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No ports, no problem: Why cruises to nowhere still exist
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Cruises to nowhere draw first-time cruisegoers who want to experience a holiday at sea.
PHOTO: GENTING CRUISE LINES
DeeperDive is a beta AI feature. Refer to full articles for the facts.
- Cruise to nowhere sailings, popularised in 2020 by the STB, began as a pandemic workaround.
- Cruise lines are attracting new demographics, like Gen Z, by offering unique features such as waterparks and remote work options.
- CLIA forecasts 42 million passengers by 2028. Cruise lines benefit from on-board spending and reduced operational costs, reinforcing Singapore as a cruise hub.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – Cruises to nowhere have existed for decades, drawing crowds with casinos at sea. Vessels depart from and return to the same port without making stops, giving passengers uninterrupted time to enjoy on-board amenities, and gambling, over several nights.
These cruises operate under looser gambling laws in international waters. Singaporeans, for instance, can enter on-board casinos without paying a levy, which costs $150 a person for 24 hours in Singapore’s two casinos. Such ships tend to have minimal frills, fewer dining options and limited entertainment.
