This was published 1 year ago
Cruising in Australia: New COVID-19 protocols aim to keep passengers safe
By Katherine Scott
Pacific Explorer is the first international cruise ship to resume sailing in Australian waters.
Cruising is back in Australia after a two-year suspension, but the threat of COVID-19 remains. So what does this mean for cruise passengers as Australia enters the colder months and COVID-19 reinfections and flu cases spike around the country?
On Tuesday, P&O's Pacific Explorer launched the first Australian passenger cruise since the federal government lifted its ban in April, with a range of strict new COVID-safe regulations.
The cruise industry's highly-publicised restart has triggered a wave of interest from consumers, among them Sydney mum Natalie Hawke, who says she isn't deterred by the risk of COVID.
Natalie Hawke is a four-time cruiser and happy to see ships returning to Sydney Harbour.Credit: James Alcock
"COVID is just a part of life now, along with any other illness or virus, and I'm confident the cruise industry has put the very best practices in place to ensure the safety of passengers," says Hawke, who went on four cruises with her family prior to the pandemic.
"I believe many people are over the hype of COVID and just want to enjoy their lives and take precautions like they would otherwise."
Flight Centre consultant Katrina Van Der Merwe says that since cruising's resumption was announced, they've been inundated with customer queries.
"There has been a huge spike in cruise questions. We're flat out – and loving every minute of it," says Van Der Merwe.
"There have been concerns and questions about COVID and protocols. We've been in constant contact with our specialists and companies regarding up-to-date policies and procedures."
Joel Katz, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) managing director, says the health protocols cruise lines have adopted globally are among the most stringent in the tourism industry.
"They have been developed with the help of leading medical experts internationally," says Katz.
He says Australia's delay in resuming cruising has also given local operators insight into the efficacy of cruising protocols.
"The cruise industry's measures have been shown to be effective in more than 90 other countries where cruising is already operating," says Katz.
"Millions of people have sailed successfully in countries where these measures are in place since operations began resuming in late 2020.
"Importantly, these measures have resulted in significantly lower levels of serious illness and hospitalisation than on land."
The Australian government's cruise ban in March 2020 followed an outbreak on board the Ruby Princess, where the vessel docked in Sydney and authorities allowed thousands of passengers to disembark before going through COVID-19 checks. It was one of several high-profile COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships around the world.
Among the new procedures the cruise industry has since introduced are testing and vaccination requirements, health screenings, mask wearing requirements, and extensive distancing, sanitation, ventilation protocols and response procedures.
In the event a passenger, or passengers, do contract the virus, cruise operators are ready to act, according to Katz.
"Ships have enhanced on board medical facilities and medical staffing, with capabilities for testing, isolating and treating potential COVID-19 cases," says Katz.
"They include detailed response plans, contact tracing and dedicated isolation cabins. Any cases will be managed in line with response plans agreed in advance with state governments, and will be cared for and disembarked in accordance with health authority direction."
Another top concern among travellers is the cost of a COVID-19 diagnosis.
Canstar finance expert Steve Mickenbecker says cruise insurance cover is generally offered as an optional extra, and the level of COVID cover varies between policies.
"There's a real hierarchy in levels of cover, from no cover at all, to medical only, to medical and cancellation. So travellers should be careful and read the policy carefully to ensure they're getting what they want," Mickenbecker says.
It's worth noting too that if a ship does experience an outbreak and you don't feel comfortable remaining on the cruise, it's unlikely you'll be covered for any early-departure or cancellation costs incurred.
"The virus has got to be contracted by you or your travel companion before it will trigger a claim. So you can't just be nervous that someone else has it," says Mickenbecker.
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