Cruises Return to Australia
Posted On: 03/25/2022
Starting in April, Australia is lifting its ban on international cruise ships after nearly two years. This last change effectively ends all of Australia’s COVID-related travel bans and pandemic restrictions.
The move comes as welcome relief to Australia’s travel industry. After years of cancelled cruises and uncertainty, travellers are eager to get back on the open waters.
It has not been smooth sailing for the cruise industry through the pandemic. Australia first banned cruises back in March 2020, which was seen as a primary source of Australia’s initial infections. Pre-pandemic, Australia welcomed around 600,000 cruise ship passengers each year on over 350 vessels.
Australia fully reopened its airport. With 81% of Australia fully vaccinated, the federal government has promised not to renew the current cruise restrictions beyond April 17.
What does this Mean for Travellers?
While exciting news for the tourism industry, the change is not expected to be immediate. P&O is expected to resume cruises after May 31, and Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Celebrity Cruises are expected to resume cruise services by October. Most other cruise lines are not expected to resume activity until the end of 2022.
If you’ve been looking to take an Australian cruise, however, now’s the time to book. And don’t forget about ground transportation. Redy2GO offers convenient shuttle services to Sydney cruises and more. We’re ready for cruises, are you?