Carnival Australia has reinstated its face mask and vaccine policy aboard all cruise ship brands in the wake of the Majestic Princess outbreak and the recent surge in COVID-19 cases in Australia.
The mask and vaccine mandates came into effect on Saturday 18 November 2022 and affect all Carnival Australia-branded ships operating in Australian waters. These include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Cruises World Cruising.
“In light of the current rate of COVID in the general community, we can confirm that mask-wearing is being encouraged on board all Carnival Corporation brand ships operating in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific,” a company spokesperson said.
“The past two years have seen all industries, including ours, strengthen their health and safety protocols. At the same time, a majority of the population is now vaccinated.
“At a time when the region is faced with a rapid rise of COVID cases, it’s critical everyone plays their part in keeping the community safe and we thank our guests for abiding by our requirements.”
On its company website, the latest COVID-19 guest health protocols state that the cruise lines will operate vaccinated cruises with enhanced protocols in line with government protocols.
Under the new requirements, 100 per cent of crew and 95 per cent of guests over the age of 12 must be vaccinated, and those with medical exemptions will only be accommodated within the five per cent of unvaccinated passengers.
Regardless of vaccination status, all passengers aged two years and over are required to take a self-administered RAT within 24 hours of boarding or a PCR test within 48 hours before boarding.
Guests will also need to complete online and pre-embarkation health screening declarations before being permitted to board, among other new temporary protocols.
The announcement comes after Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess cruise ship reported an estimated 800 of 3,300 passengers tested positive for COVID-19 while the ship docked in Sydney last weekend.
Carnival Australia’s website said that the cruise company’s dedication to the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities it visits is reflected in its ‘Have Fun.Be Safe.’ protocols.
The temporary measures ensure the company “can maintain the confidence of the destinations we visit and deliver on our itineraries and guest experience”.
For the latest health protocol info, visit carnival.com.au
