Dream Cruises has restarted its service in Singapore on Nov. 6, according to the cruise line.
The World Dream has set sail on her two- and three-night Super Seacation itinerary targeted at the Singaporean market.
The ship, which can carry 3,400 passengers, is operating at a reduced capacity of 50 per cent.
According to Dream Cruises, around 1,400 people are on the first resumed voyage.
“It is a great honour for us to continue our long and fruitful partnership with Singapore, which began in 1993, almost 30 years ago,” said Michael Goh, president, Dream Cruises. “We could not have done this alone, and I would like to acknowledge the great support we have received from the Singaporean authorities – and especially the Singapore Tourism Board for their trust and confidence in us.”
Among the experiences available onboard the World Dream’s Super Seacation sailing are theatre shows, virtual reality games, waterslides, and a zip-line suspended 18-decks above the ocean. Every voyage will end with an at-sea laser show, according to the press release.
“The resumption of cruise operations will also see Genting Cruise Lines reinforcing its commitment to reviving sea-faring opportunities in Singapore and cultivating local cruise talents through new employment prospects and educational partnerships that will provide more jobs for Singaporeans, during this difficult pandemic period,” stated the company.
It added that Genting Cruise Lines has completely reexamined its health, hygiene, and operating protocols over the past two months to “ensure the safest environment for everyone on board.”
Quantum of the Seas would be the only Royal Caribbean ship with passengers. FILE PHOTO: Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas. Photo courtesy Kallis Video Production
By Kyunghee Park (Bloomberg) –Two cruise ships will start sailing from Singapore from next month into the open seas and back as the city-state aims to give residents some outlet for their wanderlust amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream and Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas will begin round-trip journeys from November and December respectively, the Singapore Tourism Board said in a statement Thursday.
Stringent protocols for cruise operators and passengers to permit the pilot voyages have been established under a CruiseSafe certification program. They include Covid-19 testing of crew and passengers, increased sanitization, fresh air circulating measures, and onboard steps to discourage close contact and intermingling. The boats will sail at a reduced capacity of 50% and the journeys are only open to residents of Singapore.
“This cruise pilot is a valuable opportunity for cruise operators to reinvent the entire cruise experience in order to regain the confidence of passengers,” said Singapore Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Keith Tan. “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.”
The cruise-ship industry globally shut down in March after a series of Covid-19 outbreaks at sea, including one at cruise giant Carnival Corp.’s Diamond Princess off Yokohama, Japan, in February. Even healthy passengers have suffered, as many ports turned ships away for fear of seeding new shore-side outbreaks. Tens of thousands of crew members were trapped on vessels for months.
Singapore is looking at ways to boost its tourism industry, which has been hit hard as the pandemic decimated travel. The outbreak has led to record losses at the nation’s flag carrier Singapore Airlines Ltd. and destroyed traffic at Changi Airport. The government warned earlier this week that Singapore can’t afford to wait a year or two for a vaccine to become widely available.
A bar inside the main lobby of the Genting Dream cruise ship berthed at the Marina Bay Cruise Center in Singapore in 2018.
Genting is offering two- and three-night packages starting Nov. 6. In July, the cruise operator restarted services in Taiwan. Royal Caribbean will operate three- and four-night packages from Dec. 1.
Passengers will need to get tested and submit travel and health declarations before they board. During the trip, they’ll have to wear masks at all times and keep a safe distance of one meter. Tracing tokens or apps will be mandatory outside of cabins.
Crew members that are flying into the city-state will be required to take a test on arrival and another at the end of a 14-day quarantine.
The tourism board said that Singapore is one of the first countries to develop and implement a mandatory audit and certification program for cruise lines. Prior to sailing, all cruise lines out of Singapore must obtain the CruiseSafe certification, which requires assessment by a third-party certification firm.
Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean are in the process of attaining the certification, the board said, adding that Singapore will decide on the next steps for the cruise industry after carefully monitoring the voyages.
To woo customers, Royal Caribbean is offering various flexible terms and conditions, including Covid-19 related onboard medical cost cover of up to S$25,000 ($18,400) per person.
Royal Caribbean International plans to resume sailing in Asia after winning approval from the Singapore government.
The line is to pilot short cruises by Quantum of the Seas from December 1, following Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream on November 6.
The three and four-night cruises to no-where have been given the green light for Singapore residents only after months of planning to ensure the health and safety of passengers, crew and local communities.
Ships will have to operate at 50% capacity and run round-trips with no ports of call. The Singapore Tourism Board is developing a mandatory ‘CruiseSafe’ certification including stringent hygiene and safety measures, including pre-departure and after disembarking. Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific managing director Angie Stephen said: “Singapore residents are adventurous travellers and we are so excited to be giving them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class clean getaway, with total peace of mind.
“While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to provide the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience.“We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry.” STB chief executive Keith Tan said: “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.
“Royal Caribbean International is a key partner in growing cruising in Singapore and the region, and I am confident in their ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.” Royal Caribbean International Asia Pacific managing director Angie Stephen said: “Singapore residents are adventurous travellers and we are so excited to be giving them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class clean getaway, with total peace of mind.
“While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to provide the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience. “We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry.” Singapore Tourist Board chief executive Keith Tan said: “Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region.
“Royal Caribbean International is a key partner in growing cruising in Singapore and the region, and I am confident in their ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety.
“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.”
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