Cruise-hungry Aussies can now look forward to booking itineraries in Singapore, after the government changed its rules to capture the fly-cruise market.

Previously, cruises in Singapore were only open to residents. The restrictions have now been adjusted to allow non-residents, including international visitors arriving via the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs) from Sydney and Melbourne, to board these cruises.

“We are delighted to extend our cruises to Australians, and look forward to having more passengers experience our cruises,” Ms Annie Chang, Director, Cruise, Singapore Tourism Board (STB) tells Cruise Passenger.

Ms Chang noted that since Singapore’s cruise pilot started in November 2020, Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean have demonstrated the ability to maintain stringent protocols and precautionary measures that meet STB’s CruiseSafe protocols.

“On the marketing front, prior to COVID-19, we worked with cruise agents in Australia on their cruise campaigns promoting sailings from Singapore,” says Ms Chang. “As borders gradually re-open, we will engage in similar partnerships.”

Cruise agents can apply for a grant from Singapore’s Cruise Development Fund (CDF), a scheme that supports the development and marketing of cruise packages. Through these partnerships and the actual cruising experience, Singapore hopes to attract Australian visitors and garner more cruise converts.

“The past year since cruising resumed in Singapore, we have completed more than 260 sailings and over 350,000 passengers have experienced first-hand what our cruises have to offer,” Ms Chang observes. “With a wide range of dining options, original productions, live entertainment, virtual reality games and sports amenities, there is no shortage of activities on board to keep passengers occupied.”

Dream Cruises offering the 'rockstar treatment' with DreamElite

The cruise lines are more than ready to welcome fly-cruisers from Australia as well.

 “We’ve been eagerly anticipating the return of overseas guests on our cruises – this includes Australians, who have always comprised a significant portion of our fly-cruisers,” says Angie Stephen, Vice President & Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean International.

“The Singapore government’s move to resume cruising activities for non-residents is a tremendous vote of confidence in Royal Caribbean’s commitment and ability to deliver a safe holiday experience.”

Royal also highlights that there is much on board to surprise and delight Aussie guests. Quantum of the Seas has 20 gastronomic experiences from Mediterranean to Japanese, offering guests a one-stop culinary voyage round the world.

Once they’ve had their fill, guests can explore the ship’s 16 decks with activities like RipCord by iFly, the first skydiving experience at sea; the FlowRider surf simulator; and North Star, the highest viewing deck on a cruise ship as recognised by the Guinness World Records.

“Alongside our spectacular service and the world-class entertainment on our ships, we know Australians can’t wait to get back on board,” says Ms Stephen.

Dream Cruises is also looking forward to welcoming Australian guests, which will help fuel the recovery of its fly-cruise segment.

“Australians can now look forward to more holiday options, including combining their vacation in Singapore with an exciting ‘Super Seacation’ cruise aboard World Dream,” says Michael Goh, President of Dream Cruises and Head of International Sales, Genting Cruise Lines.

World Dream’s unique experiences at sea include its thematic cruises, such as ‘A Nordic Christmas Adventure’ special from now until 1 January 2022.

Passengers can enjoy the festive traditions of Sweden, Finland, Norway, Denmark and Iceland, including a specially-created Nordic Village with a chance to meet Santa. There will also be a Nordic market on board, where cruisers can indulge in sumptuous roast turkey, lobsters, salmon and other Scandinavian gourmet delights. Also, a wide array of Christmas arts and craft workshops.

What do I need to know about boarding a cruise in Singapore

All passengers, including those travelling via the Vaccinated Travel Lanes (VTLs), are required to adhere to the following protocols:

  • Be fully vaccinated and fulfil the prevailing applicable COVID-19 testing and Stay-Home Notice requirements, if any, before they can board cruises in Singapore.
  • When entering Singapore at the airport, present their vaccination certificates at the immigration counter for verification and processing.
  • Download the TraceTogether mobile app, where their vaccination status would have been updated.
  • Upon check-in at the cruise terminal, present their vaccination status via the TraceTogether mobile app.
  • All guests, both local and international travelers, will also need to undergo a mandatory pre-boarding Antigen Rapid Test (ART) on the day of their sailing and present a negative test result for COVID-19.
  • The same prevailing Safe Management Measures, including mask-wearing at all times and safe distancing on board, apply to all cruise passengers.