NSW holidaymakers are set for a shipshape summer with the NSW Government winding back pandemic protocols for state, domestic and international cruise passengers just before the start of the Australian cruising season.
In welcome news for cruise lines and cruisers, the end of COVID-era cruise requirements puts NSW ports ahead of other states’ passenger protocols and will boost its tourism coffers by $3.3 billion.
NSW Premier Chris Minns told the Daily Telegraph: “We need to move on and get back to normal.”
“We’ll be removing restrictions on cruising, like the need for wearing a mask and having a COVID vaccination when boarding. There is no need for it anymore.”
Previously, guests aged 12 and over boarding in NSW were required to be fully vaccinated and undergo testing and health screening before boarding.
They also had to wear a mask while boarding and disembarking and follow certain protocols while aboard if testing positive for COVID-19.
Welcome news for cruisers
Carnival Australia, which operates Carnival Cruise Line, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Seabourn and Cunard, welcomed the news, which Chief Strategy Officer Teresa Lloyd said would bring cruising more in line with current Australian community settings.
“This decision removes the ongoing confusion that surrounds cruising for so many tourists and brings us back in step with the rest of the community, including restaurants, sporting and entertainment venues and public transport,” Ms Lloyd said.
“We look forward to other states following suit,” she added.
Ms Lloyd said Carnival Australia worked alongside relevant state health authorities to go above and beyond when it comes to keeping guests, crew and communities safe.
“The health and safety of our guests remains our number one priority,” Ms Lloyd said.
“We will continue to abide by our strict and robust hygiene standards on our ships whilst working alongside health authorities into the future.”
Australia will receive an economic boost of $5.2 billion due to cruise tourism with 500,000-plus passengers set to sail with P&O alone in 2023.
In addition, Carnival Australia ships will bring more than 80,000 international guests to Australia for the summer season.
Carnival Australia updated its regional leadership recently with the news that the President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises, Marguerite Fitzgerald, is stepping down.
Meanwhile, Virgin Voyages Chief Brand Officer Nathan Rosenberg also praised the move.
“We thank the Premier for his decision on the removal of these regulations that will finally bring Australia in line with the rest of the world,” he said.
“We encourage the remaining states to follow suit as soon as they can, given the high levels of interest to cruise by Australians and the contribution it makes to the economy nationally.
