Summary: This article is talking about the locals in Singapore boarding Singapore’s first cruise to nowhere on 6 November 2020. The article reported on Mr Steve Chong and his family, who booked on the two-night voyage. They were among the 1,400 passengers enjoying their stay on the World Dream cruise liner. The article also reported on Mr Gaxiola’s experience on taking the swab test and the safe measures on the cruise. The seats and tables are spaced apart, passengers are to pre-register to enter entertainment facilities due to the capacity limits for each area. Safe-distancing is to be practiced at all times.

My first takeaway is that the article talked about barriers to travel (appeal of destination’s attractiveness). The COVID-19 pandemic started transmitting in late 2019. Countries then started to have lockdowns and quarantines. This led to people unable to travel to other countries. However, the Singapore Tourism Board authorized these cruises to nowhere so that locals can take a break and relax themselves. Hence, passengers are still able to enjoy the cruise’s facilities without entering other countries’ ports. In the article, Mr Gan Theng Tiong said, “Since we can’t fly, sailing is the second-best option. I’m looking forward to exploring the ship, and we’ll be certain to go up to the deck and watch as we set sail.”

My second takeaway is that the article covered intrinsic motivation (appeal of destination’s attractiveness). Due to the travel restrictions, people in Singapore could not travel to other countries for vacations. Singapore has a fast-paced lifestyle so, people would want to travel and relieve their stress. This creates a motivation for them to travel. In the article, Mr Steve Chong mentioned “This is the first time we’re able to travel since the pandemic began. The kids and my wife all want a short break.” People could still use the facilities on the cruise and relax themselves.

The third takeaway is that this article is on water-based transport (geography of transport). Cruises are large ships that allow tourists to visit ports in different cities within a sea region, according to the itinerary. Passengers would spend most of their money in the cruise ship itself. For example, they would visit gift shops, entertainment facilities, bars, and restaurants. On the contrary, cruises to nowhere do not stop at any ports of the countries due to the travel restrictions. Even though the cruises to nowhere do not stop at any ports, people are still glad that they can still enjoy their time on the cruise and relax themselves. Mr Gaxiola stated, “I took a long walk around the ship after boarding, and it’s fantastic – with a beautiful view, water slides, a basketball court, and loads of entertainment options.”

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