As the world grapples with the COVID-19 pandemic, travel and tourism have taken a massive hit. One industry that has been particularly hard hit is the cruise industry, with many countries closing their ports to cruise ships.
Australia, a popular destination for cruise ships, has also been affected by this global crisis. So, are cruise ships still going to Australia? Let’s find out.
Current Situation
As of now, Australia has closed its borders to international visitors until further notice. This means that all incoming travelers, including those coming on cruise ships, are not allowed to enter the country. This decision was taken by the Australian government in March 2020 and has been extended several times since then.
Impact on Cruise Ships
The ban on international visitors has had a significant impact on the cruise industry in Australia. Cruise lines have had to cancel or reschedule their itineraries that included stops in Australia. The country is a popular destination for many cruises because of its scenic beauty and diverse wildlife.
Steps Taken by Cruise Lines
Cruise lines have taken several steps to cope with the situation. Some have canceled their itineraries entirely while others have rescheduled them for later dates. Many cruise lines have also introduced flexible booking policies that allow passengers to change or cancel their bookings without any penalty.
The Future of Cruising in Australia
The future of cruising in Australia remains uncertain as long as the borders remain closed. However, there is hope that once the pandemic is under control and international travel resumes, cruise lines will be able to resume their operations in Australia.
Health and Safety Measures
To ensure passenger safety once cruising resumes, many cruise lines are introducing new health and safety measures such as mandatory testing before boarding, social distancing protocols onboard, enhanced cleaning procedures, and more.
Domestic Cruising
While international travel is still uncertain, many cruise lines are turning to domestic cruising as a way to keep their operations running. Domestic cruises within Australia have been allowed since November 2020, and many cruise lines have already started offering these cruises. These cruises allow passengers to explore the beauty of Australia while adhering to local health and safety guidelines.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cruise ships are not currently going to Australia due to the country’s ban on international visitors. However, cruise lines are taking steps to cope with the situation and ensure passenger safety once cruising resumes. Domestic cruising is also becoming popular in Australia as a way for cruise lines to keep their operations running while adhering to local health and safety guidelines.