Genting Cruise Lines takes the lead in announcing COVID-19 cruise control details

Setting a New Industry Standard for Pandemic Response, Creating a New Normal for Cruise Safety and Hygiene

Ensuring a Healthy "Postal" Environment, Guarding Worry-Free Maritime Holidays

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, Genting Cruise Lines has been the first to implement the highest standards of health and epidemic prevention measures across its Star Cruises and Dream Cruises fleets, and has continuously carried out in-depth disinfection and cleaning on board. To enhance public understanding of cruise control measures, Genting Cruise Lines recently disclosed new COVID-19 cruise prevention and control details. These cover ongoing disinfection and cleaning measures currently in place on ships, as well as pre-sailing screenings, cabin areas, public areas, food hygiene, leisure and entertainment activities, and crew protection measures to be implemented after resumption of sailing. This aims to set a new standard for the cruise industry’s pandemic response, actively prepare for resumption of services, and some of these measures will also become standard practices in future cruise operations, further enhancing the safety of cruise tourism.

Dream Cruises’ “Exploration Dream”

Mr. Zhu Fuming, President of Genting Cruise Lines, said: “The safety and health of passengers and crew have always been our top priority. After the impact of this pandemic, we believe that the awareness of both passengers and crew regarding epidemic prevention and safety has increased, and their expectations for the safety and anti-epidemic capabilities of cruises have also risen. As a cruise company, we have the responsibility to take proactive measures to meet the continuously growing psychological expectations of passengers and gradually eliminate public concerns. Since the outbreak, on the basis of active response, we have promptly reviewed and evaluated the existing prevention and control procedures and emergency response mechanisms on board, and developed a new, comprehensive set of cruise prevention and control details based on the transmission characteristics of COVID-19. At the same time, during the suspension period, we have also provided targeted training for our employees to better implement efficient prevention and control measures and provide more effective passenger services after resumption, creating a new normal for safe and healthy cruise operations.”

Dream Cruises crew members disinfect outdoor public areas

“By releasing the COVID-19 cruise prevention and control details this time, we hope to increase public understanding of cruise prevention measures with an open and transparent attitude, alleviate public concerns about cruise safety to a certain extent, and inject confidence into the industry’s recovery. For example, regarding the public’s high concern about the fresh air system, all ships in the Genting Cruise Lines fleet can achieve 100% circulation of outdoor fresh air in cabins and public areas, maintaining a constant flow of fresh air; and the onboard medical center is equipped with isolation rooms, while some cabins can also be converted into isolation rooms when necessary,” Mr. Zhu added.

Dream Cruises crew members disinfect public areas

Meanwhile, to allow passengers to plan their itineraries more flexibly, Genting Cruise Lines has also introduced a “Travel with Peace of Mind” flexible cancellation and amendment policy, increasing the flexibility of cancellation and amendment policies, and encouraging passengers to book with freedom and travel with peace of mind. Passengers who booked a Dream Cruises or Star Cruises voyage before October 30, 2020, may cancel their voyage at least 48 hours before departure, and all paid fees will be fully refunded to their cruise credit, which can be used to book any Dream Cruises or Star Cruises voyages departing before March 31, 2021.

Dream Cruises crew members disinfect cabins

In addition, based on these COVID-19 cruise prevention and control details, Genting Cruise Lines will work with the China Communications Association Cruise & Yacht Branch (CCYIA) to further launch the “White Paper on COVID-19 Prevention and Emergency Response in the Cruise Industry.” This will establish scientific and practical risk assessment methods and emergency response procedures for sudden public health incidents, forming an industry-wide standardized approach to prevention measures and emergency response mechanisms, comprehensively ensuring a healthy “postal” environment, and allowing every passenger to embark on a maritime holiday with confidence.

Hand sanitizers are available at all entrances and exits of public areas on Dream Cruises

Mr. Zheng Weihang, Executive Vice President and Secretary-General of the China Communications Association Cruise & Yacht Branch (CCYIA), said: “COVID-19 has had a significant impact on the global cruise industry. CCYIA advocates that the cruise industry carry out various forms of ‘Cruise Confidence’ initiatives over the next two to three years through multiple channels, eliminating passengers’ worries and fears about cruising, and rebuilding their confidence in this unique form of leisure travel. Genting Cruise Lines is the first in the world to systematically outline COVID-19 cruise prevention and control details, which is of great significance. CCYIA will work together with Genting Cruise Lines to actively promote these details under the support and guidance of health and quarantine authorities, striving to make them a common global standard for public health in cruise tourism. This is also one of the measures of the Cruise Confidence initiative.”

Excerpts from Core COVID-19 Cruise Prevention and Control Measures:

1.Boarding & Disembarking

a. All individuals must complete a health declaration and temperature check before boarding (travel history/records of transit through high-risk areas/contact history with individuals from high-risk areas/current health status)

b. Infrared temperature monitoring devices are installed at boarding gangways and jet bridges

c. High-frequency disinfection and cleaning are conducted at boarding gangways and access routes

d. Strict checks are performed on all relevant travel documents of boarding individuals

e. Passengers can obtain time-slot specific boarding passes through the online check-in system to expedite the boarding process and reduce waiting and gathering at the terminal

f. Additional boarding and disembarking assembly points are added, and passenger disembarkation is scheduled at staggered times

g. Coordination with local port quarantine and health authorities for further safety inspections

2.Cabin Area

a. The overall disinfection and cleaning level of cabins has been significantly enhanced, using professional medical-grade disinfectants. Specific measures include:

i. Wiping and disinfection of cabins and cabin corridors, twice daily

ii. Fogging disinfection of vacant cabins and cabin corridors

b. Guest room bathrooms are disinfected using specialized alkaline cleaners and disinfectants.

c. Leftover food in guest rooms is promptly removed to prevent spoilage and the growth of microorganisms and bacteria.

d. Bed linens are replaced in a timely manner and professionally cleaned with high-temperature sterilization.

e. Diluted disinfectant is injected into drains to ensure unobstructed pipes and prevent the breeding of bacteria and viruses.

f. In case of illness among staff or guests, proper handling is carried out according to standard cleaning and disinfection procedures, using professional medical-grade disinfection or aerosolized disinfection methods.

3.Public Areas

a. All public areas on board are cleaned using professional medical-grade disinfectants, with both misting and wiping for dual disinfection.

Scope and frequency:

- Elevator cabins: every 2 hours

- Public area facilities and equipment: 2–10 times per day

- Spa area facilities: twice per day

- Other areas: increase disinfection frequency as needed based on actual conditions

b. The frequency of disinfection and cleaning in public areas is increased to 2–4 times per day. High-touch surfaces (including elevator buttons, door handles, escalator handrails, guardrails, tabletops, etc.) are disinfected once an hour or more frequently during peak hours (boarding/departure, shore excursions, meal times).

c. High-performance neutral floor cleaner is used to frequently disinfect all floors on board.

d. Hand sanitizer dispensers are widely placed in public areas. At main passages and venue entrances, staff proactively offer hand sanitizer and remind passengers to use it.

4.Food Hygiene

a. Dining areas such as restaurants, bars, and kitchens are professionally disinfected after closing, three times per day.

b. Before entering dining venues, passengers are advised to sanitize their hands with hand sanitizer at the entrances and exits of each dining area.

c. Meal times and zones are scheduled for passengers, and disposable tableware is provided as needed.

d. Self-service buffet service is suspended; crew members wearing masks and disposable gloves assist with serving food.

e. The procurement and use of wild animals and their products are strictly prohibited.

f. Food from epidemic areas and high-risk regions is not used. Procurement standards are strictly enforced to ensure safe sourcing and transportation.

5.Events & Performances

a. The theater is disinfected before and after each performance. 3D glasses (if provided) are professionally cleaned and disinfected before distribution and after use.

b. Children’s play area equipment and toys are disinfected twice per day using professional medical-grade disinfectants, or after each use.

c. Duty-free shops and entertainment venues are disinfected using professional medical-grade disinfectants before and after opening, twice per day.

d. All amusement and gaming equipment is disinfected with professional medical-grade disinfectants before each use, every 2 hours.

e. The density of visitors in activity venues and theaters is strictly controlled to below 50%, and audiences must maintain safe distancing.

f. Hand sanitizer is provided at the entrances and exits of entertainment areas and activity venues.

g. The passenger capacity of shore excursion buses must be below 50%, and they undergo frequent disinfection and cleaning (in accordance with WHO guidelines and related training).

h. Facilities in spas and gyms are disinfected before and after each guest’s use.

6.Fresh Air System

a. All guest rooms and public areas are equipped with a 100% fresh outdoor air circulation system.

b. Air filters and coolers are thoroughly inspected and cleaned.

7.Medical Facilities

a. The medical center has isolation wards.

b. Contaminated medical items and patient waste are all sealed and disposed of in accordance with health and safety standards.

c. Designated collection points for used masks are set up for the unified handling of protective gear.

d. Professional medical-grade disinfectants are used to frequently disinfect medical waste bins, twice per day.

8.Crew Protection

a. Dynamic body temperature checks are conducted for all crew members, twice per person per day.

b. All service personnel must wear face masks.

c. Housekeeping and F&B staff must also wear disposable gloves.

d. Special personnel must wear protective suits and goggles when necessary. All individuals should wash their hands with antibacterial hand sanitizer under running water for no less than 20 seconds.

e. Personnel involved in high-risk tasks in medical isolation areas related to suspected cases must:

i. Wear adequate personal protective equipment (face shields, goggles, disposable gloves, and disposable gowns)

ii. Follow proper handwashing practices before and after shifts

iii. Update personal health information daily

f. Strengthen health and safety training and awareness for relevant crew members

g. Reduce crew rotation between ships or regions

Genting Cruise Lines reaffirms that the safety and health of guests and crew are the top priorities for its fleet. The company will continue to implement the highest level of COVID-19 cruise prevention and control measures to ensure the physical and mental well-being of all guests and support the recovery of the cruise industry from the impact of the pandemic. Under comprehensive preventive measures, guests can enjoy the sunshine and sea breeze on deck as well as all onboard recreational activities with peace of mind and embark on a worry-free sea vacation.

*For details, please refer separately to the attached “Star Cruises & Dream Cruises: Key Points of Cruise Prevention Measures.”

For inquiries, please contact:

Genting Cruise Lines

Bernard Poon

June Feng

(852) 2378 2086 / (852) 5361 0241

(852) 2378 5787 / (852) 5636 1586

edith.poon@gentingcruiselines.com

june.feng@gentingcruiselines.com

About Genting Cruise Lines

Genting Cruise Lines is part of Genting Hong Kong Limited and owns three distinctive cruise brands – Star Cruises, Dream Cruises, and Crystal Cruises – offering guests modern to ultra-luxurious cruise holidays and extending innovative cruise experiences to the skies.

Star Cruises was the first to commence regional operations in 1993, with a vision to develop Asia Pacific as an international cruise destination. Today, Star Cruises continues to lead the development of the modern cruise market in the region through its fleet, including “SuperStar Gemini”, “SuperStar Aquarius”, “SuperStar Pisces”, and “Megastar Aries”.

Dream Cruises was established in 2015, dedicated to delivering the highest standards of service and the most spacious and comfortable maritime living in the region. Its China and Asia-market-focused ships “Genting Dream” and “World Dream” set sail in November 2016 and November 2017 respectively. The Dream Cruises brand seamlessly blends Eastern and Western elements, offering guests a unique maritime experience. “Exploration Dream” commenced operations in April 2019, marking the brand’s expansion on a global scale. Dream Cruises has also initiated the construction of two Global-class ships in Germany, with the first new ship set to join the fleet in 2021.

Crystal, one of the world’s foremost lifestyle luxury brands, spans sea, land, and air, redefining luxury travel through groundbreaking innovation. In addition to Crystal Cruises, the brand offers Crystal River Cruising, Crystal Yachts (polar-class expedition yachts), Crystal AirCruises, and the Crystal Luxury Air series, providing discerning global travellers with personalized journeys of unparalleled luxury.

Gathering under one umbrella, the three brands of Genting Cruise Lines craft an unparalleled portfolio of travel products, catering fully to the diverse cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and travel preferences of travellers, and striving to exceed every guest’s expectations while pioneering new dimensions in cruise travel.