Singapore cruises are back... to nowhere

As we slowly revert to the new normal, it is recently announced that the cruise lines are back in business and they will bring you to the high seas. The pilot phase which is only open for Singapore residents start in November and you can add the high seas as one of your options for a holiday staycation. Genting Dream Cruise and Royal Caribbean have announced their departure dates and here is what we know about some details

1. Covid testing before departure

Some people may remember about the cruise infections from earlier in the year and in order to prevent the same from happening again, some key safety measures have been put in place. The first of which will be a mandatory COVID 19 test 2-3 days before your cruise departure.  Everyone will have to then show the negative test result and complete a health questionnaire and temperature screening before being allowed to board. As of now, Genting Dream will be charging $60 for the test while Royal Carribbean will have the cost included for departures before 31 Jan 2021. More details on the test will be given by the cruise company closer to your sail date.

2. Safety measures

Besides the pre-departure screening, there will also be social distancing and hygiene measures in place to further enhance safety. Accommodation, public areas and activity equipment are scheduled to be frequently sanitized especially at touchpoints such as handrails and life buttons.

Social distancing will still be practiced at all times including during shows and dining places. Masks are also to be worn except during sports, dining and in your own rooms. Buffet dining is also suspended and your food will be served by the crew. On a positive note, at no more than 50% capacity, you can expect more space for your favorite cruise activities.

To further prevent the transmission of diseases, air ventilations are also filtered to ensure everyone on board are given fresh and clean air. Air will not be recirculated within the ship.

To ensure everyone’s wellbeing, more doctors and nurses will be onboard with capabilities to conduct rapid tests and to deal with suspected cases of COVID -19.

Click the links below to understand more details on their safety measurements

Royal Carribbean: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/sgp/en/royal-promise

Genting Dream: https://www.dreamcruiseline.com/en-sg/travel-advisory-updates/

3. Cruise with confidence

Due to the current situation, both cruise companies allows you to get a full refund in terms of future cruise credits if you cancel your trip at least 48 hours before your departure. For Royal Caribbean, bookings on or before 30^th Nov 2020 are qualified for this perk. For Genting Dream, departures from Singapore through 9^th April 2021 are eligible.

So which cruise should I choose?

For those who are not too particular on the experiences provided within the cruise you can start with looking at the availability of your desired date of departure.  Genting Dream starts sailing from 6^th Nov and offer 2 – 3 night getaways. Royal Caribbean starts with a 2 night cruise on 1^st Dec and offers 3 – 4 night cruises thereafter.

For those seeking some thrill, you might want to consider Royal Caribbean as the Quantum of the Seas offers skydiving and surfing simulators as well as the North Star view capsule.

For a family vacation, you might want to get on the Genting Cruise to enjoy the Waterslide Park. With something for everyone to enjoy, do consider a cruise trip for your next outing!

Don't take too long to decide! Although prices start from the range of $300s, room prices will increase (even for same category rooms) as the rooms get filled up!

If you would like us to help you with getting your cruise trip, do contact us at our contact number 65354334 or email us at enquiry@ikchin.com.sg. As we are all on WFH at the moment, our retail office is closed. Visits will be on appointment only.