CLIA pushes for restart

The upcoming 17 Sep expiry of the current Biosecurity Emergency Period which bans international outbound travel for Australians and foreign-flagged cruise ships in local waters is very likely to be extended, but Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is optimistic about a possible easing of restrictions that could allow a Dec resumption of domestic cruising.

Speaking at a major CLIA Cruise Forum on Fri, CLIA Australasia Chairman Gavin Smith said rather than the three month renewal which has now occurred six times since the pandemic’s onset, rising vaccination rates could potentially see the ban renewed on a rolling 30-day basis this time.

The day-long forum, which saw over 1,800 registrations over four sessions, highlighted the significant process which had been made in ensuring the safety of cruising, including the contribution of Singapore Tourism Board Director of Cruise Development, Annie Chang, who noted that just one case of COVID-19 had been detected on board during the island nation’s successful restart with Dream Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

Participants noted the strong partnerships in other jurisdictions where cruising had already resumed, including MSC Cruises CEO Gianni Onorato, who attributed the line’s ability to recommence cruising to the company’s close relationship with the Italian Government.

Sessions also highlighted the key role cruising can play in securing the future of travel agents, with Virtuoso Senior VP Michael Londregan speaking about cruise being an area where advisors have the ability to add significant value for their clients.

More from the CLIA forum in today’s issue of Cruise Weekly.