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SINGAPORE: A passenger aboard a Royal Caribbean ship tested positive for COVID-19 during a cruise to nowhere, causing the ship to backtrack ahead of schedule.
The case was detected aboard the Quantum of the Seas ship, which began sailing again this month as part of a pilot scheme that allows round-trip trips without ports of call.
“A guest aboard the Quantum of the Seas tested positive for coronavirus after checking in with our medical team,” Royal Caribbean International said in a statement on Wednesday (December 9).
All guests and crew members who had close contact with the case were identified, isolated and subsequently tested negative for the virus, it added.
The cruise ship returned to the port of Singapore “in accordance with government protocols,” and guests will disembark after a contact tracing review is completed, Royal Caribbean International said.
The cruise line is also working with the Singapore government to “protect the health and safety of guests and crew.”
“We are working closely with the government to develop a complete system that tests and monitors all guests and crew and follows best public health practices,” he said.
“The fact that we were able to quickly identify this unique case and take immediate action is a sign that the system is working as designed.”
Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, December 9, 2020 (Photo: Jeremy Long)
Annie Chang, director of cruise development for the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said that emergency response plans have been activated in accordance with the guidelines.
This includes a thorough cleaning of the boat, in addition to immediate isolation of close contacts and contact tracing.
“All close contacts have tested negative … The well-being and safety of our local community, as well as passengers and crew remain a top priority,” he said.
“All passengers undergo a mandatory COVID-19 test prior to boarding, with strict hygiene and safety measures in place throughout their journey.”
A passenger aboard Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas on December 9, 2020 (Photo: Jeremy Long)
READ: 2 cruise lines allowed to offer Singapore residents ‘cruises to nowhere’ since November
In October, STB announced that two cruise lines, Genting and Royal Caribbean, will resume cruising at a maximum capacity of 50 percent.
Cruise ships must adhere to safe management measures, such as social distancing and the use of masks.
Periodic onboard inspections will also be conducted to ensure compliance. Cruise lines that fail to comply will be subject to penalties, including fines, travel suspension, and revocation of their CruiseSafe certification, which is required for all cruise lines departing from Singapore.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas began sailing for three- and four-night cruises beginning December 1.
The ship has an improved heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, which will continuously supply “100% fresh filtered air” from outside the ship to replace the air used on board, “the cruise line said.
READ: Genting Cruise Lines to hire Singaporeans for World Dream ship as cruise ships prepare to set sail again
CONTINGENCY PLANS IN PLACE
STB also outlined in October the measures implemented in the event a case of COVID-19 is detected aboard a ship, and said affected passengers, crew and their close contacts would be immediately isolated.
“The deep cleaning on board the ship will be carried out according to the guidelines, and the leisure activities on board will cease immediately,” Ms. Chang told CNA on October 8.
He added that COVID-19 testing can be done on board cruise ships.
With short itineraries and no port of call, “the probability of an outbreak is assessed to be low given that all passengers and crew are examined.”
“With the appropriate measures … in place, such cruises are no less safe compared to other activities and settings that have been resumed since then,” Ms Chang said.
“There are contingency plans in place in the unlikely event of an outbreak and this includes the ship returning to Singapore so that passengers can disembark and medical support can be provided immediately if necessary.”
READ: 12 new COVID-19 cases in Singapore, all imported
Royal Caribbean is also providing “COVID-19 protection” to passengers, including a 100% credit towards a future cruise, in the event that a guest or any member of their travel party tests positive for COVID-19 within three weeks. previous reservation.
Full refunds will also be provided if a guest, or any member of their tour group, tests positive during the cruise, he added.
Singapore has reported a total of 58,885 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday.
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