Hong Kong-based Genting Cruise Lines has confirmed that subsidiary Dream Cruises will resume operational sailings on July 26 with two- and three-night itineraries encompassing the islands of Penghu, Matzu, and Kinmen in Taiwan.
Genting Hong Kong chairman and CEO Tan Sri KT Lim said Dream Cruises will begin implementing new standard operating procedures developed in cooperation with DNV GL to ensure passenger and crew safety.
In particular, the procedures were developed as a result of Dream Cruises and DNV GL's cooperation to guarantee the vessel Explorer Dream would receive the world's first Certification in Infection Prevention for the Marine Industry (CIP-M).
The DNV GL custom certification aims to help the maritime industry resume operations and at the same time be better prepared for Covid-19 and other emerging pathogens.
Genting said Taiwan was chosen as the ideal destination for the resumption of Dream Cruises' operations partly due to its low number of Covid-19 cases compared to global figures.
In accordance with Taiwan's regulations prior to resuming sailing, Explorer Dream has undergone a thorough deep cleaning and observation of strict quarantine procedures for the crew. The majority of crew will be from other Genting Cruise Lines ships who have been quarantined for the last three months and all will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine on land after the ship arrives in Keelung.