With the COVID-19 industry’s two-year ban lifted in April, international cruise ships will soon re-enter Australian waters.
and Media release On Tuesday, Health Minister Greg Hunt said, based on medical advice, the government would not renew the ban on international cruise ships entering and exiting Australian ports when the current direction expires on April 17. ..
In March 2020, in response to the global spread of COVID-19, the Australian Government banned large international cruise ships from entering Australia under the Biosecurity Act 2015.
Hunt said this direction was very effective in preventing the invasion, emergence and spread of COVID-19 in Australia.
“Based on medical advice and a domestic cabinet agreement, the lifting of the cruise ban coincides with the reopening of the Australian border, demonstrating successful navigation of Australia’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” He said.
Interior Minister Karen Andrews said the Australian Border Force is ready to return international cruise passengers to the Australian coast.
“In 2019, before the pandemic, Australia welcomed more than 600,000 cruise ship passengers across the border from about 350 vessels,” she said.
“We can’t wait to see our cruise terminal filled with international passengers arriving again, regaining the shape of this important industrial ship and returning to the water again.”
Carnival Australia’s President Margaret Fitzgerald welcomed the news, and the next step is for the government to reopen the port for cruise ships, one before the reopening between the federal and eastern states. He said discussions were underway to determine the ream’s health protocols and guidelines. cruising.
She added that the promised lifting of the ban means that the company’s seven cruise lines, including Australia’s own P & O, can take the preparatory steps of the complex task of preparing a ship to return to Australia. rice field.
“Uncertainty over the last two years has finally been replaced by the hope and belief that the lifting of the cruise ban will signal the resumption of cruise operations in Australia,” Fitzgerald said.
“Hundreds of cruise ships have been in service, more than 7 million people have cruised, and more than 80 countries have reopened cruise ships overseas, confirming that cruises can be safely operated in new environments. Please support the revival of cruising in. “
Fitzgerald said P & O I was excited about the possibility of resuming operations in Australia at the end of May, subject to government approval.
“We will work closely with government agencies on our return and will visit about 20 ports across the country after more than two years of absence,” she said.
“Australia has long been one of the most powerful cruise markets in the world, and as the only domestic cruise line in the country, we are excited about the idea that our loyal customers will soon travel with us again. I am. “
P & O’s new program will begin cruising in Australia on May 31st, with Pacific Explorer sailing from Sydney to Brisbane on a four-night round trip. The liner will then embark on a series of cruises in Queensland and the South Pacific until late October.
Cruise ship suppliers, who have been hit hard by the ban, are equally pleased to resume their cruises.
Steve Biviano, General Manager of Select Fresh Provideres, said his company is pleased to resume cruising.
“We represent farmers and producers who produce fresh produce that is central to the cruising experience. Our business has been seriously affected, but now our warehouse is a cruise ship. It is expected to be refilled with fresh produce for. “
Meanwhile, Graeme Blackman, managing director of Inter Marine Pty Ltd, said his company is a professional provider of marine engineering services.
“When cruising stopped, we lost almost 90 percent of our sales,” he said. “With the lifting of the cruise ban, it is hoped that the business will continue to exist.”
Much to ensure a safe return for international cruising, including proof of double vaccination, involvement with the cruise ship industry on safe resumption, improved pre-arrival reporting, and more detailed COVID-19 risk identification. Measures will be implemented. Questions to passengers and stress tests on emergency response systems.
In addition, cruise ships must comply with the public health requirements of all specific states and territories.
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Steve is a Sydney-based Australian reporter with sports, arts and politics. He is an experienced English teacher, a qualified nutritionist, a sports enthusiast, and an amateur musician. Contact him at [email protected]