COVID-19 and Cruising

Cruise ships visiting Australian ports

For communities welcoming cruise ships around Australia, there is no need for concern. Important measures are in place in response to coronavirus (COVID-19) to ensure that health and safety remain the highest priorities.

• The majority of more than 270 cruise ships globally continue to sail unaffected by the virus, including within Australasia – but with strict precautions in place.
• No cruise ships have travelled directly from China to Australia. Many of the vessels operating in this region have been in Australasian waters for some time.
• CLIA ocean cruise lines have introduced stringent measures including pre-screening processes to determine a person’s travel and contact history. They will deny boarding to anyone who may present an increased risk.
• No passengers or crew are permitted to board if they have come from or visited Iran, South Korea or China (including Hong Kong and Macau) in the 14 days before embarkation. These restrictions are in addition to those introduced by the Australian Government and other nations including New Zealand.
• Ships have medical facilities and medical professionals available around the clock to provide medical care in the event of illness and to prevent disease transmission.
• Cruise lines have extensive experience providing for a clean and sanitized environment aboard cruise ships, with daily procedures as well as enhanced efforts, as needed, consistent with shipboard Outbreak Prevention and Response Plans.
• Cruise lines are in close consultation with health authorities globally, including the World Health Organization, Australia’s Department of Health, and state health authorities.
• Reporting procedures are in place to ensure Australian authorities are aware of any relevant illness prior to a ship’s arrival.

About Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) – One Industry, One Voice

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world’s largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community. The association covers 5 regions globally with representation in North and South America, Europe, Asia and Australasia. CLIA supports policies and practices that foster a safe, secure, healthy and sustainable cruise ship environment for the more than 28 million passengers who cruise annually and is dedicated to promoting the cruise travel experience. The CLIA Community is comprised of the world’s most prestigious ocean, river and specialty cruise lines; a highly trained and certified travel agent community; and cruise line suppliers and partners, including ports & destinations, ship development, suppliers and business services. The organisation’s mission is to be the unified global organisation that helps the industry succeed by advocating, educating and promoting for the common interests of the cruise community. For more information, visit www.cruising.org.au or follow CLIA Australasia on Facebook and Twitter.