The prohibition on cruise ships in Australia is poised to be lifted in the coming weeks, bringing life back to a multi-billion-dollar sector that has been dormant for the last two years.
The Federal Government is anticipated to announce this week that the ban will be lifted on April 17, at which time administration of the cruise ships and passengers would be transferred to state governments around the country.
After a virus-induced pause that has been estimated to have cost Australia’s cruise sector 18,000 jobs and $5 billion in income, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is eager to see the enormous white ships floating back into Sydney Harbour.
The prohibition on cruise ships in Australia is poised to be lifted in the coming weeks, bringing life back to a multi-billion-dollar sector that has been dormant for the last two years.
The Federal Government is anticipated to announce this week that the ban will be lifted on April 17, at which time administration of the cruise ships and passengers would be transferred to state governments around the country.
After a virus-induced pause that has been estimated to have cost Australia’s cruise sector 18,000 jobs and $5 billion in income, NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet is eager to see the enormous white ships floating back into Sydney Harbour.
According to Mr Perrottet, “it has made no sense to me that we can have a scenario right now where individuals can go abroad, get on a cruise, and return home, but we can’t go cruising from inside our own nation,” he said.
State and territory administrations are now putting together plans to ensure that health measures are in place to allow for a safe return to cruising.
A formal statement announcing the removal of the restriction might be made as early as this week, according to Federal Tourism Minister Dan Tehan.
The Minister’s remarks are very encouraging, and the sector now has more confidence that a green light will be issued in the near future “Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) president Joel Katz told 9news.com.au that the association was a “fantastic success.”
It is being discussed in further depth with the states about the exact health protocols that will need to be put in place,” says CLIA.
There is still much work to be done, but all indicators indicate that Australia is on the verge of seeing a resurgence in the next months.”
If and when the prohibition is removed, it will take some time for major cruise liner operators to deploy their massive boats back down into Australia and for activity and booking levels in the region to return to pre-pandemic levels.
Two years ago, the Ruby Princess made headlines when it arrived in Sydney, delivering COVID-19 to the shores of Australia.
More than 900 passengers on the ship were ultimately infected with coronavirus, which resulted in the deaths of 28 people.