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Spectrum of the Seas' Hong Kong start delayed to Oct. 5

Royal Caribbean International confirmed Spectrum of the Seas is now scheduled to begin sailing from Hong Kong on Oct. 5, instead of late July as hoped.

Anne Kalosh, Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

July 6, 2021

1 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Two-, three- and four-night cruises to nowhere are planned. They'll be open to Hong Kong residents, with a COVID-19 vaccination requirement for ages 16 and older. By Oct. 12, the age drops to 12.

In addition, all passengers including children who are currently ineligible for vaccines, must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test.

All crew will be vaccinated, too.

Crew vaccination and quarantine challenges

Crew vaccination and quarantine challenges had delayed the planned start, according to local news reports. However, Dream Cruises' Genting Dream reportedly will be ready to begin Hong Kong serivce July 30

'We are excited to get back to delivering memorable family vacations in Hong Kong,' said Bert Hernandez, president, Greater China, Royal Caribbean International.

Strong demand expected

The demand is expected to be 'very strong,' said Jason Wong, chairman, Travel Industry Council of Hong Kong, 'and we are very excited to have cruise holidays back for both trade and tourists given the current travel restrictions.'

Travelers who book Spectrum trips by July 31 are eligible for Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before the cruise sets sail. As long as travelers cancel at least 48 hours before their sail date, they’ll receive a future cruise credit that may be applied to bookings by April 30, 2022, for sailings departing before Sept. 30, 2022.

About the Author

Anne Kalosh

Editor, Seatrade Cruise News & Senior Associate Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review

Anne Kalosh covers global stories, reporting both breaking and in-depth news on cruising's significant people, places, ships and trends. A sought-after expert on cruising, she has moderated conferences around the world, including the high-profile State of the Industry panel at Seatrade Cruise Global. She created and led the acclaimed itinerary-planning case study for Seatrade's cruise master classes held at Cambridge and Oxford universities. She has been the cruise columnist for AFAR.com, and her freelance stories have appeared in a wide range of publications, from The New York Times to The Miami Herald.

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