The ban was put in place on March 18, 2020, to protect Australians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Omicron
Hunt was advised by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee that the current wave of Omicron cases warrants a further extension of the emergency period.
Cruise Lines International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz said it is hoped Friday’s extension will be the last before international cruise ships can return to Australia.
Hope on the horizon
‘Though the cruise ban has been extended, we can now see hope for thousands of Australians whose livelihoods depend on cruise tourism,’ Katz said.
‘Australia is still the only major cruise market in the world without confirmed plans for cruising’s resumption, so it’s important that governments work in partnership with the cruise industry to achieve a swift solution.
‘Most cruise lines have cancelled sailings through to the end of May and it will take several months to prepare ships for their return, so we need governments to sign off on industry protocols as soon as possible so we can begin a careful and responsible revival of cruise tourism in Australia.’
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