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SINGAPORE: The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is investigating an alleged violation of COVID-19 safe management measures on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
Photos of a group of more than 10 men and women on the cruise were posted on the photo-sharing platform Instagram. The passengers were not wearing masks and were standing or sitting close to each other.
STB’s cruise director Annie Chang said the board is aware of the incident and is investigating the matter.
“We seriously consider any non-compliance with safe management measures on cruise ships leaving Singapore. The safety of passengers and crew is our priority, and during the voyages periodic inspections are carried out on board to ensure compliance with all current security measures.
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“These include ensuring that the predominant maximum group size is not exceeded and that there is no intermixing between the different groups. Passengers must also wear masks on board, ”added Ms. Chang.
STB said that cruise lines that do not comply with CruiseSafe’s sanctions framework will be subject to sanctions, which can include fines, travel suspension and revocation of CruiseSafe certification.
A group photo taken aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship.
In response to inquiries from the CNA, Royal Caribbean said that its Ocean Getaways cruise ship has incorporated the same principles and safety measures that Singapore’s health authorities have implemented for public places on land, including shopping malls and restaurants.
This includes a limit to the number of people who can meet in a group.
To remind its guests, Royal Caribbean said it has clear demarcations throughout the ship and other signs posted in place.
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“In addition, our crew members are trained to remind guests to comply with health and safety regulations on board. On occasion, we also have STB inspectors who perform spot checks on our cruise ships.
“The recent violation of safe distancing measures appears to have been an instance where a group got together to take some pictures and we are currently investigating it. We would like to remind our guests that any breach of the rules will lead to enforcement action, including denied boarding or expulsion from the ship, ”added Royal Caribbean.
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