CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has confirmed Vasco da Gama, which is currently carrying 798 Australians and 109 New Zealanders on board, is due to arrive in Fremantle in WA on Fri. The vessel, which the cruise line stresses has reported no cases of COVID-19, has spent 13 consecutive days...
CRUISE & Maritime Voyages (CMV) has confirmed Vasco da Gama, which is currently carrying 798 Australians and 109 New Zealanders on board, is due to arrive in Fremantle in WA on Fri.
The vessel, which the cruise line stresses has reported no cases of COVID-19, has spent 13 consecutive days at sea and follows an audacious passenger swap operation with Columbus off the coast of Thailand last week (CW 13 Mar).
The unusual exchange was undertaken at sea in light of ongoing port closures in a bid to expedite the routes home for passengers on both ships.
CMV added that it has been in constant contact with Australian Border Force, which has stated the ship’s passengers should not make onward travel plans any earlier than 2pm local time on Fri so that crucial screening procedures can take place.
The West Australian Government has also mandated that all passengers must remain on board Vasco da Gama until arrangements have been made for guests to be privately transported directly either to their homes or to the airport.
To ensure this process happens smoothly, the vessel will remain in Fremantle overnight on Fri 27 Mar, with some guests to remain on board for longer time periods subject to screening outcomes.
The line is also requesting pax who have already arranged flights to their final destination to depart the ship no later then the evening of Sat 28 Mar.
“We would like to thank our guests and staff presently on board Vasco da Gama, as well as shore-side officials, those impacted by curtailed or cancelled cruises, and our travel agent partners for their great support, understanding and patience during this time,” said CMV Australia MD Dean Brazier.
When the ship arrives in Fremantle, CMV said its 552 crew members will remain on board.
Vasco da Gama originally left Fremantle on 12 Feb on a Grand Northbound Voyage to Britain.
