Coronavirus: Royal Caribbean delays Hong Kong ‘cruise to nowhere’ voyage until October 5 over Covid-19 rules
- Cruise operator’s Spectrum of the Seas changes original July departure plans to allow crew members to meet vaccination and quarantine requirements
- Lawmaker says operators and travel agents should allow for flexible terms and conditions with regard to delays and refunds
One of two operators of Hong Kong’s “cruises to nowhere” has postponed its launch date and will not set sail until October 5, three months behind schedule, with a lawmaker calling for flexibility on terms and conditions of tickets sold.
Royal Caribbean Cruises’ Spectrum of the Seas – Asia’s largest and newest vessel – was supposed to depart at the end of July, but had to adjust its plans to allow crew members to meet vaccination and quarantine requirements set by the Hong Kong government.
“The whole cruise resumption preparation is a lengthy process, including quarantine and vaccinations for all crew members,” a spokeswoman for the operator told the Post.
The ship arrived at Kai Tak Cruise Terminal on June 23 to allow crew members to be vaccinated against Covid-19 and will return again in three weeks for employees to get their second dose. The vessel is anchored between Lamma and Cheung Chau islands.
The spokeswoman declined to comment on the vaccination progress of its crew members expected to operate the vessel.
Under the city’s “cruises to nowhere” scheme, all vessels would only be allowed to operate at half capacity, while passengers and staff on board would have to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 and must undergo testing.
The voyages, which aim to help kick-start tourism recovery, will venture into the high seas but will not be allowed to make any stops at other destinations for public health reasons.
