‘Cruises To Nowhere’ Underway in Singapore, Royal Caribbean Up Next
Starting today, Singaporeans will be able to enjoy two- and three-night cruises to nowhere aboard Dream Cruises’ World Dream. On deck to offer a similar experience is Royal Caribbean, which will kick off its own series of 3- and 4-night sailings from the city-state on December 1, using Quantum of the Seas.
Dream Cruises’ World Dream at sea. (Photo courtesy of Genting)
The short cruises are being viewed through the lens of “a new normal,” as the cruise industry attempts a healthy restart while a global crisis continues to generate lockdowns and travel restrictions. They also offer a glimpse of what Americans might expect to see when ships begin sailing again from domestic ports, likely early in 2021.
Dream Cruises is calling its cruise to nowhere series “a brand-new vacation option that will take the regular ‘stay-cation’ concept and turn it into a ‘Super Seacation’ experience.” It promises a “multitude of leisure and recreation facilities on board the ship with engaging experiences that will keep guests of all ages entertained throughout their journey.”
READ: Why Are ‘Cruise To Nowhere’ Illegal in the USA?
World Dream appears to offer plenty of options to give guests an entertaining cruise getaway even without port calls. There are a variety of VR experiences in the Esc EXPERIENCE LAB, where guests can virtually ride rollercoasters, speed through underwater worlds and venture into space.
For reality-based fun, guests can get their thrills on waterslides, a ropes course, a rock climbing wall and a mini-golf track. There will be full production shows in the Zodiac Theatre and each cruise will end with Asia’s only laser show at sea – a synchronized performance of multi-colored lasers with over 4 million shades.
The line says all activities on board will be organized in accordance with permitted group sizes – specific to each activity — and measures will be in place to discourage close contact between groups.
Prior to her arrival in Singapore, World Dream was on hiatus in the Netherlands after being taken out of service in early February.
The Genting HK-owned Dream Cruises was one of the first cruise lines to detail new sanitation and health procedures back in April. The company says it has completely re-examined and enhanced all of its health, hygiene and operating protocols to ensure the safest environment.
Among the measures:
- Stringent health screening and testing processes prior to embarkation, disembarkation and safe distancing measures on board.
- Thorough sanitization, disinfection and enhanced hygiene practices for guest cabins, crew member quarters, public areas and recreational facilities.
- Safe food and beverage handling procedures.
- 100% fresh air ventilation in guest and crew cabins, as well as public spaces.
Next up for cruises to nowhere from Singapore is the six-year-old Quantum of the Seas, one of Royal Caribbean’s most innovative ships. It features high-profile attractions including the robot-tended Bionic Bar, the iFly by RipCord skydiving simulator, and the North Star observation pod that carries guests up to 300 feet above the sea.
Quantum of the Seas will sail cruises to nowhere from Singapore in December 2020. (Photo courtesy of Royal Caribbean)
Royal Caribbean says it partnered “with top medical minds and the Singapore government” to design its safe cruising plan. Comprehensive prevention protocols were developed for every part of the ship, onboard medical centers have been enhanced and response plans have been developed for a variety of scenarios. The ship can carry up to 4,180 passengers but will be restricted to half that number.
“From reducing the number of guests onboard to no more than 50% occupancy and testing everyone before sailing, to cleanliness standards that rival the best hospitals, we promise we’ll never stop working to protect you and the ones you love,” the line says.
Beginning in May, Quantum of the Seas is scheduled to offer 7-night Alaska Glacier cruises from a base in Seattle.