Cruise passenger traffic in Singapore down 52% since COVID-19 outbreak; STB to give industry more support

, carrying 3,700 passengers and crew, was quarantined at a Japanese port on Feb 4 after a guest, who didn’t have symptoms while on board, tested positive for COVID-19 after returning to Hong Kong.More than 700 passengers and crew on the ship eventually tested positive for the virus, and at least seven have died. Japan and other countries have evacuated their citizens from the ship. Five Singaporean passengers stayed in Japan for 14 days before returning home.

As the number of imported cases swelled, Singapore authorities said on Mar 13 that the country would stop cruise visits with immediate effect.With countries implementing travel and port restrictions to curb the outbreak, cruise operators around the world have been forced to cancel or change their itineraries.

The US-based Royal Caribbean, one of the world’s largest cruise operators, has cancelled all cruises departing Singapore until May and recently announced it would suspend US cruises for 30 days. FILE PHOTO: The Royal Caribbean cruise ship Anthem of the Seas is docked after passengers were removed with possible coronavirus symptoms at the port of Bayonne, New Jersey, U.S., February 7, 2020. REUTERS/Bryan R Smith

Carnival declined comment, stating that it currently does not have ships sailing from Singapore or the region. Genting Cruises, which runs the Star, Dream and Crystal cruise lines, did not respond to requests for comment.Chan Brothers Travel, which books cruises from Singapore and abroad, said it expects business to drop by at least 30 per cent for the next three months, including the busy travel season in June.

“Singapore’s decision to stop cruise calls will contribute to a loss in tourism arrival numbers and receipts,” senior manager at Nanyang Polytechnic’s School of Business Management Shirley Tee said.HELP ON THE WAY

Ireland Ireland Latest News, Ireland Ireland Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Commentary: COVID-19, the biggest crisis ever for Singapore’s aviation industry and Singapore AirlinesThe global aviation industry is facing its biggest crisis in at least several decades. In Singapore, the crisis, exacerbated by the lack of a ... LawrenceWongST then send them back or refused entry. Those who did included work pass holders. Onset symptoms overseas but travel back for treatment! Why risk the whole flight passengers and crews Selfish. Don’t collapse our own health system else Singaporeans will blame you
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »

Companies affected by Malaysia travel restrictions to receive S$50 allowance per worker for 14 nightsSINGAPORE: Companies affected by Malaysia's travel restrictions amid the COVID-19 outbreak will receive an allowance of S$50 per worker for 14 ... S$50/night allowance to help workers affected by Malaysia's travel restrictions: Minister Josephine Teo outlines the financial help companies will get. WATCH: COVID19 Well done. It’s the least we can do for dear Malaysians who will be leaving their families behind to support our daily ops in Singapore. Feel proud to reside and work in SG. Thank you v much on behalf of my fellow MYsians.
Source: ChannelNewsAsia - 🏆 6. / 66 Read more »