AUSTRALIA’S cruise ship prohibition (CW 16 Mar) has been extended again, with the restriction on cruise ships entering Australian waters lengthened for a further three months, until 17 Sep. The move was confirmed in an update from the Australian Border Force (ABF), which said the extension was a consequence of...
AUSTRALIA’S cruise ship prohibition (CW 16 Mar) has been extended again, with the restriction on cruise ships entering Australian waters lengthened for a further three months, until 17 Sep.
The move was confirmed in an update from the Australian Border Force (ABF), which said the extension was a consequence of an extension by the Governor General, based on the human biosecurity emergency period.
This has in turn allowed federal Health Minister Greg Hunt to continue to exercise his emergency powers under the Biosecurity Act to prevent or control the spread of COVID-19.
Last week Hunt extended his previous determination (CW 30 Mar) “to prohibit the arrival at an Australian port of any international cruise ship that has left a foreign port,” with the ABF noting the restrictions included both direct arrivals and round-trip cruises from Australia.
The restriction was first implemented on 27 Mar, at which point there were 28 international cruise ships in Australian waters which were forced to depart.
“The Australian Border Force has been in constant contact with the cruise industry which has been cooperative and understands the Government’s overwhelming priority to ensure the health and safety of the broader Australian community,” the ABF update noted.
The announcement saw an immediate response from Carnival Corporation, which confirmed the suspension of local operations under its Carnival Cruise Line, P&O and Princess and brands through until 17 Sep, in line with the revised Government ruling.
