When people think about going on a Cruise ship, they think about the luxury service, maybe having a few games of the slot machine, fine dining, sipping on some cocktails, and most probably a destination that you’re looking forward to docking at and to spend some time there.

What if I told you that starting from November, there will be cruises which are home-ported here in Singapore, offering “cruises to nowhere”. Would you be adventurous to dive right in? Is it safe? Are cruises to nowhere the next big thing?

Read on as we answer those questions with a quick overview of cruises to nowhere!

1. What does “cruises to nowhere” mean?

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Cruise operations, like all other travel, had been suspended since March due to COVID19. In a press release on October 8, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had announced that two cruise lines have been allowed to offer “cruises to nowhere” starting from November.
The above-mentioned cruise lines are none other than Genting Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean International.
This means that these cruises will offer round trip cruises with no ports of call under a pilot program, hence the term “cruises to nowhere”.

2.Is it safe to do so?

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As the safety and well being of the passengers are the top of their priority, wearing masks and complying with safe distancing rules are still mandatory.
All passengers will have to be tested for COVID19 prior to boarding. This is part of the STB’s Cruise Safe program which is developed together with the global classification body DNV GL. The Cruise Safe program features stringent hygiene standards such as ensuring 100 percent of fresh air throughout the ship and protocols to be adhered to which provide assurance to their passengers during their cruise journey. Not to mention, the cruises will only ferry 50 percent of their maximum capacity only to Singapore residents.
With very strict and stringent protocols and procedures that the crew staff and management have implemented and enforced, it is no doubt that they are giving their passengers peace of mind.

3. When can I start booking and how much is it?

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Whilst the Genting Cruise line is starting operations from November 6th on wards with packages ranging from 2 – 3 nights, sources from the Royal Caribbean said that Quantum of the Seas will offer three to four-night cruises from the 1st of December.

They further mentioned that they will provide COVID19 protection to their passengers, offering 100 percent credit towards a future cruise should any guest passenger test positive for COVID19 during the three weeks prior to their booking and also full refunds if you test positive during the duration of the cruise.

A quick check from both the Royal Caribbean website and the Genting Cruise lines website has shown that starting prices start from around $359 per person.
Bookings for both cruises are now available and are selling out fast so grab your tickets now! Will this be the start of your revenge travel?
Enlist the help of any of our professional travel agents to help you book your dream cruise trip!