Advertisement

Sea-cation: Singapore residents can start booking ‘cruises to nowhere’ from November

World Dream cruise ship. (PHOTO: World Dream)
World Dream cruise ship. (PHOTO: World Dream)

SINGAPORE – Things are slowly looking up for us. According to a statement by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), two ships have been approved as part of a pilot scheme to allow round-trips with no port disembarkation from November onwards.

This means those going on vacation may be able to book a “sea-cation” soon.

This pilot scheme is only open to Singapore residents which include citizens, permanent residents, long-term pass holders (student pass, dependent pass, long term visit pass and employment pass holders).

One of the vessels, Genting Cruise Line’s World Dream, will embark on its first cruise on 6 November and will cruise the Straits of Malacca and disembark in Singapore. Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas will set sail in December.

World Dream, a 150,695 gross ton mega-ship, arrived in Singapore from Rotterdam, Netherlands in the morning of 25 October with 187 crew members aboard, who had completed their 14-day quarantine on the cruise ship before arrival. The crew will undergo a further series of mandatory COVID-19 testing as stipulated by the local authorities and are required to test negative before signing up for active duty.

Pricing and packages

There are three packages listed for World Dream cruises:

Screenshot from World Dream website.
Screenshot from World Dream website.

The two-night weekend getaway begins 6 November, with prices starting from S$439 per person; while the two and three-night getaway begins 8 November, and is priced from S$205 per person.

However, guests cannot use their S$100 SingaporeRediscover voucher for these packages.

Safety measures in place

All guests must undergo a pre-boarding COVID-19 test before getting on the cruise ship. Upon disembarkation in Singapore, guests must undergo another COVID-19 test at the cruise terminal with no additional cost to the guest.

However, if a guest tests positive pre-boarding, guests will be denied check-in or boarding. They will also be entitled to a full refund in the form of Cruise Credit for future sailings.

All guests are required to wear face masks in public areas, except when dining and engaging in strenuous sports / physical activities as per the requirements of the local authorities.

For more information on World Dream cruises, click here.

Balancing the New Normal:

INTERVIEW: Tan Yung Sheng Dominic, CEO of Ajumma’s — “It’s the dues I pay for the freedom and ambitions I pursue”

Garang Grill reopens at New Ubin Village in Tampines

FOOD REVIEW: Leckerbaer — The best of Danish butter cookies made even better

FOOD REVIEW: Like the wood burning in their oven, Lucali BYGB needs a little bit more time

INTERVIEW: Nasen Thiagarajan, CEO of Harry’s Bar — “Businesses need the support of local customers now more than ever”

INTERVIEW: ‘Thosai Consultant’ Vasunthara — “When I make thosai from scratch, I feel connected to a whole line of women and their wisdom”

FOOD REVIEW: After 7 years, Cicheti’s second act makes for a great first impression