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SINGAPORE – Struck by cabin fever, hundreds of Singaporeans eager to get out of the tiny country boarded a “cruise to nowhere” on Friday, a rare opportunity to sail the seas after the coronavirus pandemic shut much of it. of the cruise industry.
Before beginning their brief “sailing” on the 1,100-foot (335-meter) World Dream, passengers underwent coronavirus tests before boarding the ship, which was operating at half capacity to avoid overcrowding.
Retiree Ang Sen Hock, 73, said he was not afraid of getting infected and had booked several more trips by the end of the month.
“Not worried. Because earlier this year I was also a passenger on this cruise and, coincidentally, there were two suspected cases,” Ang said, while waiting for his proof.
“But we still boarded and they had special measures.”
The global cruise industry has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic, with some of the first major outbreaks found on cruise ships.
Singapore’s special cruises, classified as “round trips”, are open to residents only and sail for a few days in waters close to the city-state.
