Cruise ships set to sail

THIS week the federal government announced they would not renew the ban on international cruise ships arriving and departing from Australian ports when the current determination expires on April 17.

Following the global spread of COVID-19 in March 2020, the government banned the entry of large international cruise vessels into Australia.

“Returning cruises will help the local visitor economy, providing much-needed economic input into our region,” Destination Phillip Island general manager Kim Storey explained.

“The 2019-2020 season saw 200 per cent growth with $3.57 million directly injected into our local economy.

“For six ships, it was their maiden voyage to Phillip Island.”

With 10 of 13 vessels arriving into Western Port Bay during the week, cruise liners provided local businesses with a much-needed bolster during off-peak times.

However, returning vessels to Australia is not a quick or easy task with larger liners expected to resume late May and early August. Local smaller ships, including APT, have already resumed under Australia’s existing COVID policies.

“Two years ago, we hosted our last cruise, back then we were worried about bushfires and the smoke affecting guests,” Kim stated.

“Taiwan was the first to resume cruising back in June 2020. Today there are 84 countries operating cruises with 250 ships circulating the globe, and more than 10 million passengers successfully sailing since COVID ceased cruising globally,” CLIA’s Joel Katz clarified.

“There has been 80 times lower COVID hospitalisation rates (on cruise ships) during the Omicron peak than on land in the USA.”

Cruising is a controlled environment, with many recent passengers claiming they feel safer on the ship than in port or travelling independently.

“Everyone must be double vaccinated and tested (prior to boarding),” Joel added.

Cruise industry mandates – including requiring passengers be vaccinated, implementation of appropriate operating and outbreak management plans, and COVID-19 safety plans – are also set to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission aboard cruise ships in Australia.

Whilst COVID appeared to obliterate the cruise industry, many companies utilised the period to remain dedicated to their passengers, crew, destinations and sustainability goals.

“The industry is committed to reducing their carbon footprint by 2030, with a net target of carbon-neutral cruising by 2050,” Joel explained

“Shoreside power, LNG-propelled cruise ships, exhaust gas cleaning systems, advanced wastewater purification systems – going above international law requirements.”

With the return of cruise ships also comes job opportunities with enthusiastic, professional tour guides required.

“We look forward to welcoming cruise ships and passengers back to Australian waters,” Minister for Trade, Tourism and Investment, Dan Tehan, said in a statement.