Dream Cruises will resume cruising service in Singapore from Friday (November 6) with its megaship, World Dream. Ahead of the first of its Super Seacation sailings, local media were given a tour of the facilities to highlight the stringent health and safety protocols onboard World Dream.
In an unprecedented move, all guests are given a designated arrival time to ensure safe distancing as well as allow time for Covid testing. We learnt that some passengers arrived as early as 09.00 this morning for the cruise that will depart at 21.00 today, and sail the Malacca Strait and South China Sea before returning to Singapore.
Prior to embarkation, members of the public and media had to undergo a Covid-19 antigen rapid test at the cruise terminal. A second test has to be taken when disembarking. Besides being required to check in to the ship via Safe Entry, all passengers aged seven and above will also be issued a MICE Pod – similar to the TraceTogether app, but for cruises – for contact tracing purposes.
Among other safety protocols include increased frequency of sanitation and disinfection in all rooms and suites and public areas using hospital grade disinfectants, with emphasis on high contact points. Temperature screening and scanning of ID card for entry into onboard facilities are also standard procedures.
Capacity of the ship has also been halved, while all theatres, kids’ club and entertainment venues have reduced capacity. At restaurants, no more than five people are allowed to seat at one table. Self-service buffet lines are also a thing of the past, with guests served by crew members wearing face masks and gloves. Thermal scanners and hand washing stations have also been installed at F&B venues, with cruise ambassadors on board to ensure safe distancing is being adhered to.
In addition, seven splendid cabins near the onboard medical facility have been converted into isolation wards to house suspected and positive Covid passengers, with 34 quarantine cabins reserved for close contact cases.
Stay tuned for our full report next week.
