According to reports, Genting Cruise Lines has received more than 6000 bookings in just five days for its cruises that go nowhere.
The Singapore Tourism Board had announced that round-trip cruises without ports of call will begin
This is a part of a pilot programme to test the cruise industry’s safety measures before completely reopening t to the public.
In tandem with this, only two cruise lines are allowed, the Genting Cruise Lines and the Royal Caribbean International.
Royal Caribbean International has also reported that the demand has exceeded its expectations.
According to a spokesperson, bookings are up 500 percent compared to the past two weeks. It will begin sailing from December 1. This maximum limit is capped at about 1,000 guests which is almost sold out.
Michael Goh, Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines, said “Calls of inquiry began flooding in almost immediately after the STB made its announcement. The response has been overwhelming. We call it a ‘super staycation’, because we offer all three meals, outdoor activities like waterslides and rock climbing, and even a Christmas musical. It is a complete holiday experience. The ship itself is the destination.”
A total of 23 Genting Cruise Lines sailings are scheduled for November and December. Each will have a maximum capacity of 1,700 passengers.
After COVID-19 spread in the dormitories, two of Genting Cruise Line ships’ were utilsed as quarantine facilities. Goh mentioned that this was a blessing in disguise, as the company gained tremendous knowledge and used what they learned to apply to their operations.
Angie Stephen, Managing Director of Asia Pacific Operations, Royal Caribbean, said, “The surge in bookings is due to the pent-up desire to travel. The four-night cruise sailing every Thursday evening is particularly attractive. Guests will only need to take a day off work on Friday to enjoy a long weekend on the cruise.”
The prices for both companies’ services range between USD 359 and USD 599 per person. However, this can change depending on the duration of the cruise.
Since March, cruises had been suspended due to the pandemic
Authorities recognised that the proximity of guests might turn the ships into infection clusters. But with the cases decreasing, the cruise industry is working to get back on its feet safely and efficiently.
Hence, passengers will have to take a swab test before they are allowed onboard. Social distancing measures and wearing face masks at all times are mandatory.
Also Read: Singapore Tourism Board Develops CruiseSafe Certification For Cruise Lines
