines Are Always Changing
In addition, our COVID experience occurred in May 2022, and the CDC guidelines regarding COVID are constantly being reviewed and updated. Cruise lines revise their procedures and protocols in response to changing CDC guidelines.
It’s been several years since we first got sick on our cruise, but COVID is still present! On my 2024 Holland America Noordam 14-day Alaska cruise, some guests had horrible hacking coughs and exhibited symtoms of COVID.
I hope you find this information helpful in making an “informed decision” about your risks when cruising. As we all know, “COVID is the New-Normal,” but it is YOUR responsibility to keep as informed as possible.
Before The Cruise
Brian and I are fully-vaccinated with double vaccines, and both of us received multiple booster doses. We actually took our first post-pandemic cruise to Mexico two months earlier……….without any issues.
Days before our Alaska cruise, we booked our antigen test as required at that time. Luckily, this test is no longer required.
Embarkation
Once at the Vancouver Cruise Terminal, we showed all our documentation, including our negative COVID test. After more health-related questions, we got permission to proceed to the gangway. Let the fun begin!
After boarding, we could tell our ship was not cruising at capacity. The Serenade of the Seas has a passenger capacity of 2,476, and we sailed at 73% full.
Masks were optional at the time and we noticed most passengers were not wearing them. In our balcony cabin, we received two complimentary COVID masks and a small bottle of hand sanitizer.
First Signs Of COVID On A Cruise Ship
The first several days of the cruise were terrific as we traveled with our 26-year-old daughter and her boyfriend. They were in another cabin just a few doors down the hall on Deck 9.
Fortunately, we had balconies which I would recommend for any Alaska cruise if you can afford the increased cost. On the fourth day, we approached Hubbard Glacier, and the scratchy throat I developed earlier had grown worse.
We had packed a variety of usual medicines for pain, motion sickness, gas, diarrhea, etc., but nothing for COVID or flu symptoms. This was our first lesson learned for the future!
As we cruised closer to Hubbard Glacier, I watched from the balcony as Brian went to buy medication. We don’t have air-conditioning at home, and I typically don’t tolerate cabin air conditioning. I often get a sore throat and had assumed this was just that.
They had little worth purchasing at the tiny sundries store on Deck 5. If you need them, you must contact Medical Services on Deck 2. Brian found this frustrating because he knew (at least that’s what he thought!) I didn’t have COVID.
He had heard the horror stories from the early days in 2020 on the Diamond Princess and with an entire ship in LOCKDOWN. This was only our 2nd cruise since 2019, but honestly, we didn’t think I had COVID. Heck, I was TRIPLE-VACCINATED and had survived the entire pandemic so far without catching COVID!!
Brian jogged down to Deck 2 only to find Medical Services had closed ten minutes earlier! He thought to himself, how hard is it to get my wife some relief from the air conditioning!
The only alternative was to call Medical Services on one of the house phones and speak to a Ship Nurse. Once speaking to the Nurse, she asked a long series of questions. This included details on my symptoms, exactly when it started, vaccination status, etc.
Brian knew that the “COVID Machine” had started, and we were now part of an extensive protocol we had to follow. Again, all we thought was… “Can’t we just get some DayQuil or NeoCitran to help me feel better!” It’s NOT COVID!
The “COVID Machine” Begins
Brian returned to the room and let me know that he couldn’t purchase any medicine. However, the Ship Doctor would be calling soon to ask me some questions. I was hopeful this was just a minor delay in getting some remedy to relieve my sore throat.
We got the call and aswered more questions. The doctor let me know they would need to do a COVID test. In addition, he notified me that I would need to remain in my stateroom until the results came back. My ‘COVID Lockdown’ had begun!
The doctor and nurse arrived about 15 minutes later. They were dressed in full-COVID protection as they entered our cabin. The doctor administered a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test, which requires inserting a long cotton swab deep into my sinuses through my nose. Ouch!!
My eyes watered briefly, but at least the ordeal was over quickly. The alternative Antigen test requires a simpler rotating of a cotton swab inside both nostrils. I assume they opted for the PCR test because it’s more reliable.
They also checked my oxygen saturation levels and pulse with a finger monitor. The doctor checked my temperature, and I had no fever. After a few more minutes, the examination was complete.
With no symptoms other than a sore throat, the doctor thought I did not have COVID. But I could NOT leave the room.
Waiting for My COVID Test Results
Once outside the room, they removed their protective gear and placed it in a pile inside our room. The doctor asked us to notify our cabin steward to dispose of the discarded equipment. Later, she put the used COVID garb in a red “Infectious Waste” bag and removed it from our cabin.
I couldn’t help but feel like I was now deeply in a “Quarantine Zone.” However, I knew everyone was being safe and doing what they needed to do as part of a larger COVID protocol.
I was told I’d receive the rapid PCR test results within an hour. Obviously, I would be negative, but an hour is a long time to wait to be sure. We were cruising to Hubbard Glacier, and I could only see the views from the balcony while my husband went to watch from the ship’s bow.
Minutes ticked by, and finally, the cabin phone rang. I picked up the phone only to hear my PCR test result was “POSITIVE!”
I’m Positive, Now What?
“Oh!!” I exclaimed. Suddenly, my 2022 Alaskan Cruise journey hit an abrupt DETOUR! A bunch of questions raced through my mind. What about the rest of the cruise?
Will I be taken off in Ketchikan, the next port? What about Brian – does he have it too? What about the kids? Will they get COVID now?
The doctor planned to move me to an isolation room. The medical staff offered me a chest X-ray and bloodwork. Seeing as I had no difficulty breathing, I declined the additional tests.
Being separated from my husband, Brian was NOT how we planned to spend the cruise. Being a good husband, Brian offered to move with me to the isolation cabin.
This was Brian’s first cruise to Alaska and my fifth. If anyone missed a port or two, it would be best if it was ME! I had tested positive, and he still had no symptoms. Brian agreed to stay in our existing balcony cabin.
COVID Isolation On A Cruise
A couple of cabin stewards knocked on the door within an hour, ready to move me. I didn’t even know where I would be moving, which added to the stress of the situation.
Staff stood at both ends of the corridor to prevent other guests from entering the hallway. I traveled down the crew elevator in a path I had never seen as a passenger.
The staff assigned me a new cabin on Deck 4. The cabin had been used by new crew members who needed to quarantine. Every day, I’d receive a call from guest services asking how I was doing and if I needed anything. The nurse would phone me twice a day too.
My New Cabin
I feared the cruise line was moving me from a balcony stateroom to an inside cabin. Instead, I had an outside stateroom with a large round window. While the same size as my balcony room, the space lacked a cozy feel. Since these isolation rooms need sanitizing after each COVID guest, a cold floor replaced the carpet.
There was no bedskirt or curtain between the living and bedroom area and no hairdryer in the drawer. Staff had placed the oval table outside the cabin door to receive food, drinks, and notifications.
My TV had one informational channel, and I feared I’d die of boredom. However, Royal Caribbean gave me complimentary Voom WiFi, which helped pass the time.
There was a case (24 bottles) of water, four cans of ginger ale, some paper cups, tea bags, and sugar on the desk. There were bottles of cleaning fluids, there were plastic knives and forks, and red “Infectious Waste” bags.
Next to them, a small pouch contained a sample toothpaste, toothbrush, razor, comb, and mini deodorant. It was a stark reality that I had gone from being a guest to a captive “patient.”
After moving into my new digs, the nurse arrived to take my temperature and blood oxygen. I was given a new thermometer and a fingertip pulse oximeter, with instructions to use them twice a day. She would phone me at 9 am and 5 pm to get my readings.
Getting Food In Isolation
I could order room service in isolation and wasn’t charged a fee. The first day was quite problematic as I received food I could eat. There had been a disconnect between those working with isolation guests and restaurant managers providing meals to cruise passengers with food allergies.
Keeping to the theme of having everything disposable, my meals arrived cold in paper or plastic containers with plastic utensils.
Staff in protective gear left my meals on the table outside my door. The hallway resembled a sterile hospital with plastic on the floor and locked doors at either end.
What Happens To Travel Companions After Testing Positive?
My husband received his first antigen test after I moved to isolation. Thankfully, he tested negative. Then the nurse tested the kids too. Since they were traveling and eating with me, they needed an antigen test every day for five consecutive days.
Since they all tested negative, they were free to roam and get off in port as long as they wore a close-fitting mask. The following day, we arrived in Ketchikan. We had planned to do a walkabout in Ketchikan, but with me in isolation, my family felt lost. That night Brian tested positive and joined me in isolation.
My daughter’s boyfriend tested positive using a home antigen test kit the following day. Even though we were disembarking the next day, he joined us in isolation that evening.
Protocols have changed since 2022. Those testing positive with home test kits are asked to isolate in their cabins. However, we’ve met guests who don’t.
Royal Caribbean COVID Protocols
Although my cruise was cut short by COVID, I applaud Royal Caribbean for being organized, professional, and following its protocols. We were taken care of in isolation right up until we got home.
Since we were COVID positive, we couldn’t disembark the cruise ship in the usual way. We also needed to continue to isolate for a set amount of time. Luckily, we are locals to Vancouver, and while we couldn’t take a taxi or transit home, guest services arranged a private car.
Continuing Isolation
The night before disembarkation, we received a letter stating we needed to continue to isolate in shoreside hotels. Guests were reimbursed for hotels, food, and flight change fees. Since I was local, I was instructed to isolate five more days.
Debarkation When You Have COVID
Arriving back in Vancouver, COVID guests needed to leave the cruise ship last. Our scheduled debarkation was 10 am, but we didn’t get off until after 11 am.
Three groups of COVID guests left the ship, and we estimated there were about 18 positive cases in all. We had an opportunity to talk to our COVID neighbors. One guy from California had tested positive the morning after embarkation, missing the entire cruise.
I was surprised that most passengers tested positive the night before debarkation. It made me wonder how many more walked off, not knowing they had COVID.
We didn’t swipe our cruise card one last time and bypassed security and immigration. Then, we boarded a shuttle bus for drop-off at hotels and home.
Government Of Canada Rules Of Isolation
It was nice to get home to isolate in my own space and sleep in my bed. Six days after my initial diagnosis, I still tested positive and felt no better. On the seventh day, I received a call from the government of Canada asking about my experience.
I tested positive on day four of my cruise and disembarked three days later. But, according to the government’s website, I needed to isolate for 10 days starting the day I landed in Canada.
While I don’t think we could have done things differently to change the outcome, we felt confident to cruise again. Thankfully, the rules have changed, and most people getting COVID experience milder symptoms.
Wanda Houge
Friday 19th of May 2023
My husband and I both got covid during an Alaskan cruise aboard Holland america last summer. The day before disembarking I was so sick I couldn't stay awake. My husband only had a sore throat and little bit of cough, but I was shaking with fever, vomiting, and sore throat. We stayed in our room till we disembarked the next morning. Worst virus I've ever had!
Forever Karen
Friday 19th of May 2023
Wanda, sorry to hear you got so sick but hopefully you're fully recovered. At least you got to see Alaska; I met a man the day I got off who tested positive the morning after embarkation, so he missed the entire cruise.
Tondee
Monday 16th of January 2023
Help!!!!!! What do I need to do,,,
I got Cohen while on our Alaskan cruise and I am still waiting for a refund! I have contacted Royal Caribbean many of times, and to no avail. I am still waiting. I have explained to them numerous times that I am a widow woman living on a fixed income and had no intentions of having to quarantine in Canada for 10 days. So now I have a credit card with a $4500 balance and I cannot get anyone to get back with me about why it is taking so long. We took our cruise in July 2022. I have been contacting them since August 1922 and still no answer.
Forever Karen
Sunday 22nd of January 2023
When you get covid on a cruise, the cruise line is supposed to complete a form that states when you tested positive and went into isolation. This indicates to head office how many days to refund. If the form wasn't completed, the refund doesn't happen. It took us more than four months to get our refund because the ship's log must be read to verify we got covid. Talking to an RCI manager can expedite matters.
Ken
Wednesday 9th of November 2022
Do u think one would be protected from getting covid wearing an N95 or a KN95 mask? Thanks. Ken
Forever Karen
Wednesday 9th of November 2022
An N95 mask will provide some protection but there's no guarantee of not getting COVID on a cruise or anywhere else for that matter.
Adam
Tuesday 19th of July 2022
Thanks so much for sharing! Were you able to get a pro-rated refund? My wife and sister-in-law had to isolate starting on day 3 about 3 weeks ago and weren't able to even get off on the first port. 5 days isolated on a 7 day cruise in my mind should be grounds for at least some type of reimbursement in my opinion.
Forever Karen
Tuesday 19th of July 2022
It's taken some time to sort out the refund. Sorry to hear your wife and sister-in-law got covid too. Unfortunately, every cruise line has a different covid policy; some lines refund and cover isolation expenses when you disembark, others don't. Reading the passage contract and knowing how your cruise line handles covid cases is essential.
Dana
Tuesday 17th of May 2022
Thanks for sharing the details of your experience and sorry you and family got sick. My wife and I are cruising Princess in June, Whittier to Vancouver route. Hope your next cruise is more enjoyable.
Forever Karen
Tuesday 17th of May 2022
Thank you, Dana. I was thankful my family could get off in all the ports. While I missed Ketchikan, I'll be returning in July for a 10-day itinerary. If it's your first cruise to Alaska, I hope you have a fantastic time.