A Genting Cruise Lines cruise was forced to return to Singapore on Wednesday after a passenger tested positive to COVID-19.
According to a report by The Straits Times, the 40-year-old passenger was identified as a close contact of a confirmed case on Tuesday and isolated in the medical center as the ship made its was back to port. They later tested positive to COVID-19.
Genting’s Dream Cruises relaunched two-night and three-night “cruise to nowhere” sailings from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre in November under strict virus protocols, including 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, with all guests above six months old required to pass a rapid COVID-19 test before embarking. Dream Cruises said the passenger, who is reported to have been fully vaccinated, had tested negative upon boarding on Sunday.
While the cruise returned to port early Wednesday morning, other passengers were directed to remain in their cabins and all entertainment and recreation facilities closed down.
Dream Cruises said that all close contacts were identified within an hour via the ship’s COVID-19 information measures, including passenger-wearable devices, keycards and closed-circuit television footage.
A voyage scheduled to depart Wednesday night was cancelled while the ship undergoes deep cleaning.
