May 1 updates: Genting duo for Singapore housing, Ruby Princess inquiry seeks submissions, last CMV ship home, American demand

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Genting ships OKd for worker housing in Singapore

Genting Cruise Lines' SuperStar Gemini and SuperStar Aquarius were approved by the Singapore government to provide temporary housing for foreign workers who have recovered from COVID-19.

'We thank the Singapore government for their confidence in our ships to pioneer such an important initiative for the country and the region during these challenging times. Singapore has been our homeport for over 26 years and we are proud to extend our support with SuperStar Gemini, as well as SuperStar Aquarius that had recently arrived in Singapore,' said Michael Goh, president of Dream Cruises and head of international sales, Genting Cruise Lines.

Goh added said the ships' design enables 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to the cabins and on board public areas, with no recirculation of air within the ship.

Earlier, Genting announced a COVID-19  prevention and response plan across its fleet for future deployments, which it will adopt as the 'new safety norm and we hope for the industry too,' Goh said.

Ruby Princess Commission of Inquiry seeks submissions

The Special Commission of Inquiry set up by the New South Wales government into Ruby Princess has called for public submissions.

Led by senior counsel Bret Walker, the Special Commission is looking into round cruises from Sydney made by Ruby Princess between February 24 and March 19 and how some 2,700 passengers disembarked March 19 before coronavirus test results were known.

While all Ruby Princess passengers and persons with relevant information are invited to make a submission, the Special Commission is particularly interested in hearing from passengers who were on board between March 8 and March 19 and who attended the ship’s medical centre.

Deadline for the submissions is May 29.

Vasco da Gama back at London Tilbury

Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ Vasco da Gama arrived in London Tilbury today after travelling from Phuket, Thailand, to Fremantle, Australia, where it repatriated 798 Australian and 108 New Zealand nationals. 

It is the last ship in the company’s fleet to arrive at its homeport; 552 crew members are on board. Eight are British nationals, who will leave for home. The rest will remain aboard in quarantine.

CMV said it recorded no COVID-19 cases amongst passengers or crew on Vasco da Gama or any other ship.

American Cruise Lines sees demand for US sailings

American Cruise Lines attributed a 'strong' increase in demand for its river and coastal cruises to heightened awareness of US cruising options and customers' desire to support American businesses.

Advance bookings for the 2021 season are 'robust,' with passenger counts currently more than 25% ahead of the same time last year.

According to CruiseCompete CruiseTrends' April report, American was the No. 1 most requested river cruise line, with Queen of the Mississippi the most requested river vessel and North America the second most requested river cruise destination (after Europe).