SINGAPORE — The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is looking into an alleged breach of Covid-19 safe-management measures on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Photos of a group of more than 10 men and women on the cruise ship were posted to social network Instagram. The passengers were not wearing masks, and were standing or seated close to one another.

Ms Annie Chang, STB’s director of cruise, said that the board was aware of the incident and was looking into it.

“We take a serious view of any breach in safe-management measures on cruises departing from Singapore. The safety of passengers and crew is our priority, and regular on-board inspections are conducted during sailings to ensure compliance with all prevailing safe-management measures.

“These include ensuring that the maximum prevailing group size is not exceeded and there is no intermingling between different groups. Passengers are also required to wear masks on board,” Ms Chang added.  

STB said that cruise lines found to be non-compliant with the CruiseSafe programme will be subject to penalties, which can include fines, suspension of sailings and revocation of the CruiseSafe certification. Cruise lines must attain certification before they can sail out of Singapore.

Since Dec 3, Royal Caribbean has been operating cruises to nowhere from Singapore. 

It was one of two firms given the nod to offer such round trips with no port of call. Royal Caribbean offers Singapore residents three- and four-night “Ocean Getaways” cruises. 

On Dec 9, its cruise ship was forced to return to port a day early after an 83-year-old passenger tested positive for Covid-19. It later turned out to be a false alarm.

Royal Caribbean told CNA that its Ocean Getaways cruise has incorporated the same principles and safety measures that have been rolled out by the health authorities in Singapore for public places on land, including shopping malls and restaurants.

These include a limit on the number of people who are allowed to gather in a group. In the present third phase of Singapore's reopening, people can gather in groups of up to eight. 

To remind its guests, Royal Caribbean said that it has clear demarcations throughout the ship and other signs in place.

“In addition, our crew members are trained to remind guests to comply with the health and safety regulations on board. On occasion, we also have STB inspectors conducting spot checks on board our cruises. 

“The recent breach of safe-distancing measures seems to have been an instance where a group gathered for some pictures, and we are currently investigating it. 

“We would like to remind our guests that any failure to comply with the rules will lead to enforcement action, including being denied boarding or removal from the ship,” Royal Caribbean added. CNA

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