As the industry makes its way for revival from a pandemic-hit crunch, several passengers set sail from Singapore on Friday on a “cruise to nowhere” with the stringent health and safety protocols to control the spread of the novel coronavirus, reported AFP.

Across the globe, cruise services were suspended in March after travel restrictions were announced and several vessels were hit by major outbreaks. However, they have now recommenced in few places.

The “cruise to nowhere” – beginning and terminating at the same place, without stops – has proved a hit, and mask-wearing passengers had to undergo a COVID-19 rapid antigen tests conducted by workers in protective suits at the terminal prior to embarkation onboard World Dream liner.

The liner departs on Friday evening towards the Malacca Strait, a major shipping lane between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, and will head into international waters before coming back to the city-state on Sunday.

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Accompanied by his girlfriend, Vinoth Arun, a 27-year-old financial consultant was among about 1,400 passengers on board — half the ship’s capacity, in order to maintain social distancing.

“The fact that you carry your luggage and you bring your passport out, I guess it’s just the mindset that you’re going on holiday,” he told AFP.

He felt secured to sail now vis-a-vis earlier this year, when cruise ships were hard hit.

Adding, “Now everyone knows about Covid and they’re not so nonchalant about it any more.”

The cruise operator, Malaysia’s Genting Group, has declared a raft of safety measures.

Rooms and public areas are disinfected on a regular basis, restaurants have lowered-down capacity, guests have to book the swimming pool in advance, while the ship’s clinic is kitted out with a machine that churns out virus test results in an hour.

 If anyone contract COVID-19, the ship also has an intensive care unit.