Royal Caribbean International has received approval from the Singapore Government to pilot cruises, starting in December, after months of planning to ensure the health and safety of its guests and crew, as well as the communities where it sails.

Singapore residents can now satisfy those feelings of wanderlust on 3- and 4-night Ocean Getaways on board one of the Royal Caribbean’s most innovative and game-changing ships. During their getaway at sea, guests will enjoy world-class amenities, next-generation entertainment and international dining on the state-of-the-art Quantum of the Seas. The new sailings, exclusive to residents of Singapore, debut 1 December, 2020 and are now available for booking.

The cruise line’s parent company, Royal Caribbean Group, in collaboration with cruise industry partners, formed the Healthy Sail Panel, a taskforce of globally recognized medical and public health experts, to develop recommendations for establishing the strongest protocols in the travel industry. In Singapore, Royal Caribbean has been working closely with the local health and tourism authorities to follow all requirements and guidelines including the CruiseSafe Certification standards, which all cruise lines must obtain prior to sailing out of Singapore.

When it resumes operations, the global cruise operator will implement a comprehensive set of health and safety measures at every step of the guest journey with rigorous protocols that include, testing and screening; upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance filtration; stringent cleaning practices; reduced capacities for greater physical distancing; expert medical care and onboard facilities, and more. These protocols will continuously be evaluated and enhanced as new procedures and advancements in technology become available. Details of the health and safety protocols can be found at www.royalpromise.com/singapore.

“Singapore residents are adventurous travellers, and we are so excited to give them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class Ocean Getaway, with total peace of mind. While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to providing the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority” said Angie Stephen, managing director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. “I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore Government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience. We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry.”

“As ASEAN’s lead coordinator for cruise development, Singapore remains committed to supporting and growing cruise tourism in the region. Royal Caribbean International is a key partner in growing cruising in Singapore and the region, and I am confident in their ability to maintain the highest standards of hygiene and safety,” said Keith Tan, Chief Executive, Singapore Tourism Board.  “We will continue to work with cruise lines and our industry stakeholders to chart a new course for safe cruising.”

With its 50-year legacy of bold innovation, Royal Caribbean introduced Quantum of the Seas as the world’s first smart ship with game-changing features designed to thrill multigenerational families. One-of-a-kind experiences come to life for guests in cutting-edge and transformative venues, such as Two70 with its expansive floor-to-ceiling windows offering breathtaking 270-degree views of the ocean by day and transforming into an unparalleled theater by night. The high-tech lounge also known for its signature Roboscreens – a troupe of six agile screens, each measuring over 7 feet tall, controlled by nimble robotic arms – features next-generation entertainment that seamlessly fuses performance art and technology for immersive, live theatrical productions. The adventures continue with a bold lineup of activities, including the North Star glass observation capsule that rises 300 feet above sea level, skydiving, surfing, cocktails served by robots at the Bionic Bar, and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea – home to bumper cars, a trapeze school, roller skating, a basketball court and gaming. The ship features 18 dining options serving up flavors from around the globe, ranging from imaginative cuisine at Wonderland and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie’s Italian.

Guests who book their sail-cation on Quantum of the Seas before 30 November, 2020, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean’s Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before the cruise begins. For even greater peace of mind, included with the cruise are COVID-19 protections which include a 100% credit towards a future cruise should a guest or any member of their travel party test positive for COVID-19 during the three weeks prior to their booked cruise; or a full refund if a guest, or any member of their travel party, tests positive during their voyage. Royal Caribbean will cover COVID-19 related costs up to $25,000 SGD per person in the travel party for onboard medical costs, any required quarantine and travel home. For more information, please visit www.royalpromise.com/singapore.