25k cruise jobs on hold after Budget bombshell

CRUISE chiefs have been dealt a “devastating blow” with the federal budget placing 25,000 jobs in limbo as airlines gear towards a gradual return to international destinations.

The Budget papers revealed international travel was “expected to remain low through to mid-2022” although some “safe travel zones” may reopen.

The news has blindsided Australia’s peak cruising body, which says thousands will be out of work for up to a year more.

Under the Biosecurity Act, no cruise ships capable of carrying more than 100 passengers can operate in Australia until June 17, when international borders were due to reopen. This order has meant there can be no cruising interstate, where borders are open, or within the trans-tasman bubble.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) chief Joel Klatz says he expects the order to be extended, which will be “devastating” for the industry’s workers. “Many thousands of travel agents and other Australian businesses, who no longer have JobKeeper support, have been effectively cut off from their livelihoods.”

It’s estimated 18,000 of the 25,000 full-time positions impacted by the international travel ban on cruise lines are within Australia.