By
Alex Smith |
Dream Cruises is to restart cruise operations following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, with Explorer Dream operating two and three-night ‘Taiwan Island-Hopping’ itineraries from 26 July.
“After months of detailed planning with the authorities to ensure the safety and health of guests and crew, we appreciate the approval of Explorer Dream resuming cruise operations in Taiwan,” said Tan Sri KT Lim, chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong. “Our new standard operating procedures to ensure passenger safety draws on our first-hand experience from the charter of two of our ships in Singapore to house foreign workers and cooperating with DNV GL, the world’s largest classification society, for Explorer Dream to receive the world’s first Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine industry (CIP-M).”
Taiwan has currently registered a relatively small number of Covid-19 cases. The local authorities have taken the decision to reopen tourism to the country, allowing Dream Cruises to offer the voyages to the ports and islands of Peng Hu, Matsu Island and Kinmen for Taiwanese guests.
“We thank Taiwan for their initiatives to re-start their economy and the tourism industry and the trust they have placed in Dream Cruises,” said Kent Zhu, president of Genting Cruise Lines. As well, we appreciate the support of the travel industry in the restart of our cruise operations. This is truly a remarkable achievement which was made possible by the Taiwan authorities’ swift and effective handling of the Covid-19 crisis and their foresight in resuming the tourism industry to benefit all the ports, the economy and the lifestyle of the people of Taiwan.”
In accordance with Taiwanese regulations, Explorer Dream has undergone a deep cleaning, and her crew have observed quarantine procedures prior to the resumption of sailing. The majority of the crew will be taken from other Genting Cruise Lines ships who have been quarantined for the last three months, who will all undergo a 14-day quarantine on land after the ship arrives in Keelung, Taiwan on 30 June. Upon negative test results, an additional seven-day isolation onboard Explorer Dream will be observed before operations begin on 26 July.
Health screening processes will also be carried out before embarkation and disembarkation, with social distancing measures to be observed while onboard. Enhanced hygiene practices will be implemented for all areas of the ship, while external air will be supplied to each passenger cabin and public air to ensure a constant flow of fresh air throughout the vessel. Isolation wards are available and cabins can be converted into quarantine rooms if necessary.