Troubled waters end in sight

CRUISE ships could return to Queensland within months in a multi-million-dollar windfall for the state as the industry eyes life after COVID.

The cruise industry was brought to a shuddering halt during the coronavirus pandemic, but companies are now taking bookings for this year, with a huge surge in demand for Queensland itineraries on Carnival, the world’s biggest cruise line.

Carnival, which hopes to resume cruises to Brisbane and beyond by late April, has experienced a 400 per cent increase in demand in Queensland voyages since announcing a delay on international itineraries in a move set to inject an estimated $16.7m into the Queensland economy.

Carnival hopes to run cruises to Queensland waters out of Sydney from late April, while the Carnival Spirit is expected to be based in Queensland from late June.

Cairns ($6.8m), Port Douglas ($3.7m), Airlie Beach ($5.4m), and Moreton Island ($800K) are the destinations that will be included within new itineraries.

While the developing situation in Sydney could prompt changes, Carnival bosses are hopeful cruise ships will soon be visiting Queensland destinations, including Moreton Island, Airlie Beach and ports further north.

Carnival Australia vicepresident Jennifer Vandekreeke said the company was buoyed by the demand for Queensland cruises.

“We are going to be back with bells on. We’re still in the hands of the state and federal governments, but there is already a lot of excitement about getting cruising back.

“We’re getting a great response on bookings and we know there’s lots of passengers who can’t wait for us to come back so that’s really exciting.”

Cruising has come under the microscope during the pandemic, with the Ruby Princess debacle sparking a special commission of inquiry.