Spectrum of the Seas to sail to ports from Singapore beginning June 2022
UPDATE (FEBRUARY 2023): With the lowering of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to GREEN LEVEL as of February 2023, the preventive measures and/or testing requirements mentioned within this article are no longer in effect. Guests are advised to enquire with the respective cruise lines for updated Testing, Vaccination Requirements and Preventive Measures.
No more cruises to nowhere! Sail somewhere and exchange some Ringgit. Next Stop: Malaysia!
Spectrum of the Seas. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
The First Ports-of-Call In More Than Two Years
SINGAPORE - Royal Caribbean International has announced changes to Spectrum of the Seas’ itineraries departing from Singapore between June 30, 2022 and October 21, 2022. What was previously Ocean Getaway sailings with no destinations, will now be replaced by 3-night and 4-night sailings to ports-of-call in Malaysia. Guests booked on the affected sailings will now cruise to the ports of Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur) and Penang, Malaysia, the first time in more than two years since the Pandemic first began.
In a press release from the cruise line, Vice President and Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, Royal Caribbean International, Angie Stephen said “We are thrilled to be the first cruise line in Singapore to reconnect holidaymakers with Asia’s beautiful destinations once again. The vibrant and culture-rich cities of Penang and Kuala Lumpur have so much to offer, and that is only the beginning. After more than two years, the excitement from guests, both locals and fly cruisers, along with our travel partners is undeniable.”
Bookings for the new itineraries are available for booking from today through Royal Caribbean International’s website, or through your preferred travel advisor.
Changes to Itineraries, But Not Departure Dates
With the change in itineraries, Spectrum of the Seas’ guests currently booked on 3-Night Ocean Getaway Cruises will now have their itineraries updated to 3N Cruises visiting Penang, Malaysia.
Guests booked on 4-Night Ocean Getaway Cruises will have itineraries updated to visit Port Klang and Penang, Malaysia. Departure dates however, will remain the same for the respective sailings, with 3-Night Penang sailings departing every Monday, and 4-Night Port Klang and Penang sailings departing every Thursday.
With destinations comes exploration! Guests can also look forward to an exciting line-up of shore excursions to choose from with Royal Caribbean, ranging from a trip to visit Southeast Asia’s oldest Anglican church, St. George's Church, in Penang to an adventure into the Batu Caves of Kuala Lumpur, where colourful displays of Hindu deities adorn limestone cave walls. Guests will be free to explore the ports-of-call on their own as well.
Screengrab of email received by affected guests on the August 25 sailing. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
What do you need to sail on these cruises?
Pre-Cruise (1-day before boarding)
A negative supervised COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) result, from a Singapore-approved ART provider. The test is at guests’ own expense, and may only be conducted no earlier than 5:30 PM one day before departure.
Entry into Malaysia
All guests must download, register, and activate the MySejahtera app, the Malaysian contact tracing application. In an email to guests, Royal Caribbean shared “Upon successful completion of the pre-departure form, the Blue Travelers Card, which can be found in the app, is required for all guests who wish to visit ports of call during their sailing. Guests are required to present the Blue Travellers Card at the terminal on boarding day to disembark in Malaysia during our stop”.
Note: It takes around 7 days for the MySejahtera app to be updated with your information, so be sure to set it up early!
Return To Singapore
All International Guests must complete the SG Arrival Card at least 1 day prior to the ship’s return to Singapore. You may complete the SG Arrival Card here.
Vaccination Requirements
All guests 13 years and older are required to be fully vaccinated. To be considered fully vaccinated, the guest must have taken the last dose of their vaccine series at least 14 days prior to departure. Please bring your COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card on boarding day.
Guests vaccinated with Sinopharm and Sinovac Vaccines will be required to take a third dose of booster before their cruise.
Passport Requirements
As per pre-pandemic times, ensure that your passport has at least six months validity from your date of return.
What if I want to stay onboard during port calls?
Not to worry, highlight activities such as North Star, iFly, FlowRider and more around the ship will remain open onboard throughout the stay in ports. However, due to local regulations, it is highly likely that casinos and retail outlets will remain closed while in port.
Those who have cruised before, you should know best!
This story is developing, stay tuned for more information!
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