Removal of Covid-era measures in Australia confirmed

August 28, 2023 – Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) today welcomed confirmation from NSW Premier Chris Minns that cruise-specific Covid-19 measures have been removed, effective immediately.

This follows advice on Friday from Australia’s Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly that measures had been removed at the federal level after a decision by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

“This brings Australia into line with other countries internationally and gives clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the coming summer cruise season,” said CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz. “As the last major cruise destination to maintain cruise-specific measures, Australia’s ongoing testing and vaccination requirements had been causing increasing confusion among travellers, particularly as measures on land and at airports had been removed.”

Mr Katz said the NSW Premier had written to CLIA confirming the move, and that other states were expected to make similar adjustments in line with the AHPPC announcement.

The revival of cruise operations in Australia has been carefully managed since the middle of last year and many hundreds of thousands of Australians have sailed successfully in local waters.

“The cruise industry’s top priority will continue to be the health and safety of guests, crew and the communities we visit,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise lines will continue to abide by their own robust health and safety measures and hygiene standards, and the industry will work closely with health authorities into the future.”