Genting Cruise Lines launched its first cruise to nowhere from Singapore on Friday with around 1,400 passengers on board for what the company has dubbed its “Super Seacation.”
With capacity limited to 50% of the maximum 3,400 passengers, but falling marginally shy of that figure, Genting’s World Dream – part of the Dream Cruises brand – set sail from Marina Bay Cruise Centre at 9pm with a raft of new COVID-19 safety measures in place for all sailings on the new itinerary.
They include enhanced hygiene practices for guest cabins and crew member quarters, public areas and recreational facilities; social distancing in dining, entertainment and public areas; safe food and beverage handling procedures; and 100% fresh air ventilation in staterooms and public areas.
There is also a state-of-the-art medical facility, including a Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) machine to rapidly enhance and study DNA, while all guests above six months old are required to pass a rapid COVID-19 test before being allowed onboard. Those aged seven and above are required to carry a MICE Pod token, as mandated by Singapore’s Ministry of Health, to monitor social distancing while on board.
“It is a great honor for us to continue our long and fruitful partnership with Singapore which began in 1993, almost 30 years ago,” said Dream Cruises President Michael Goh.
“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.”
As previously reported by Inside Asian Gaming, the Singapore Tourism Board has given the green light for pilot “cruise to nowhere” sailings to resume, with Genting Cruise Lines’ World Dream the first to launch and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas due to follow from December.
Genting has put together an itinerary that includes two and three-night voyages.
