It has been almost nine months, but the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship is back in service with paying passengers in Singapore.

Quantum of the Seas departed on December 1st on a short sailing to begin a new season of cruises from the small South Asian country.

Our friends at the Singapore Cruise Society are onboard the first sailings to share the changes Royal Caribbean has made, and what it is like to sail onboard through photo updates.

Check-in

Quantum of the Seas is sailing from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre, and the check-in process has added health checks to the normal embarkation day process.

All guests traveling aboard Quantum of the Seas, regardless of age, must undergo a SARS-CoV-2 (rtPCR) test within 3 days prior to boarding and obtain a negative result. Royal Caribbean will cover the cost of your test for sailings departing on or before March 18, 2021.

All tests will need to be booked through Royal Caribbean’s testing provider – Eurofins. Royal Caribbean will email guests 14 days prior to your sailing with information on how to book the test with the testing provider.

In addition, masks are required in the terminal (and onboard the ship).

Guests will also have to undergo another COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Test (ART) at the cruise terminal upon disembarkation at the end of their voyage.

Guests who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in the past 180 days before embarking, or hold a positive serology certificate dated during this timeframe, will not be able to receive a PCR test, and are therefore unable to cruise.

Contact tracing

Something new for Quantum of the Seas is guests must download a contact tracing app on their phone, or collected a token.

Guests have the choice of downloading the  TraceTogether app or collected the TraceTogether (TT) token in order to board the ship.

TraceTogether is a digital system which the Singaporean Government had implemented to allow for better contact tracing in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. The system was initially made up of an app, by the same name, and was later supplemented by a physical token. The token and the mobile application work offline but using Bluetooth technology, and records the token ID of others in close contact of guests above a certain time. The token will not record location data etc.

Guests will be provided another wearable piece of technology called a "Tracelet", which will assist in contact tracing onboard. Guests will be required to have the Tracelet, TraceTogether Token/App active always throughout the voyage. Crew members will also be required to participate in this contact tracing effort.

Please note that children below 7 years old are exempted and are not required to have the TT Token or app with them.

Embarkation

After completing check-in, guests are able to board the ship with a new emphasis on social distancing.

Social distancing, masks, sanitization and more

Royal Caribbean has added a variety of new health protocols to keep guests and crew healthy onboard.

In each stateroom is a complimentary face mask, as well as hand sanitizer to use.

Social distancing markers and reserved chairs to promote social distancing are found all over the ship.

At the Windjammer buffet, guests are served by the waiters there.

Another big change is Muster 2.0, which is a new approach to the cruise ship safety drill.

Instead of going to a muster station and standing in close proximity to others while listening to safety instructions, guests can conduct the safety drill from their stateroom television or in the Royal Caribbean app.

After completing the steps in the eMuster, guests then go to their muster station to confirm they know where it is located and are marked done.

In an effort to be be as contactless as possible, guests can also view menus and order items via the QR codes.

More coverage to come!

I will be sharing more Quantum of the Seas coverage right here, thanks to our friends from the Singapore Cruise Society.

Singapore Cruise Society is the leading cruising blog and community in Southeast Asia.

First started in 2014, Singapore Cruise Society has documented significant cruise happenings in Singapore. Since then, we have grown to be one of Asia's largest cruise-
centric blog and community, providing everything from cruise vacation experiences to the latest development in the cruise travel industry. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Nine months after Royal Caribbean shut down its cruises due to the global health crisis, its first cruise ship will offer a revenue cruise tomorrow.

Quantum of the Seas will sail from Singapore on December 1, and begin offering 3- and 4-night cruises to only residents of Singapore with no port stops.

Royal Caribbean shut down all cruises beginning on March 14, 2020 and has not offered another cruise since. Quantum of the Seas will be the first to offer paid cruises since March.

New photos just added from the first Quantum of the Seas sailing!

The first sailing on Quantum of the Seas on December 1 is capped at about 1,000 guests.

A variety of comprehensive new health protocols will be implemented onboard Quantum of the Seas including:

• Testing and screening
• Upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance filtration
• Stringent cleaning practices
• Reduced capacities for greater physical distancing
• Expert medical care and onboard facilities

Read more: Here's what Royal Caribbean will require guests to do for first cruises back in Singapore

Initially, Quantum of the Seas cruises will be: 

• Round-trips with no ports of call
• Sailing at a reduced capacity of up to 50 percent
• Only open to Singapore residents

Quantum of th eSeas will spend the next four months sailing from Singapore and offer these short cruises.

Prior to the official sailing, Royal Caribbean has been preparing for these cruises. Nick Weir, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, shared photos of the production show cast rehearsing.

It appears there was at least one preview cruise over the weekend, which was a 2-night sailing open to select invitees before official sailings commence.

The test sailing was limited to a small amount of guests who helpted test out some of the new health protocols, which includes contact tracing tokens, RT-PCR testing, masks and more.

While Quantum of the Seas will be able to restart in Singapore, the rest of the fleet is shutdown until further notice.

Australia cruises are cancelled through the end of January 2021, and the elsewhere cruises are shutdown until the end of December 2020 (although many expect more cancellations soon).

Royal Caribbean has shared no firm restart plans anywhere other than Singapore, as the cruise line is working diligently to prepare its ships to meet the new standards set forth by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Even though the framework for conditional sailing does open the possibility for cruises to resume in North America, there is no sense of when that sort of approval might actually occur.

Royal Caribbean is less than a week away from its first cruise ship in over 8 months sailing again, and rehearsals are underway onboard.

Quantum of the Seas will begin cruises on December 1 from Singapore, and the entertainment staff are getting back into their routines with rehearsals onboard the ship.

Photos by Nick Weir

Nick Weir, Senior Vice President of Entertainment for Royal Caribbean International, shared photos of the cast practicing aboard the ship on twitter.

The cast can be seen wearing masks alongside their flamboyant costumes, which Weir joked was "a showbiz first".

In addition, Mr. Weir mentioned the tech equipment is operational again and fully operational.

Royal Caribbean will begin sailing with Quantum of the Seas on cruises with no port stops, which are also limited to residents of Singapore. These 3- and 4-night sailings begin on December 1, 2020 from Singapore.

Read more: Here's what Royal Caribbean will require guests to do for first cruises back in Singapore

Royal Caribbean has received permission from the Singapore government to conduct these sailings, which are pilot cruises that must meet all requirements and guidelines for safe cruising.

These first Quantum of the Seas cruises are round-trip cruises from Singapore with no port stops.  They are also sailing at reduced capacity of up to 50%, and open to only residents of Singapore.

When cruises resume in Singapore, a variety of comprehensive new health protocols will be implemented onboard Quantum of the Seas including:

• Testing and screening
• Upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance filtration
• Stringent cleaning practices
• Reduced capacities for greater physical distancing
• Expert medical care and onboard facilities

These protocols will continuously be evaluated and enhanced as new procedures and advancements in technology become available. 

The first sailing on Quantum of the Seas on December 1 is capped at about 1,000 guests.

Royal Caribbean is about to restart cruises again with Quantum of the Seas in Singapore, and we have our first look at what guests can expect onboard.

The first Quantum of the Seas sailings will depart in early December, and guests booked on December cruises have received an email from the cruise line with what to expect on embarkation day.

Past cruisers may recognize these emails, but with the new health regulations and protocols, there are some big changes outlined.

Here is a look at everything the cruise line recommends you do. The full email is included at the bottom of this article.

Take a COVID-19 test before the cruise

Testing is a major component to Royal Caribbean's multi-faceted approach to keeping everyone safe on a cruise, and you will need to take a test before you arrive.

Royal Caribbean says every guest must get a rtPCR SARS-CoV-2 test (between 24 hours and 3 days before your cruise), and bring your negative test result with you on embarkation day.

There will also be additional health questions to answer on the app before you sail.

According to Royal Caribbean, the cost of a SARS-CoV-2 test is included in your cruise fare for sailings departing on or before January 30, 2021 from Singapore.

Contact tracing app or token required

Anyone going on Quantum of the Seas will need to have either downloaded a contact tracing app on their phone, or collected a token.

Guests have the choice of downloading the  TraceTogether app or collected the TraceTogether (TT) token in order to board the ship.

Passengers without either will not be allowed to board the ship.

Please note that children below 7 years old are exempted and are not required to have the TT Token or app with them.

Introducing the Tracelet

Royal Caribbean trademarked something called a "tracelet" in October, and it is now confirmed as a contact tracing wristband.

In the cruise terminal you will be provided a Tracelet, which is a wrist wearable that will help us with contact tracing onboard.

Just like your SeaPass card you should have your Tracelet and your TT Token/ turn on the TraceTogether app on you at all times throughout your sail with us.

Check-in times matter

In the past, check-in times were more suggestions, but it looks like the cruise line will enforce them now.

Royal Caribbean says for the best check-in and boarding experience, be sure to arrive only during your pre-selected check-in/wellness screening time with your entire traveling party.

Your check-in appointment is dedicated for your screening, so arriving earlier will have you turned away until your time.

App will be super important

Royal Caribbean's smart phone app is going to be incredibly important, as it allows for less hand-to-hand contact between guests and crew.

In addition to enhanced onboard sanitation, the app will be how you make reservations for all dining, shore excursion, activity, and entertainment.

In addition, the app will be how you conduct the onboard safety drill. This must be done before the ship sails and is required of all guests.

Stay tuned for live coverage from Quantum of the Seas!

Many cruise fans are excited to see the first Royal Caribbean cruise ship sail soon, and RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com has teamed up with the Singapore Cruise Society to bring you updates from the first sailings.

Singapore Cruise Society is the leading cruising blog and community in Southeast Asia, and they will be on the first Quantum of the Seas sailings in December.  RoyalCaribbeanBlog will be one of the exclusive partners sharing photos and updates from onboard Quantum of the Seas to showcase what the first cruises back are all about.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley spoke about demand the cruise line is seeing for cruises during a call with Wall Street analysts.

One question raised was if Royal Caribbean will have to wait for them to prove cruises can sail safely before substantial demand returns.

Mr. Bayley talked about the pent-up demand customers have, even before the cruise line is ready to restart.

Surprised by the level of demand

A great example of this demand comes from the newly added Quantum of the Seas cruises from Singapore, which will begin in December.

Despite the fact Quantum will offer cruises to no where, with no port stops at all, demand has been very strong.

"We were really quite surprised by the level of demand that came into the product of the winter season that we've got it open," Mr. Bayley shared during the call with investors.

"Within the first two weeks, we had literally the triple demand that we were expecting at rates above what we were expecting."

In addition to Singapore, Mr. Bayley said despite COVID increases in Europe, "there is demand in the marketplace and it's coming quite naturally."

A look at the American cruise market

Mr. Bayley also touched upon demand for cruises in the American cruise market, which he sees tied to how Americans feel about the nature of the pandemic.

Royal Caribbean is conducting a great deal of market research to get a sense of what consumers are thinking.

"About three or four months ago, most people believed that COVID would be kind of moving behind us by the end of 2020. Of course, that shifted now. And the belief from most consumers is that as you move through '21, COVID will move behind us with vaccine, therapeutics, etc."

"You very much see a correlation between what people are believing and how they're booking."

To that point, the data shows Royal Caribbean that people want to vacation again once things start to settle down.

"We kind of see that in the booking behavior out of the American market for our products through '21, with a particular emphasis on Summer 21, " Mr. Bayley described. "It feels and it looks as if customers are thinking this is going to be behind us and we're going to have a summer vacation."

Of course, the No Sail order looms large in the United States, and while a lifting of that prohibition would be helpful for bookings, Mr. Bayley believes ultimately consumers want to see cruises begin before booking in large numbers.

"I do believe that if there is a change in the No Sail order and a pathway is created for the safe return to cruising, there will be an uptick in demand. But I think people will naturally wait and see."

When Royal Caribbean restarts sailings, its ships feature a variety of enhancements meant to contain, treat, and isolate any possible Covid-19 threats.

Royal Caribbean has introduced a wide array of new health protocols, which also include upgrades and enhancements to its cruise ships.

These improved facilities mean their cruise ships have never been safer for guests and crew to be treated while onboard.

Medical Centers

Part of Royal Caribbean's overall plan to mitigate the threat of COVID-19 is to enahnce its onboard medical facilties.

The onboard medical care offers guests and crew members daily temperature checks, fast and free SARS-CoV-2 testing capabilities onboard, and complimentary in-stateroom medical evaluations.

Royal Caribbean has also added more doctors and nurses in their shipboard Medical Centers and enhanced our state-of-the-art equipment to provide high quality care.

The medical center itself has been redesigned  into two separate zones, including a dedicated Controlled Care Unit for the management of infectious diseases. Each zone is equipped with its own entrance, critical care beds, restrooms, and lab collection.

Some of the upgrades include: 

Upgraded Medical Equipment

• Hospital grade ventilators
• Cardiac monitor
• Central oxygen system
• Nebulizers
• Defibrillators and external pacemakers
• EKGs

Therapeutic Treatments

• Antibiotics including IV medications
• Antiretroviral
• Oxygen therapy

Comprehensive Laboratory

• Large range of tests
• Results provided onboard
• Includes RT-PCR rapid testing for COVID-19

The staff onboard its ships are also highly specialized medical professionals. 

Each ship’s Medical Center is staffed by, at minimum:

2 Doctors

Specialized physicians with training in acute and intensive medical care, plus experience in Maritime Medicine.

4 Registered Nurses

One of these is the new Infection Control Officer, who ensures all applicable public health and disease control standards are met.

Additional support

If needed, your ship has access to supplementary medical personnel through Aspen Medical and our own internal pool of doctors.

Filtered and fresh air

Another major upgrade is the air filtration onboard that promises to deliver fresh air and filter the air onboard to avoid any possible pathogens circulating around the ship.

Every Royal Caribbean shipboard HVAC system continuously flows 100% fresh air from outdoors to your stateroom and public areas.

Upgraded MERV 13 filters capture aerosols 0.3 to 1 micron in size — fine enough to filter coronavirus, colds and flu.

It has been less than a week since Royal Caribbean announced its first cruise ship would restart cruises in Singapore, and demand for these sailings is already off to a great start.

The Strait Times reports while Royal Caribbean has not provided exact booking numbers, demand has "exceeded expectations".

Royal Caribbean will begin sailing with Quantum of the Seas on cruises with no port stops, which are also limited to residents of Singapore. These 3- and 4-night sailings begin on December 1, 2020 from Singapore.

The cruise line did confirm that demand for these new sailings are up 500% compared to the previous two weeks, and the first sailing on Quantum of the Seas is almost sold out.

Royal Caribbean Managing Director, Asia Pacific, Angie Stephen, believes the new bookings reflect the public's "pent-up desire to travel".

She said the four-night cruise sailing every Thursday evening is particularly attractive, as guests need to take only a day off from work on Friday to enjoy a long weekend on the cruise.

Royal Caribbean has received permission from the Singapore government to conduct these sailings, which are pilot cruises that must meet all requirements and guidelines for safe cruising.

These first Quantum of the Seas cruises are round-trip cruises from Singapore with no port stops.  They are also sailing at reduced capacity of up to 50%, and open to only residents of Singapore.

When cruises resume in Singapore, a variety of comprehensive new health protocols will be implemented onboard Quantum of the Seas including:

• Testing and screening
• Upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance filtration
• Stringent cleaning practices
• Reduced capacities for greater physical distancing
• Expert medical care and onboard facilities

These protocols will continuously be evaluated and enhanced as new procedures and advancements in technology become available. 

The first sailing on Quantum of the Seas on December 1 is capped at about 1,000 guests.

Royal Caribbean announced it has reached a deal with Singapore to offer cruises on Quantum of the Seas, beginning in December.

An array of 3- and 4-night cruises have been approved by the Singapore Government and begin sailing on December 1, 2020.  

These new cruises are only available to residents of Singapore are now available for booking.

Royal Caribbean has been working with local health and tourism authorities to follow all requirements and guidelines including the CruiseSafe Certification standards, which all cruise lines must obtain prior to sailing out of Singapore.

When cruises resume in Singapore, a variety of comprehensive new health protocols will be implemented onboard Quantum of the Seas including:

• Testing and screening
• Upgraded Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems that enhance filtration
• Stringent cleaning practices
• Reduced capacities for greater physical distancing
• Expert medical care and onboard facilities

These protocols will continuously be evaluated and enhanced as new procedures and advancements in technology become available. 

"Singapore residents are adventurous travelers, and we are so excited to give them the opportunity to get away from their daily grind and enjoy a thrilling world-class Ocean Getaway, with total peace of mind. While the cruise experience will be different than it was pre-pandemic, we are committed to providing the signature Royal Caribbean holiday that guests know and love, while keeping the health and safety of everyone on board as our top priority" said Angie Stephen, managing director, Asia Pacific, Royal Caribbean International. "I extend my deepest gratitude to the Singapore Government for their collaboration and support and confidence in Royal Caribbean to deliver a safe cruising experience. We share their strong commitment and focus to reignite the local economy and bring back jobs and services supporting the travel industry."

Just yesterday, Royal Caribbean had cancelled all of Quantum of the Seas previously scheduled cruises from Singapore through March 2021.

The first pilot cruises will be:

• Round-trips with no ports of call
• Sailing at a reduced capacity of up to 50 percent
• Only open to Singapore residents

Cruises from Singapore are the only sailings to have been resumed by Royal Caribbean International.  Earlier this week, the cruise line cancelled all of its cruises through the end of of November.

In addition to canceling all of its November 2020 cruises, Royal Caribbean has also cancelled Quantum of the Seas sailings through the end of March 2021.

Sailings aboard Quantum of the Seas between December 2nd, 2020 – March 22nd, 2021 have been added to the list of cancelled cruises.

Quantum of the Seas had been scheduled to sail from Singapore between 2020 and March 2021.

Royal Caribbean's website has also removed all Quantum of the Seas cruises for booking until April 2021.

In a statement on Royal Caribbean's website, the cruise line explained the need to "assess" changes for Quantum.

"In preparation for our return to service, we’ve been making changes to our existing itineraries to ensure we meet the evolving needs of our guests and are aligned with any existing travel restrictions. Unfortunately, the following Quantum of the Seas sailings have now been cancelled as part of this change, while we assess our next move for this ship."

Similar to the other cancelled cruises, guests who had cruises booked on Quantum qualify for compensation options, although Lift and Shift is not available for Quantum.

• 125% Future Cruise Credit to book a new cruise by December 31, 2021 for sailings on or before April 30th, 2022.
• 100% Refund. You have until December 31, 2020 to request a refund and deactivate your future cruise certificate.

Royal Caribbean has big plans for Quantum of the Seas, setting the stage for her return to North America in summer 2021 to sail from the Pacific Northwest for the first time when she calls Seattle home in May 2021.

Quantum will join Ovation of the Seas next year and offer 7-night cruises to Alaska, leaving on Mondays.

Quantum of the Seas sailed for a brief period out of Bayonne, New Jersey when she debuted in 2014, but since 2015 has been sailing in Asia.

Royal Caribbean announced that Quantum of the Seas will sail from the Pacific Northwest for the first time when she calls Seattle home in May 2021.

Quantum will join Ovation of the Seas to offer 7-night cruises, leaving on Mondays.

Quantum’s summer 2021 Alaska itineraries open for sale today. The additional cruises build on Royal Caribbean’s previously announced summer deployment for Ovation, Radiance and Serenade of the Seas, sailing from Seattle, Vancouver, British Columbia, and Seward, Alaska.

Quantum of the Seas will begin her Alaska itineraries with a May 10 sailing, and her season will extend through the end of September 2021.

The addition of Quantum of the Seas to the Alaska 2021 season was no simple task, and it appears Royal Caribbean has been working for months to make this change.  A source confirms that the decision to move Quantum was made late last year.

Quantum of the Seas sailed for a brief period out of Bayonne, New Jersey when she debuted in 2014, but since 2015 has been sailing in Asia.