One of the world’s first global cruise lines is about to resume cruises and one of their cruise ships will participate in a COVID-19 outbreak simulation drill.
Genting Cruise Lines will be the first international cruise company to restart operations with the deployment of Dream Cruises’ Explorer Dream to Taiwan, where she will begin “Taiwan Island-Hopping” itineraries on 26 July 2020. Upon the cruise ship’s arrival in Keelung on 30 June 2020, Explorer Dream underwent a thorough deep cleaning in accordance with EU standard, in addition to her crew immediately beginning their mandatory 14 day quarantine on land.
Upon completion of quarantine on land, the crew of Explorer Dream has tested negative for COVID-19 based on nucleic acid tests that are paid by the cruise line. The crew has now returned on board where they will undergo an additional 7 day self-health monitoring period to complete their comprehensive preventive period of 21 days of isolation in total, prior to the inaugural sailing of the island-hopping itinerary on July 26.
Prior to her inaugural sailing, Explorer Dream will participate in an outbreak simulation drill under the guidance of the Taiwan Centers for Disease Control. Medical experts from the Taiwan Public Health Association will also consult on the drill with professional advice on the ship’s prevention and response plans to ensure the seamless execution of preventive measures both on board and on shore.
In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, Genting Cruise Lines had reviewed its existing prevention and response plans and devised a new set of enhanced and comprehensive measures across the fleet covering key areas including stringent health screening procedures and guidelines during embarkation and disembarkation, social distancing measures on board, enhanced sanitization, disinfection and hygiene practices for guest cabins and crew member quarters, public areas and recreational facilities, and safe food and beverage handling procedures.
Genting Cruise Lines has also worked with DNV GL, the largest classification society in the world, to adapt their health care “Certification in Infection Prevention (CIP) for the Marine industry (CIP-M); Explorer Dream is also the first cruise ship in the world to receive the CIP-M certification.
Additionally, the design of Explorer Dream allows for 100% external fresh air to be filtered and supplied to each passenger cabin as well as on board public areas ensuring a constant and healthy flow of fresh air throughout the vessels.
Two professional doctors, of which one will also serve as the new on board Infection Control Officer, will be available in the 24-hour medical centre, where real time RT-PCR diagnostic rapid tests and nasal swab tests will be available. Isolation wards with negative room pressure are also available in the Medical Centre and cabins can be converted into quarantine rooms if required.
