Genting sees potential in cruise bubbles

The president of Genting Cruise Lines believes “cruise bubbles” between Taiwan and territories that have Covid-19 under control offer tourism hope.

Hong Kong.- Genting believes cruise bubbles between Taiwan and territories that have controlled Covid-19 could offer a hope for tourism recovery.

Genting Hong Kong’s Explorer Dream cruise ship resumed operations on Sunday, sailing from Taiwan’s Keelung port, although ship won’t currently take anyone across national borders.

It’s offering a five-day voyage for 900 passengers through the islands of Penghu, Quemoy and Matsu as an attempt to boost a heavily hit tourism industry while national borders remain closed.

The casinos and spas on the ship will remain closed during the trip.

The ship is operating at a third of its maximum capacity to favour social distancing. It has also been fitted out with 22 isolation wards for potential Covid-19 cases.

In the dining room, tables are separated by screens and frontline employees are required to wear face masks and gloves. The 500-strong crew underwent a 21-day health screening before boarding. Passengers all had to undergo temperature checks.

Kent Zhu, President of Genting Cruise Lines said: “Looking forward, we believe the development of cruise bubbles between Taiwan and neighbouring regions that also have their pandemic situation under control, such as the outlying islands of Japan, can further initiate the next phase in the re-establishment of international tourism and spur the economic recovery for a post COVID-19 world.”

The company has cut management salaries by up to 50 per cent due to the pandemic’s impact on business.