Since December 2020, the so-called “Cruises to Nowhere” have been offered in Singapore, the “Cruises to nowhere”, according to the “ZDF”. Luxury liners of the US shipping company Royal Caribbean depart from a port on the Asian island and sail across the sea for three to four days without a destination – before they finally dock again at the starting port.
Holidays despite travel restrictions: cruises without a destination and stopovers in Singapore
The idea is well received in the corona pandemic, in which international travel is difficult. “I’m glad to just get out on the ship,” says 30-year-old passenger Sean Chi, for example. The 1,300 crew members are also happy to have a job in the crisis. However, they are not allowed to leave the ship for months, they have to work daily and get tested weekly.
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The hygiene measures for passengers should also be similarly strict. 72 Hours before the start of the trip, you have to get tested in a shopping center in the city center. In addition, a tracking bracelet around the wrist, as well as masks on board are mandatory. Only when eating, drinking, playing sports and in the pool you are allowed to take them off.
But this does not stop many from the cruises. “I’m used to the mask from everyday life in Singapore,” says Sean Chi. In addition, the cruises with a price of just over 500 euros for four nights on board in an outdoor cabin with a balcony, including food and alcohol, are much cheaper than so-called “staycations” in a hotel in the city.
35,000 passengers on a total of 25 cruises to nowhere
The desire for a holiday is currently high, which is why 35,000 passengers are said to have already taken part in a total of 25 cruises to nowhere. Angie Stephen, head of Asia at the shipping company, said: “Holiday plans have undoubtedly been disrupted by the international travel restrictions. As the world remains largely at a standstill, we see a pent-up demand for travel – that’s why we created this pilot project for the residents of Singapore.”
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But there is also criticism of the model. A similar project, flights to Nowhere by the airline Singapore Airlines, are said to have been discontinued after a wave of criticism even before the first flight. In particular, the question of how trips to nowhere affect the climate is said to have been the main point of criticism.
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