Destinations known | Cruises to nowhere? Singapore passengers put pleasure before pandemic – and climate
- Genting’s ‘superstaycation’ cruise deal has had ‘overwhelming’ response
- The average cruise ship emits more sulphur oxides than 13 million cars
Of the 3,711 people on board, more than 700 ended up being infected, resulting in 14 deaths. At the time, the ship accounted for more than half of the world’s reported cases outside mainland China. It was even classified as a “country/region/sovereignty” in its own right on the Johns Hopkins University Covid-19 dashboard.
After outbreaks occurred on other vessels, sailings were cancelled and stock prices collapsed. Pundits predicted the end of cruising altogether. In March, American broadcaster CNBC called the coronavirus “cruise lines’ 9/11”.
“Coronavirus has dealt the cruise ship industry what looks like a crippling blow,” reported The Financial Times, in June.
But operators Royal Caribbean International and Genting Cruise Lines refuse to sink without a trace and have instead announced plans to offer residents of Singapore “cruises to nowhere” from November. “Under Singapore’s safety protocols, the liners have to cap capacity at 50 per cent and can only make out-and-back trips,” reported Nikkei Asian Review.