‘Over the last few months, Scenic has been working closely with industry bodies such as the Cruise Lines International Association and the relevant federal, state and territory government authorities, agencies and national health committees to ensure we comply with all the protocols to operate in the Kimberley region,’ Scenic Group GM Sales and Marketing Australasia Anthony Laver said.
Foreign-flag restrictions
‘However, despite the Scenic management and operations teams' best efforts, the existing restrictions regarding international flagged vessels means that it is currently not feasible for Scenic Eclipse to operate in Australian domestic waters,’ Laver said.
Continued uncertainty
‘We were preparing to bring Scenic Eclipse from the northern hemisphere to Australia with a fully quarantined, tested and vaccinated crew on a 30-plus-day journey at sea and to operate in full compliance with the strict procedures specified by the various government agencies.
‘With the continued uncertainty on the timing for permits and approvals to be granted, it is not possible for us to relocate the ship and crew in the hope that at some stage these restrictions may be lifted.’
Laver said the company looks forward to showcasing Scenic Eclipse, touted as ‘the benchmark in six-star ultra-luxury cruising,’ to Australian passengers in the future.
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