Northern Territory lifts restriction on cruise ship capacity

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Joel Katz said all coastal states and territories are gearing for the coming Australian summer cruise season
The Northern Territory government has lifted the cap of a total of 350 passengers and crew on visiting cruise ships that was introduced earlier this year.

However, some restrictions still apply, like having a health practitioner onboard every vessel and insisting Port Darwin is the first port of call for ships arriving in the Northern Territory.

Western Australia still has a ban on large ships that will be lifted on October 1 when they will be welcomed at ports around the state, including Fremantle, Esperance, Albany, Busselton, Bunbury, Geraldton, Exmouth and Port Hedland.

Recovery in Australia’s north

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia MD Joel Katz welcomed the NT government’s ‘post emergency’ direction, saying the industry can now look forward to the next stages of cruising’s recovery in Australia’s north.

‘Expedition cruise lines have been operating successfully in the Northern Territory for many months and the decision to open up to larger ships is a sign of confidence in the health protocols cruise lines have in place,’ Katz said.

Pathway to revival

‘Along with the measures established in other states, the Northern Territory’s announcement means that all Australian coastal states and territories have now laid out their pathway to a responsible revival of cruise tourism as we approach the summer season ahead.’