Royal Caribbean has announced the extension of Quantum of the Seas‘ season in Singapore. The island nation is one of the few countries where cruising has been allowed to proceed successfully for the last few months.
Royal Caribbean Cruises’ decision was expected as Quantum of the Seas was initially scheduled to reposition to Alaska for the summer season. Canada’s ongoing year-long extension of a cruise ban to Canadian waters means foreign vessels cannot make cruises to Alaska this year.
The cruise line has been exceedingly successful with 2-3-4-day cruises from Singapore, which are limited to Singapore inhabitants.
Additional Three Months Of Operations From Marina Bay
Quantum of the Seas Singapore season will be extended for an additional three months. This follows the successful pilot program performed in cooperation with the Singapore Government and the Singapore Tourism Board.
Royal Caribbean has been successfully sailing in Singapore since December 2020 and will continue to do so between March 22, 2021, and June 21, 2021.
There have been a few scares since the ships started sailing, most notable the case of the 83-year old Singapore resident that tested negative, then positive, and then negative again in subsequent PCR tests. The case attracted significant attention from major news outlets quick to jump on the bandwagon, where nothing was happening.
Royal Caribbean and Singapore Prove Safe Cruising Possible
Singapore residents can continue to enjoy cruises onboard one of the world’s largest and most groundbreaking vessels. Although the line has invested significantly in comprehensive health and safety guidelines, such as Covid-19 testing, reduced sailing capacity, and strict physical distancing, guests can still enjoy all the features the vessel has to offer.
Angie Stevens, the managing director for Asia for Royal Caribbean, said the following:
“We are thrilled to announce the extension of the sailing season and look forward to having guests experience first-hand our signature cruise vacation that has wowed local cruisers already, with many booking repeat visits. Our close partnership with the Singapore Government has played an instrumental role in the success of these pilot cruises, and we remain committed to safeguarding the health and safety of our guests and crew during these additional sailings.”
The measures adhere to the CruiseSafe Certification standards jointly developed by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and DNV GL. You can read about the measures the cruise line has implemented on their website: www.royalpromise.com/singapore.
Quantum of the Seas is one of the few cruise ships sailing worldwide and is certainly proving that guests can indeed do cruising safely. The line has introduced some groundbreaking measures to provide guests with peace of mind while sailing.
Also Read: Ways to Enjoy Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas
Included with the cruise are COVID-19 protections, which include a 100% credit towards a future cruise should a guest or any member of their travel party test positive for COVID-19 during the three weeks before their booked cruise; or a full refund if a guest, or any member of their travel party, tests positive during their voyage.
Royal Caribbean will continue to cover COVID-19 related costs up to SGD 25,000 per person in the travel party for onboard medical costs, any required quarantine, and travel home.
So while New England and Alaska cruises seem to be out of the window, for now, Royal Caribbean cruises in Singapore should be an indicator for the CDC how safe cruising is entirely possible and can be done well.
