The number of passengers who have sailed worldwide since ocean cruise operations resumed last year has now passed 3 million people, while governments in Australia and New Zealand are still yet to agree on plans for a local revival.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz said today cruising had now resumed in 52 countries worldwide and that Australasia remained one of the only major cruise regions where governments had not progressed plans for resumption.
“Worldwide, more than 70% of CLIA cruise line ocean-going ships are back in operation and we expect that figure to reach 80% in December,” Mr Katz said.
“This is a remarkable achievement, and it shows the effectiveness of the cruise industry’s new health protocols introduced in response to the global pandemic.”
“Although we’ve made enormous progress in other countries, in Australia and New Zealand international cruise operations are still suspended and tens of thousands of jobs are in doubt while we have no clear indication from governments on a path to revival,” he said.
CLIA has released a new video on social media highlighting the work cruise lines have done in response to the pandemic and the industry’s readiness for a careful resumption in Australasia.
Posted as part of CLIA’s Ready, Set, Sail campaign, the video is now available to share via CLIA’s Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn channels.
“This latest campaign targets cruise guests and local communities to show how much work has been done by cruise lines and the need for action from governments,” Mr Katz said.
“We are encouraging our supporters to share the video and tag Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet and other state leaders.”
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