SINGAPORE – A Genting-owned ocean liner on a “cruise to nowhere” has been forced to make an earlier-than-scheduled return to Singapore today, after a coronavirus case was detected on board, said reports.
The cruises – starting and ending in Singapore, with no stops – were launched last year, as part of the travel industry’s attempt to bounce back from a pandemic-induced crunch.
They have proved popular among those seeking an escape from the tiny city-state, which has had only a mild outbreak, but largely kept its borders closed.
The Dream Cruises ship returned to the republic early today, several hours earlier than planned, after the case was detected.
Passengers on board were informed that a guest had tested positive and told to return to their rooms, said broadcaster CNA, quoting a passenger.
The individual was believed to have been in close contact with another Covid-19-positive person before boarding, the report added.
Local newspaper The Straits Times said the passenger has been fully vaccinated and tested negative before boarding.
The ship, owned and operated by Genting Group, left Singapore on Sunday evening for the four-day cruise.
Genting did not immediately respond to a request for a comment. However, the company has introduced a raft of safety measures on board, including regularly disinfecting public areas.
A “cruise to nowhere” was also cut short after an elderly man tested positive in December last year. However, that case proved to be a false alarm, with subsequent results coming back negative.
The cruise industry worldwide is struggling to get back on its feet after voyages were halted at the start of the pandemic, and several vessels were hit by outbreaks. – AFP, July 14, 2021
