Australian passengers did not disembark Vasco da Gama onto Rottnest Island on Friday as previously planned, with the Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan changing tack again.
It is, however, expected that today Western Australian passengers will disembark onto Rottnest Island for a fortnight in quarantine.
Another 600 Australians from other states and territories will be quarantined in hotels around Perth’s CBD for two weeks before flying home.
The cruise liner docked at Fremantle on Friday night – meaning has been 13 days since passengers have had any contact with anyone outside of the ship. All crew and guests are reportedly well.
On Saturday, passengers were screened by the Department of Health, Western Australia with guests from separate cabins also randomly tested for COVID-19, all returning negative results.
New Zealand passengers departed their flight as scheduled in the early hours of Sunday morning (0240) and have arrived safely in New Zealand.
Dean Brazier, Managing Director of CMV Australia, said that it was comforting for guests to finally know the outcome of the State Government’s decision.
“Although it took almost five days to receive details of these passenger arrangements since the WA Premier’s initial media announcement, at least we have now been able to let our guests know what the next steps are for them,” he said.
“We’re happy to report no cases of COVID-19 on board. After being at sea for over two weeks straight, and with so much change happening around the world, we are glad to give our passengers some certainty.”
Western Australian residents on board will depart for Rottnest Island today via ferries throughout the morning, while Non-Western Australian residents will be transferred by coach to hotels throughout the afternoon.
Australian Border Force has advised that Vasco da Gama must leave Australian waters as soon as possible afterwards and that its 552-strong crew will not be allowed to take flights home.
The ship and crew are expected to depart Fremantle for London, Tilbury with no passengers on board tonight.