SEA YOU LATER

Could voyages at sea be part of revenge travelling?

- AMOS CHIN

TWO TO THREE YEARS AGO, travelling was virtually impossible. Heck, we were not even allowed to travel within the country or leave the house, for that matter. During these cloistered times, responsible avid travellers and those who seek solace abroad found themselves in a state of despair; the ambiguity of the future pulverised more than just the economy.

After months following the implementation of the strict travel restrictions, a light shone ever-so-subtly at the end of the tunnel. Frowns became smiles when Royal Caribbean launched the Cruise to Nowhere - a remedy that could satiate the thirst for travel whilst adhering to the regulations.

Then, it seemed like a temporary solution that would be obsolete as soon as the COVID-19-related border measures lifted. No one would have predicted the rise in popularity of cruising post-pandemic.

While the Cruise to Nowhere did indeed cease operations when air travel returned in full force, this concept of a cruise vacation started receiving quite the traction, with many noticing the beaucoup benefits.

"During the pandemic, our Cruise to Nowhere sailings in Singapore were extremely popular, giving local residents the chance to experience our ships as the destination and enjoy the wonders of cruising with Royal Caribbean despite not including ports of call. Many first-time Singaporeans got hooked on the cruise experience due to the mix of adventure through activities such as rock-climbing, bumper cars and iFly as well as relaxation at the Vitality Spa and adult's only solarium," Royal Caribbean's Vice-President and Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Angie Stephen, says in an exclusive interview.