CLIA urges return for local cruising
CRUISE Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has urged the Australian Government not to extend the current Biosecurity Order which is preventing cruising (CW 03 Sep), and instead implement a “conditional process that would allow cruise lines to progress towards approval for a carefully managed resumption in 2021”.
The order is set to expire on 17 Dec, in just over two weeks, with Managing Director Australasia Joel Katz unveiling proposals which would see the first resumed voyages operate within state or national borders.
“This would initially involve restricted local cruises for local residents only, with limited passenger numbers, 100% testing of guests and crew, and extensive screening and sanitation protocols in place,” he said.
“Working with Governments and health authorities, cruising can progress a responsible restart domestically within Australia, using ships and crew that have gone through all required quarantine procedures,” he said.
“Ships and crew would then remain within the Australian safezone or bubble, offering cruising to locals within Australia until international borders reopen.”
Katz noted the extensive new health measures that have been developed by cruise lines in response to COVID-19, guided by medical and scientific experts.
“This work has already supported initial resumptions in several jurisdictions around the world,” he added.
Plans presented meet or exceed the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA) guidelines, and cover quarantine of ships and crew on return to Australia and for ongoing crew movements without putting additional burden on existing hotel quarantine systems.
Lines would undertake 100% pre-boarding health screening and COVID-19 testing for all passengers and crew, daily health monitoring and temperature checks on board, limited passenger numbers and restricted capacity in onboard venues & the removal of self-service buffets.
Ventilation strategies would increase fresh air and where feasible, utilise enhanced filters and other technologies, and risk assessments would be undertaken for port visits to ensure appropriate shoreside systems are in place.
The call for resumption comes alongside new figures showing a $2 billion impact on the Australian economy from the local cruise shutdown this year more on page 2.