Singapore confirms cruise restart
SINGAPORE Tourism Board (STB) has confirmed the state’s gradual resumption of cruising, having developed a mandatory CruiseSafe certification.
As part of Singapore’s stated commitment to set the “benchmark” for the future of cruising in the region, a pilot will commence next month for Singaporean residents, initially cruising on Dream Cruises’ World Dream, with Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas to follow in Dec.
The CruiseSafe certification program sets out stringent hygiene and safety measures to be enacted throughout the cruise, from before boarding to after disembarkation, such as round-trips with no ports of call, and sailing at 50% capacity.
Other standards include strict & frequent cleaning & sanitisation protocols onboard, safe management measures aligned with the prevailing national policy, ensuring 100% fresh air throughout ships, setting up onboard measures to discourage close contact & inter-mingling between groups, and emergency response plans for corona virus related incidents.
Passengers on the pilot cruises will have to comply with measures such as the wearing of masks, with any cruise line hoping to sail out of Singapore compelled to obtain the CruiseSafe certification, which will involve an independent thirdparty assessment.
Cruise Lines International Association Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said his organisation was fully behind Singapore’s initiative.
“We support a measured and carefully managed resumption of local cruise itineraries that work within international border restrictions,” he said.
“With extensive health measures in place, we see an opportunity to revive the economic contribution that cruising brings to local communities while at the same time implementing protective protocols against outside infection during international travel restrictions.”
The Singapore Tourism Board said the safety and wellbeing of the community, passengers and crews was paramount.
“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 STB CEO Keith Tan.
“We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.”