| Princess pledges to support probe

PRINCESS Cruises has welcomed the NSW Government investigation into the Ruby Princess (CW yesterday), with the cruise line’s President, Jan Swartz, confirming Princess would be a willing participant.

NSW Premier, Gladys Berejiklian, yesterday announced an unprecedented Commission of Inquiry into the ship’s docking in Sydney last month, which led to the spread of coronavirus into the community as passengers disembarked without screening.

There are actually three probes under way – a coronial inquiry, a NSW Police “Strike force” involving 30 detectives, and the new Commission of Inquiry which will be led by prominent barrister Bret Walker SC and report back to the Government in 3-4 months.

Princess Cruises once again expressed its deep sadness over the impact coronavirus was having across the globe.

Swartz said the world had a common enemy in COVID-19, adding “this Commission of Inquiry is an opportunity for all to learn from this tragic event.

“There are no doubt important lessons to be learned as we seek to understand how the virus works and continue to adapt to a world with COVID-19,” she said.

“What happened on Ruby Princess reflected what was happening in the world…even at the time the ship left Sydney, international flights were coming to Australia, the borders were still open and major sporting events were still being played to packed stadiums,” Swartz added.

“This was an unprecedented global situation and everyone involved was no doubt making the best decisions they could at the time”.

Swartz (pictured) said Princess had worked closely with Australian authorities over many years, building and investing in the local cruise sector.

“It is painful for Princess to be in a situation of potential conflict with those we work with and respect…we hope these inquiries will provide a basis for fair, open and positive discussions that will allow us all to learn more about this virus and rebuild connections between all of us.”