Well, that was an experience!
We traveled from the east coast of the US, arrived on the 14th (around 3pm) and left yesterday on the 24th at around 11am via TimAir.
So! On to the details:
Travel through the airport wasn't particularly different than normal once you get used to the masks and plexiglas dividers everywhere. Our flights were definitely on the full side, but also clearly not as many flights were in progress overall. The one thing that almost screwed us was not being able to check-in online for the departure due to the need to show the travel authorization, and we were running a bit late. A little hiccup, but we got through and made it to Montego without issue. Arriving is definitely a different experience!
Getting off the plane they immediately laser-thermometer you and hand you a scrap of paper with your temp on it. Keep this on hand. Entering the immigration hall, you'll notice there is now a large ad-hoc medical section with a light military presence where they will take the scrap of paper, your travel authorization and other paperwork to verify everything. Once that's done the rest of the immigration / customs procedure was pretty similar. One thing, be prepared to have a LOT of sanitizer sprayed onto your hands, they'll require you to at almost every step. Once you're through and into the arrivals area, be prepared for even more people trying to sell you things, offer a taxi, etc. The downturn in tourism has been felt hard by the locals, so if you can, be generous with tips.
To the resort! We'd hired Mr. Reasonable (Linley Grant) to drive us to the resort, who got us there efficiently and with comfort. Check in at the resort was also pretty much what we're used to, with the addition of masks and more sanitizing stations than you can shake a stick at! Seriously, they're everywhere and should be used frequently. Masks are strongly requested in the main lobby, gift shop, Heedo Weedo, etc, to protect the staff. Remember, almost all of us had to be tested to get there, but the staff has to live there and need to be able to protect themselves! We rarely saw staff members without masks on the entire time we were there. The main exception being the ECs while performing, and even they wore masks even during the shows.
The resort was DEFINITELY more lightly occupied than we've seen in the past, when we arrived it was probably at around 30% capacity, which made for a pretty chill, relaxed atmosphere until the weekend. The routine for meals is a little different, all of the self-serve stations are gone (coffee, ice cream, daquiris, etc) so you'll need to ask for what you'd like. The buffet is also a little different, expect it to be a little slower, as the staff will build your plate for you, rather than scooping your own food. Also, silverware will be delivered to you once you sit, nothing is laid out beforehand. Definitely slows down the pace a bit. We ate at Pastafari and Flame when not in the main dining area, which was easy because you no longer have to sign up for reservations, they seat as guests arrive.
The capacity increased through the weekend, as you'd expect, but still not at regular numbers. The daily routine is VERY familiar, most of the on-resort services are running, we saw people windsurfing, going out on the catamaran, kayaking, as usual. There were some minor maintenance issues with our room, nothing that any repeat offenders would be surprised by. Response to maintenance requests however were much quicker, we suspect because of the reduced number of guests. The overall mood of the resort was fantastic as well, people were definitely glad to have made it, and knowing that everyone had been tested was clearly a relief for a lot of people.
While there are definitely changes, and some previously easily accomplished things were a little more difficult (damn I missed serving myself coffee by mid-week), the resort is clearly busting their collective asses to make sure that everyone is well taken care of and safe. EVERYTHING was sanitized, ALL THE TIME. Constantly wiped down, cleaned up, and as much distance as reasonably possible was maintained.
Staff is mainly on 3 on, 3 off rotations, so if you don't see an employee you were hoping to see, give it a couple of days. Seemed like that was mainly to make sure everyone was able to work some without running costs up too much.
The trip home yesterday was (other than masks) pretty much identical to all of our other trips, no big issues with delays or anything at all.
Hope people find this useful! We were amazingly happy to be there, to see old friends and make new ones, and to reassure ourselves that, yes, Home is still Home. Still has magic people, magic sand, and we'll be going back as soon as we can.
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