[ad_1]
A The Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. ship is back in Singapore on what was supposed to be the third day of a four-day cruise to nowhere after a positive case of Covid-19 was identified on board early Wednesday.
About 2,000 passengers on board the The Quantum of the Seas ship was informed of the development by the ship’s captain through the public announcement system around 2:45 a.m. local time. The passenger who tested positive was isolated while officials traced his contacts.
Around 8 a.m., the captain told the passengers that a passenger He felt upset and tested positive for Covid. All those found to have contact with the person were examined and quarantined. Other passengers were told to stay in their cabins. Once contact tracing is complete, they will be allowed to disembark, but it is unclear how long it will take. Passengers will also need to take a rapid Covid test to leave the ship.
“We know this is not exactly how you planned to spend your cruise, and we are very sorry,” read a note sent to passengers Wednesday. “Again, this is for your benefit and to ensure that all guests remain healthy and well.” The captain, in an announcement over the ship’s loudspeaker, said an update would be provided at 11 a.m.
The news is another setback for Singapore, a small island nation whose economy relies heavily on the tourist dollar. Last month, a highly anticipated air travel bubble between Singapore and Hong Kong that would have replaced the quarantine with Covid testing was ruled out due to the increasing number of cases in Hong Kong.
Read more: Hong Kong reverts to stricter virus restrictions as cases rise
Royal Caribbean International and Genting Cruise Lines have been running cruises to nowhere (trips that depart and return to the same destination after a season sailing the high seas), as the city-state aims to strengthen its tourism sector and provide residents with an outlet for their wanderlust. The positive case is a blow to that momentum, with journalists invited aboard Quantum of the Seas to experience the new initiative.
Smoking, free phone calls
It comes as other countries struggle to revive and reinvent their tourism sectors for the Covid era. Japan has had to curb an initiative that encouraged residents to travel nationwide after tourist areas saw a spike in virus infections. In Europe, the resumption of summer vacation travel is believed to have fueled the current second wave.
Strict protocols were established for cruise operators and passengers to allow Singapore pilots to travel. These included tests of the crew and passengers, increased sanitation and fresh air circulation measures. Cruise ships also had to navigate with a reduced passenger capacity of 50%.
Ultimately, they were insufficient to combat a virus that now infects more than 68 million people worldwide and nearly 1.6 million were killed.
Royal Caribbean in its note to passengers said that a free telephone service would be provided to help people adjust their travel plans. People are also allowed to smoke in their bathrooms, although this is normally prohibited. The cruise ship, almost at full capacity, has a large number of families on board with young children.
Five 1.5-liter bottles of water were left outside the cabins and breakfast was delivered between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., according to a Bloomberg reporter on board. Passengers are urged to be patient and wait for updates. Some that have rooms with balconies are outside to try and get better internet access.
“All affected guests will receive a refund in the form of an onboard credit for the day lost,” Royal Caribbean said in its note to guests. “In addition, we will provide you with a future cruise credit worth one day of paid cruise fare to use on future travel. We are dedicated to maintaining your well-being and making the next few days relaxing and enjoyable. “
Those who had booked on another cruise leaving on Thursday can cancel and will receive a refund credit.
With international travel almost off limits, Singapore has been trying to find ways to stimulate its domestic economy. In offer it’s vacations in more hotels luxury overnight camping at Changi Airport, and the government has launched a national tourism campaign, with S $ 320 million ($ 240 million) in loans set aside to encourage residents to support local businesses. The S $ 100 coupons, which have been sent to all Singaporeans Aged 18 and over, can be used for attractions, hotel stays, and tours.
Read more: Singaporeans stuck on the island looking for private jets, excursions
– With the assistance of Melissa Cheok
(Detailed updates throughout.)
