Australia cancels cruise for 30 days
THE Australian Government has announced the suspension of all international cruise ship arrivals for 30 days, effective from midnight last night, and has advised all Australians to “reconsider their need for overseas travel at this time”.
The Government has also enacted a 14-day self-isolation rule (CW breaking news) for anyone arriving to Australia from overseas, with states and territories to determine penalties for those that do not comply.
“In specific cases where we have Australians on cruise ships then there will be some bespoke arrangements.. .to ensure the relevant protections are put in place,” said PM Scott Morrison.
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) revealed that cruise lines are working around the clock to ensure a “safe and smooth return for affected ships at sea, and on arrangements for the disembarkation of passengers”.
“Despite challenging times, we are confident our industry has the resilience to overcome this situation in the longer term,” a spokesperson for CLIA said.
The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) has also commended cruise lines and the Australian Government for taking a “proactive and co-ordinated stance at this time to help minimise the further spread of coronavirus”.
“We believe that the 30-day ban on cruise ship entry is a reasonable response to the current situation which can be rolled out for longer depending on the spread of the virus,” said ACA CEO Jill Abel.
MEANWHILE, New Zealand has banned all cruise ships from entering its borders until 30 Jun, with the New Zealand Cruise
Association (NZCA) estimating a total of 141 ship visits and 45 voyages will be cancelled (CW breaking news).
“This will have a significant effect on the New Zealand tourist economy and impact severely on NZCA members,” said NZCA CEO Kevin O’Sullivan, saying the association would lobby for the ban to be lifted earlier.
More cruise lines have temporarily suspended all global operations, including Royal Caribbean Cruises; Carnival Cruise Line and P&O Cruises; Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings; MSC Cruises; CMV; Windstar; and Seabourn Cruises (CW breaking news).