It’s been months since cruises across the world halted their services due to the coronavirus pandemic. But on July 26, Taiwan resumed an island-hopping ocean cruise with separate on-board Covid quarters. The country joined a handful of places in the world to restart its voyage after the COVID-19 pandemic brought the industry to a standstill. Taiwan resumed its cruise services to boost its tourism. The ship will carry only one-third of its maximum passenger limit. It will conduct temperature screening and has 22 COVID wards to isolate passengers if they fall ill. On the other hand, Seychelles cancelled all its cruise ships till 2021.
Taiwan Restarts Ocean Cruise With COVID Isolation Wards & Temperature Screening
Taiwan restarted its island-hopping ocean cruise on July 26 to boost its tourism. Around 900-holiday makers adapt to the new safety guidelines while boarding Genting Hong Kong’s Explorer Dream which takes off from northern Keelung port in Taiwan. The company now provides trips spanning up to five days from Taiwan. The cruise shall cover picturesque islands of Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu. In India, Odisha will soon start cruise tourism on its beautiful Chilika Lake.
This cruise resumption is part of a government effort to boost the Taiwan tourism industry badly hit by the pandemic. Taiwan closed its borders since mid- March. The country also advised its citizens against overseas travel unless it’s totally necessary. James Sun, sales manager of the cruise line states that a sea voyage can satisfy the desire for travel of people who aren’t allowed to venture abroad.
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Cruise Ship Carries Only One-Third Of Its Maximum Passenger Limit
Taiwan’s cruise ship carries just one-third of its maximum passenger limit. It’s also equipped with 22 COVID-19 wards to isolate passengers in case they fall sick. Before coming on board, the 500-strong crew underwent a 21-day health screening. And all front-line service staff will wear masks and gloves. The cruise dropped the buffet service. The spa and on-board casino also stay shut. Screens are installed to divide the dining tables which are set apart.
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Passengers must maintain social distance and get their temperatures screened before entering the ship. Cai Jiaru, a 22-year old passenger states to media houses “Due to the coronavirus, we can’t go abroad but I still feel like travelling, so I signed up for the island-hopping trip.”I don’t worry about the epidemic too much, because I think it is pretty safe in Taiwan right now.”
Taiwan kept the pandemic in check with early and effective prevention. It currently has only 11 active cases and no local transmission for more than three months. Taiwan also introduced a fake flight for those who miss travelling.