Royal Caribbean Introduces the ‘Purple Wristband’ aboard Quantum of the Seas
UPDATE (FEBRUARY 2023): With the lowering of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) to GREEN LEVEL as of February 2023, the preventive measures and/or testing requirements mentioned within this article are no longer in effect. Guests are advised to enquire with the respective cruise lines for updated Testing, Vaccination Requirements and Preventive Measures.
With the introduction of the Singapore Government’s announcement of the nation entering the preparatory stage of transitioning to endemic COVID-19, cruise lines operating out of Singapore implemented new measures, and will lift restrictions previously imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 after clusters emerged in Singapore.
Guests will undergo Two Pre-Departure Tests with Immediate Effect
On top of the PCR Test Royal Caribbean conducts for all guests 2 to 3 days prior to departure, an additional Antigen Rapid Test (ART) will be conducted at the terminal prior to your check-in and embarkation. Guests are recommended to arrive at their arrival time strictly, and proceed to Level 3 at the cruise terminal for their swab.
If all swabbing stations are occupied, there is a waiting area arranged before you are swabbed. Present your passport to register, and you will be provided with the labels with your details on it. After the Antigen swab, you will be directed to the waiting area, where you will be informed of your test results via SMS on your phone.
No priority was given to any guests, with exception to guests residing in Star Class Suites and Pinnacle Club members. The entire process, from arrival to the completion of the test, may take from 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the crowd. Competitor Dream Cruises conducted similar ART Pre-Departure Tests, and was able to provide priority and expedited processing for all suite guests.
Bring along your Proof of Vaccination
Singapore currently offers two types of COVID-19 vaccinations under its National Vaccination Programme, the Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines. During your Wellness Check, officials will request to see your TraceTogether Application to check on your vaccination status. To be considered fully vaccinated, You will need to wait 14 days after your second dose to be considered fully vaccinated. Guests who have opted for the Sinovac vaccine will have to show their HealthHub Application, or the physical Vaccination Card for verification.
Fully-vaccinated guests will be given a purple tamper-proof wristband to indicate your vaccination status.
Pre-Event Testing (PET) Exceptions for 24 Hours
Thanks to the additional Antigen Rapid Test done on embarkation day, all guests, regardless of vaccination status will be allowed to dine-in at restaurants and enjoy the theatre shows with up to 500 guests (From 10 Aug). This exception will cease 24 hours later, on Day 2 of your cruise.
If you are unvaccinated, you will have to dine in your staterooms on subsequent days.
Purple Wristbands Only
After the 24 hour PET Exception Period, the crew will start to identify vaccinated guests with purple wristbands. Unvaccinated guests will not be able to dine in at any F&B venues onboard, and will have to take away beverages from the bar to be consumed ONLY in your stateroom.
The entertainment department has also arranged different showtimes for both groups due to the varying capacities in the theatre. Guests may refer to the Royal Caribbean App for more details.
Children Aged under 12
Generally, the same regulations for children will apply onboard as per ashore. Refer to attached infographic.
From 19 August Onwards
As part of the two-step easing of measures announced by the government, few major changes may be introduced on Quantum of the Seas
Operating capacity will be increased from the current capacity of 25% to 50%. (confirmed)
Removal of Temperature Screening Requirement
Live Performances may be increased to 1000 attendees (vaccinated), or up to 50 (if unvaccinated without PET).
Food and Beverage Options
More dining options might reopen as passenger capacity increases. Based on our understanding, the Windjammer Marketplace Buffet will reopen for the 19 August 2021 sailing. Cafe@Two70 reopened on 16 August 2021, and currently serves as an alternative venue to access Cafe Promenade and Sorrentos offerings.
Beverage Packages are still available onboard, but the Dining Packages will still be temporarily unavailable.
To Sum Up:
These measures are in line with the Safe Management Measures (SMMs) set out by the Singapore Government. If you are already familiar with the local measures, guidelines onboard are generally no different than what you are already used to.
If you are unsure, feel free to check with Royal Caribbean, or any staff member if you are onboard. Happy Cruising!
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