While we can’t book our flights for leisure travel anytime soon due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore residents can revel in the fact that the country is opening up ‘Cruises To Nowhere’ starting November 2020.
S’pore To Start ‘Cruises To Nowhere’ From Nov
Under a pilot scheme, the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will allow two cruise lines, whose home ports are in Singapore, to resume with enhanced safety and hygiene measures in place.
According to STB’s press release (8 Oct), the Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream will start sailing from 6 November and the Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas from 1 December.
To ensure the safety and well-being of the community, the two vessels will allow round-trips with no ports of call at a maximum capacity of 50 per cent only to Singapore residents.
STB also created a mandatory CruiseSafe Certification programme to approve ships for ‘cruises to nowhere’ and both cruises are said to be in the midst of attaining them.
Image source: Website screengrab/STB
The programme sets out stringent hygiene and safety measures throughout the passenger journey – from prior to boarding, to after disembarkation.
This includes the frequent cleaning and sanitation on board, as well as ensuring that there is no recirculation of air on the ship.
Inspections will take place to ensure passengers and crew adhere to the guidelines. | Image source: Dream cruises website
There will also be a mandatory COVID-19 testing for both crew and passengers. In addition, infection control measures and emergency response plans relating to COVID-19 will be put in place.
Mask-wearing will also have to be complied with.
“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising,” said Mr Keith Tan, Chief Executive of STB.
STB adds: “The Government will monitor the outcomes of the pilot sailings carefully in the coming months before deciding on the next steps for cruises.”
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If you’re craving for vitamin sea, there’s more reason to set off for a cruise adventure.
For one, The Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas is offering a 50 per cent discount for all guests. And even better, kids get to sail for free.
Image source: Screengrab/Royal Caribbean website
Quantum of the Seas will start offering three- and four-night cruises from 1 December 2020, Royal Caribbean said on Thursday.
In the event a guest or any member of his/her travel party tests positive for COVID-19 during the three weeks prior to their booked cruise, Royal Caribbean said there will be “COVID-19 protections” provided to passengers, including a 100 per cent credit towards a future cruise.
It added: “Royal Caribbean will cover COVID-19 related costs up to S$25,000 per person in the travel party for onboard medical costs, any required quarantine and travel home.”
Meanwhile for Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream—the newest ship in Singapore—guests can enjoy a “Super Seacation” cruise packages for two or three nights starting 6 November 2020.
Image source: Screengrab/Dream Cruises website
Image source: website screengrab
“We are able to provide Singapore residents with more vacation options beyond land-based resorts and we hope to bring back the joy of cruising with safety being paramount,” said Dream Cruises president Michael Goh.
Lead image source: Seatrade Cruise News
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