Hundreds of Singapore residents on Friday boarded a "cruise to nowhere" as they sought to enjoy the high seas once again after a lengthy shutdown of the industry due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A Reuters report said the passengers underwent COVID-19 swab tests before boarding the vessel which was operating at half capacity.

The global cruise industry has remained dormant for months as countries sought to curb the spread of the virus.

Singapore's special cruises, classed as "round trips", are open only to its residents and sail for a few days in waters just off the city-state.

The Reuters report says the cruises follow "flights to nowhere" in some parts of Asia that take off and land at the same airport.

The passengers aboard the ship were required to carry an electronic contact tracing device and to social distance at all times.

Other measures put in place to minimize risk of spreading COVID-19 included the suspension of buffets and upgrading of medical facilities to include testing and isolation units.