STB (Singapore Tourism Board) announced on Wednesday, December 30, that it was looking into a possible breach of COVID safety measures during a Royal Caribbean cruise.
A group of 10+ men and women had gathered to take photos on December 20 and 21 while they were onboard the liner. In the photos which were posted on public Instagram accounts, group members are unmasked and standing less than 1 metre apart from one another.
Before Monday, December 28, social gatherings of 5+ people were prohibited during phase II of Singapore's re-opening. Since then with phase III kicking in, the rule has been eased but gatherings of 8+ people are still not allowed.
According to Ms. Annie Chang, STB's director of the voyage, STB is aware of the alleged accident and is looking into the matter.
"We take a serious view of any breach in safe management measures on cruises departing from Singapore. The safety of passengers and crew is our priority, and regular on-board inspections are conducted during sailings to ensure compliance."
Cruise companies that do not comply with the CruiseSafe penalty framework of the STB will be subject to penalties, such as fines, suspension of voyages and having the CruiseSafe certification revoked.
RCI-Royal Caribbean International said it was investigating.
"The recent breach in safe distancing measures seems to have been an instance where a group gathered for some pictures."
Royal Caribbean added that its staff were trained to remind passengers to comply with health and safety regulations.