Aussies are set for a summer of smooth sailing as Australian and NSW governments confirmed the end of all cruise-specific pandemic protocols, including vaccination and screening requirements and wearing a mask while boarding and disembarking.
Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly confirmed the withdrawal of COVID-era cruise protocols to the Cruise Line Industry Association (CLIA) on Friday, following the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC) decision.
It follows confirmation today from Premier Chris Minns that the NSW Government will withdraw its COVID-era measures, effective immediately.
Other states are expected to make similar adjustments in line with the AHPPC announcement.
CLIA, Carnival Australia and Virgin Voyages welcomed the confirmation of the removal of cruise-specific COVID measures.
Cruise industry welcomes move
CLIA Australasia Managing Director Joel Katz said the move will bring Australia in line with other countries and provide clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the summer cruise season.
“As the last major cruise destination to maintain cruise-specific measures, Australia’s ongoing testing and vaccination requirements caused increasing confusion among travellers, particularly as measures on land and at airports were removed.”
Since mid-2022, the staged revival of cruise operations in Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific has seen hundreds of thousands of Aussies sail in local waters.
“The cruise industry’s top priority is the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities we visit,” Mr Katz said.
“Cruise lines will continue to abide by robust health and safety measures and hygiene standards and the industry will work closely with health authorities into the future.”
