Socialist Republic of Vietnam

Monday March 31, 8:17 PM
(Channel News Asia)

Despite the SARS scare, hundreds of passengers left Singapore on Sunday for a week-long cruise that includes Ho Chi Minh City as one of its ports of call.

Vietnam is one of the countries where SARS cases have been reported.

It was business as usual for the Superstar Virgo as passengers checked in for its maiden journey to Ho Chi Minh City, which also includes a stopover in Kota Kinabalu, during its eight-day trip.

A spokesperson for STAR Cruises said the cruise would go ahead although she is unable to confirm how many Singaporeans had booked the cruise and whether there has been any cancellations.

A cruise liner of this size can easily take up to 2,000 people. Singaporeans usually make up to 60 percent, while 40 percent are international guests.

And despite large signs warning passengers about the SARS, many were not perturbed, saying they would take the necessary precautions.

"Just stay on the ship. We won't be going down. We'll only go down at Kota Kinabalu."

"I am well prepared, we have a flu jab, we bring masks, we take a lot of Chinese herbs, we just keep ourselves clean, wash our hands...one week away, we might be safer. That's how we feel."

"Singapore is not safe also at this point but of course we'll take precautions like personal hygiene."

A STAR Cruises spokesperson said additional safety measures had been taken, including flyers with SARS information during check-in and a nurse to look out for signs of visibly ill people - who would then be advised not to board.

Other new measures include additional medical staff and quarantine facilities onboard.

The Superstar Virgo will arrive in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday and leave just over a day later.

As a precautionary measure, the crew will not be allowed to disembark. Passengers, however, will be allowed to go onshore.

Passengers paid between $1,350 to $5,000 each for the cruise, and would have had to pay cancellation charges if they decide to cancel their journeys.