eastern seaboard cruise protocols nsw

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‘Aren’t needed: Covid measures scrapped on cruises

Passengers in one state will no longer be under mask and vaccine mandates, with the Premier declaring: “We need to get life back to normal.”

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Covid vaccination mandates and mask rules will finally be ditched for passengers on cruise ships embarking from NSW ports, with Premier Chris Minns declaring: “We need to get life back to normal.”

Previously, passengers over the age of 12 had to be fully vaccinated prior to embarking on a cruise ship. Travellers also had to abide by enforced mask-wearing when embarking and disembarking and had to present a negative Covid test prior to departure.

On Monday, the NSW government announced it had formally signed paperwork that removed the rules from the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, which also covers travellers embarking from Victoria, Queensland and Western Australia.

Mr Minns said it was time to “get life back to normal”.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed anymore,” he said.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.”

Tourism Minister John Graham thanked the industry for implementing the health protocols during the pandemic and welcomed the change before the summer holiday season.

“The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate,” he said.

“These protocols were important after Covid but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.”

While the remaining states have yet to formally rescind the rules, the federal health body has advocated for the removal of the Covid public health measures.

On Friday, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee downgraded managing Covid-19 on cruise ships to bring measures in line with other communicable diseases and stated there was “no longer a need” for specific recommendations and guidance.

However, it said cruise ships remained a “higher risk setting for communicable disease,” like gastroenteritis, respiratory infections, the flu and Covid-19.

“These viral infections can be serious, particularly for people who are at higher risk of severe illness,” the statement said.

“The risk is higher on-board cruise ships than in the general community due to the high numbers of people mixing in relatively closed spaces and the typically longer duration of cruises compared to other transport.”

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Australia finally scraps COVID cruise ship protocols

Following last week's announcement that Australian COVID protocols affecting the cruise industry would be lifted, New South Wales (NSW) promptly and officially ended them on Monday, August 28th, 2023. Other Australian states, including Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia (WA), are expected to do the same.

In April 2022, the government introduced pandemic-related guidelines to support the struggling Australian cruise industry. These guidelines included mask-wearing, mandatory vaccination for cruise passengers aged 12 and older, and the requirement of negative COVID test results. As the nation's immunity to the virus improved, these measures became less necessary and more cumbersome for both cruise lines and passengers.

On Monday, NSW Premier Chris Minns formally eliminated the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols, emphasizing the need to return to normalcy. In alignment with this decision, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), a division of the country's health department, removed cruise vaccination protocols and updated their health guidelines. Australia's Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, noted that other Australian states are likely to follow suit.

The proposal to remove pandemic-related protocols received widespread support from passengers, cruise lines, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) when it was initially suggested last week.

• Australia News

'We need to get life back to normal': New South Wales Premier Chris Minns axes COVID-19 protocols on cruise ships

The NSW Premier has officially removed vaccine mandates and mask rules on cruise ships in line with updated advice from the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee.

New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has ended remaining COVID rules for cruising as the recovering cruise ship industry prepares for a busy summer on the high seas.

The Cruise Protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier Minns signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols and said axing the rules was part of getting “life back to normal”.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more,” he said in a statement.  

At the time, the participating state governments – NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA – approved the cruise protocols, which were implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The four state governments have now agreed there is no longer a need for the formal protocols due to increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these four states.

The rules also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise,” he said.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.”  

The Labor Premier’s move followed updated advice by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

On Friday, the AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a “higher risk setting for communicable disease” and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

Mr Minns explained that the restrictions were designed to be temporary and Australia remains the only country which continues to enforce the mandates on cruise ships.

“This change is needed, we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising,” he said.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID (but) they were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park welcomed the changes and says the state remains committed to minimising the risks of COVID-19 infection as much as possible.

“The decision to repeal the Cruise Protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible,” he said.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

The news comes about three and a half years after the ill-fated cruise ship the Ruby Princess docked in Sydney harbour in March 2020 and created one of Australia’s first COVID outbreaks.

The Carnival Australia ship was later to linked to about 10 per cent of Australia’s early COVID cases after infected passengers were allowed to disembark by NSW Health.

Then-Premier Gladys Berejiklian later publicly apologised to anyone who "suffered as a result of the mistake". 

NSW Police also launched a criminal investigation into whether the operator of the ship broke biosecurity laws by deliberately concealing COVID cases.

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Cruise ship Covid protocols scrapped ahead of busy season

Posted by Abby Williams | 28th August, 2023

NEW South Wales premier Chris Minns has scrapped remaining Covid mandates for the cruise sector.

The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols were introduced in April 2022 after the federal government lifted its nationwide ban on cruising .

The state governments of NSW, Queensland, Victoria and WA approved the protocols, and the cruise industry has implemented them on a voluntary basis.

The protocols aimed to support the safe resumption of cruising after the ban lifted. They stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in the four states.

The protocols also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative Covid test results prior to departure.

Mr Minns has now signed paperwork formally removing these protocols.

Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to Covid-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

“We need to get life back to normal,” Mr Minns said. “We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.

“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after Covid. They were never meant to remain forever.”

NSW minister for tourism John Graham said the 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record.

“These protocols were important after Covid but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them,” he said.

“The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.”

The premier’s decision follows an announcement on Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee, which rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee noted that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

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Home » News » NSW officially free from all COVID cruising regulations

NSW officially free from all COVID cruising regulations

The NSW premier has officially removed all rules surrounding COVID on cruise ships, furthering his goals of getting ‘life back to normal.’

Chris Minns signed NSW out of the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols as of 28 August, which he deemed out of date.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more,” Premier, NSW, Chris Minns, said in a statement.

“Passengers can take  {sic} their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise ship.”

NSW joined Victoria, Queensland in Western Australia in enforcing a set of protocols that included passengers over the age of 12 needing to be vaccinated and mandating masks when embarking and disembarking the ship.

The news follows an announcement from the Premier last week that outlined his stance on the issue, committing to the removal of all COVID protocols.

Joel Katz, the managing director of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) welcomed the decision.

“This brings Australia into line with other countries internationally and gives clarity to cruise passengers ahead of the coming summer cruise season,” Katz, said.

“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.”

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Federal Government confirms cruise vaccination review

The Federal Government has confirmed it is reviewing conflicting cruise vaccination protocols, raising the hopes of thousands of unvaccinated cruisers that they may, at last, be allowed back on ships.

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee should announce its vaccine mandate review within the week – just in time for the new cruise season, which kicks off in September.

After that, the Federal Government will make its recommendation, with the states expected will follow.

Cruise Passenger has been leading reporting of the debate, which has divided cruise passengers. It is believed to affect families travelling with children and teenagers, who at the time, were ineligible to be vaccinated.

Current regulations

Currently, the Federal Government has no vaccination mandates in place for cruises. But NSW, Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland abide by the Eastern Seaboard Protocols based on advice from the federal Communicable Disease Network Australia.

In a letter seen by Cruise Passenger, Shenuka Wraight, Director of the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet confirmed the review to Tamworth state MP, Kevin Anderson.

Wraight wrote: “The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australia Cruise Protocols, together with the Communicable Disease Network Australia National Guidelines for Cruising, provide a framework to support the cruise industry in managing Covid-19 risks. 

“The CDNA is currently undertaking a holistic review of the guidelines, with a view to finalising this work prior to the start of the next summer cruising season.” 

Wraight’s advice of a review, now confirmed by Cruise Passenger with the Australian Government, Department of Health and Aged Care, is highly significant, given government bodies have so far remained silent on any changes to the rules.

Cruisers have been vocal about wanting to end vaccine mandates.

In a poll on a Royal Caribbean Facebook group, of 768 people asked, three-quarters of the respondents said they wanted to allow everyone to cruise. The remaining quarter said they wanted to keep the rules in place.

The current situation

Currently, the Federal Government has no vaccination mandates for cruises, but NSW, Western Australia, Victoria and Queensland abide by the Eastern Seaboard Protocols. They were based on advice from the CDNA, which falls under the Federal Department of Health and Aged Care. 

The Department of Health and Aged Care confirmed the current review.

“The CDNA National Guidelines for Cruising in Australia are being reviewed ahead of the next cruising season.

“State and territory governments are responsible for The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.”

Essentially, while the states set their own rules, they remain informed by Federal health advice.

Current CDNA guidelines state: “At a minimum, the cruise operator should ensure that at least 95% of passengers aged 12 years and over are ‘fully vaccinated’.”

If this recommendation changes, then it’s likely Australians will no longer need the jab to cruise.

Australia remains one of the few global destinations still enforcing vaccination mandates. Viking Cruises has announced they will be lifting vaccination requirements (where not enforced by the government) on November 1, 2023. This marks the last major cruise line to uphold any vaccination requirements after the countries they’re sailing in have dropped them. 

Generally, lines have not just dropped vaccination requirements when able but also removed testing and mask requirements. 

Cruise Passenger is awaiting official comment from the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet.

What could change after the review? 

• The vaccination requirement that all passengers 12 and older must be ‘fully vaccinated’ to board a cruise ship 
• That is all crew must be vaccinated 
• The requirement for pre-cruise healthy screenings 
• The requirement that symptomatic passengers on the day of boarding must be referred for extra medical assessment 
• The requirement for symptomatic passengers to return a negative PCR test before boarding
• The requirement for a pre-cruise PCR or RAT test
• The requirement for the crew to test every 14-days or when showing symptoms 
• The requirement for cruise lines to provide free initial medical assessments for respiratory symptoms 
• The requirement to isolate for five days following a positive Covid test result 

What are people saying? 

Many cruisers are nervously awaiting the results of the review. Including those who have cruises booked despite not being vaccinated and those with younger children who aren’t vaccinated. 

Ben Vee wrote on one forum: “We are due to pay our cruise balance by the end of September, and I’m not confident they’ll decide before that time.

“We’re in limbo at the moment. We’re really looking forward to the cruise, but if we have to cancel that’s around $4800 we’re not going to pay.”

Kylie Barnfield said her daughter is just about to turn 12, the current age cut-off for vaccination requirements. But she does not want to vaccinate her daughter just for a cruise. 

“My daughter turns 12 in January and she’s had Covid twice. I’m choosing not to vaccinate her but would love to take her on another cruise. 

“Very frustrating and ridiculous.”

For more information on cruise vaccination rules, click here .

Just a note: It’s the State Government that sets the Covid protocols, based on Federal Government department advice, not the cruise lines.

Very sad. Booked, paid and cancelled my dream cruise with Cunard. They want 02 vaccinations+Booster for all voyages leaving Sydney.

No more boosters to cruise.

Shall await the reviews

Change , this is discrimination! We need change.

I think the RAT test is now OTT. Perhaps anyone who has cold or flu symptoms at embarkation should be tested, but the vast majority of responsible people shouldn’t have to be tested. I agree that the nature of cruise ships is there are many people who will be close together for an extended period of time, but so are crowded buses and trains and restrictions have been lifted there. I for one will be wearing a mask in crowded areas and sanitising hands, but that is my choice. I am fully vaccinated BTW.

The below is a email that I received from the Queensland Government DLO department yesterday (2102023). I have even rang and they have confirmed on the phone that all requirement for queenslanders to be vaccinated was revoked on 31st of October 2022. Carnival Cruises have told me that they are only doing what the government has told them they have to do. The below tells a different story.Someone is lying to us.

I am advised that the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA) developed a set of nationally consistent principles for cruising in Australia (the Guidelines). The principles in these Guidelines were adapted into the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols (the Protocols), which were designed to support the resumption of cruising in Australia in 2022. The Guidelines and Protocols, including passenger COVID-19 vaccination requirements, are currently under a national review to ensure they are consistent with how COVID-19 is now being managed in the community.

The declared COVID-19 public health emergency in Queensland ended on 31 October 2022, when all remaining public health directions were revoked. Compliance with this Protocol by the cruise industry is therefore voluntary.

The testing and vax requirements should be dropped now that the virus is understood more, obviously covid will continue to go around but it’s up to our own personal responsibility to look after our health. Take your boosters if you want, mask if you want, if you think the risk is high then don’t go. Simple. I’m not getting any more jabs and if they try making it required for cruising I know a heck of a lot of us will simply spend our money elsewhere.

It’s past time to drop the Covid vaccination and testing requirements. Travel needs to get back to pre-Covid without all the hassles and requirements.

I think the vaccinated should be banned instead for a while and let’s see how outbreaks go. My guess is there wouldn’t be any except within the crew who are all vaccinated too. The vaccinated are incubating the virus mutations with their waning immunity and should stay home where they are safe. Particularly the ones like Sean who are whining and moaning that teenagers aren’t ‘bothering to get vaccinated’ for a cold. Can’t wait to get on board and spread all the covid around.

I cannot believe that it has taken the government this long to review the vaccine.

I have been ready to go on a cruise and spend over $8000 but have not been able to because of this ridiculous mandate.

I am healthy and do not need any vaccine as my immune system can handle the fight like it should

I and everyone I know that has not had the vaccine will never be a threat to the community. This was just implied as a threat in order to scare people to get the vaccine.

Unfortunately some had no choice and I feel sorry for those who jobs were threaten because of this.

I hope this decision is resolved soon so I can start enjoying more holidays without being interrogated.

Maintain the full vaccination requirements.

Cruise ships have, on multiple occasions, proven to be incubators for COVID 19 spread.

If you can’t be bothered to get vaccinated to keep yourself or others safe onboard – then don’t cruise – just camp by the beach and watch the rest of us sail on by.

Maximum sympathies to those, who, for medical reasons, can’t get vaccinated.

But the anti-jabbers can remain as permanent land lubbers until they see sense.

Next time I cruise – I want to know that all aboard are FULLY vaccinated and tested – no exceptions.

Enjoy your cruise!

People like Lyndall and Stephen need to understand that the vaccine has been proven completely ineffective and unsafe (even though the gov keep pushing). Unless they have had at least 5 shots or just recovered from covid they are not “up to date” anyway. The unvaxxed are no threat to the health of others – that’s a well disproven fallacy. Let’s lift this discriminatory rule and bring back the freedoms of workers and passengers.

Lyndall Johnson,it’s actually the vaccinated who are spreading covid, not the unvaccinated. The unvaccinated have acquired natural immunity long ago, where as the vaccinated (studies now show) have literally destroyed their immune systems after the second and third dose. And because you have not allowed a 99.97% survivable virus to just come and go naturally, you bought into the fear campaign and now need a jab every 6-12 months to stave off covid. The unvaccinated have never been a threat to the vaccinated.

Take away the mandates all together. They are outdated and discriminatory. If they keep the mandates they should make everyone get up to date with booster every 3 months. I would like to see how long that would last.

I did not realise this was affecting families cruising until we booked for a Christmas holiday. Our grandchildren were not able to book. We instead spent our $12,000 on a houseboat and everyone can join us. Would have liked to be doing it on board a ship with staff doing the cooking etc, but that will have to wait until we can all cruise together. Kelly Roberts.

The current situation is ridiculous. We’ve cruised many times on different cruise lines since July last year (mostly in Australia). We’ve done all the (minimum) vaccinations and followed testing requirements, yet you can fly overseas and catch the same cruise lines with no vaccination, testing, or masks (masks which seem to be only a P&O and Princess obsession, and having your nose stick out is fine!). After just getting back from Europe and Thailand where there isn’t even a mention of Covid-19 Australia and NZ still seem to be obsessed by it (I personally think it’s almost a mental illness now).

I have been fully vaccinated and I have had covid 3 times after being vaccinated. My daughter has not been vaccinated and has never had covid. I will be glad when every person wanting to cruise is able to do so if they choose not be be vaccinated. The immunisation is more of a risk and has caused many complications with some people. People are being forced to be vaccinated and that is taking away their rights. There are more cases of gastric on board cruise ships than there is covid. Bring on the no vacs so families can travel again.

Many people who want to take their children on a cruise are finding they need to vaccinate their 12 year olds. This seems ridiculous now especially since many of them have already caught it at school. I vote for removal of all requirements.

Oh thank god! I am not alone in thinking the test, test test of healthy people is OTT! Did we test for the flu without symptoms prior to 2020? No! If you’re sick stay home, if not then there is no reason to constantly test for a virus. The govt keeps harping on about treating covid ‘like the flu’ but then keeps all these leftover pandemic guidelines in for months after it’s all supposedly over. Everyone who was going to get vaccinated did, anyone who didn’t obviously is not getting any sicker than the rest of us, so IMO, let them back to cruising.

We also have a cruise booked at the end of September. We can’t legally go if they don’t change it before that. It does seem pretty silly to keep the vax mandate when we can fly and cruise from NZ.

I actually feel bad for those who think it’s safer if everyone is vaccinated, this is not something like polio that we can get herd immunity on from vaccines… It’s more like the flu. If you had yours, you should be as safe as you can be, right?… and the virus is circulating through people whether or not they had vaccinations.

About time. As others have said, our kids are being excluded which stops many of us families from being able to cruise. There is no more danger from a teenager or young adult without a vax than an adult who had a couple of vax in 2021, which is the requirements (no boosters needed!) Hopefully they make the change to allow everyone on again sooner rather than later. The few who are scared should stay home if they are really that worried.

Stephen, you are the minority. Unfortunately some of you in that minority have been scared by the media so much that you would rather catch covid from someone vaccinated than someone who has recovered from an infection. Read that again. Most people now realise this vaccine requirement is outdated.

It makes me so angry that these ridiculous mandates are in place. To the people who STILL believe that the vaccines prevent or minimise the impact of COVID must be living under some kind of rock. It’s been proven (and duly noted) in high courts that these vaccines HAVE never been effective, nor safe!

An interesting article about vaccinations. We are cruising next March we are all vaccinated but it would be nice not to have to do any pre testing or masks.

So someone vaccinated 2-3 years ago can cruise although the vaccine was only good for 3-6 months according to Governments Health Depts. In fact they are not vaccinated along with the unvaccinated. Govts say the ‘cruise industry’ support these mandated but I cannot find out the name of the cruise industry responsible. Is this a lie by Govt. One can only wonder! Furthermore if there was an outbreak of covid previously, it was ONLY the vaccinated who spread it. Time to stop this rot and give the unvaccinated back their FREEDOM.

The story quotes passengers as being vocal in wanting the mandate lifted. This is the view of the minority who choose to not vaccinate and risk the health of other passengers. I will not cruise if the mandate is lifted.

Unfortunately this will affect those who may want to cruise, but because of health issues and the danger of catching Covid on board with such a loosening of restrictions means many of us will not now take the risk!

Its way overdue for the blatant discrimination to end, as the actual evidence from large peer reviewed studies have been showing for most of 2023 that the unvaccinated are NO risk, and actually are less likely to get covid again, as the more boosters one has the more often they get infected.

And other studies have shown that immunity from a previous infection with COVID is robust and long lasting, which the vaccines seem to hamper.

Dropping of the vaccination requirements would be a great outcome, as there are no medical grounds upon which to retain them

Next step is travel insurance and their covid coverage

About time! It’s not a vaccination review, it’s a discrimination review! My family and I would have done 4 or 5 cruises by now. I’m still saddened that we’ve been treated like this.

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updates for Australia cruise ship covid protocols

By Twonomads , August 17, 2023 in Australia & New Zealand Cruisers

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LittleFish1976

7 minutes ago, habitatnal said: The Australian state government wants to keep the vaccination requirement not the cruise lines.  Holland America has cruises that are 40 days long with no requirements.  Do you really think that they would offer that cruise with no restrictions but then want to require vaccinations in Australia?  I have heard that the cruise lines are actively campaigning to drop the restrictions in Australia.

I have to point out that Australia is a country and not a state so our government is a Federal government.

Well, it is what it is as far as the covid rules here go. They'll change eventually I suppose but for now, they are what they are and we all have to abide by them.

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1 minute ago, LittleFish1976 said: I have to point out that Australia is a country and not a state so our government is a Federal government.   Well, it is what it is as far as the covid rules here go. They'll change eventually I suppose but for now, they are what they are and we all have to abide by them.  

I know that Australia is a country.  The Australian federal government has dropped all requirements for cruising.  Maybe I wasn’t clear but the reason why I said what I said is because the state governments are the ones still imposing restrictions on cruising.

I want to thank everyone for help me better understand the rules and the issues here.  Please indulge me one more clarification.  

 I need no vaccination or test results to fly into and travel around Australia, just to embark a cruise ship.  I'm asking because we plan on spending 10 days traveling in Australia pre-cruise; so we'll need to bring test kits with us to use prior to embarking.

Relaxing Robbies

24 minutes ago, gdlamberth said: I want to thank everyone for help me better understand the rules and the issues here.  Please indulge me one more clarification.      I need no vaccination or test results to fly into and travel around Australia, just to embark a cruise ship.  I'm asking because we plan on spending 10 days traveling in Australia pre-cruise; so we'll need to bring test kits with us to use prior to embarking.  

That is correct. Bring a test kit with you and do the test within 24 hours before embarking.

Cc cruisers

On 8/18/2023 at 11:17 PM, gdlamberth said: I want to thank everyone for help me better understand the rules and the issues here.  Please indulge me one more clarification.      I need no vaccination or test results to fly into and travel around Australia, just to embark a cruise ship.  I'm asking because we plan on spending 10 days traveling in Australia pre-cruise; so we'll need to bring test kits with us to use prior to embarking.  

That is right at the moment. You can either bring your own tests or purchase one at a pharmacy once here. Enjoy your holiday here, 

The Telegraph is taking credit for the change. I don't know if that is hilarious or incredulous. My eyes must be fading, so I can't tell it the author is Leeming or Lemming.  🤣

 I wonder if the Telegraph has also pushed for the pre-cruise testing to be removed.

I have also heard similar in a sound grab on radio news this morning. The key point for now is the last sentence.... we'll be removing ... which is a pretense.

I wonder when this will take effect?  I would hope that all of Australia would drop protocols and not just NSW.  I would think pre-cruise testing would be dropped as well.

A bit more context, particularly to the real work behind the scenes that has been leading towards the dropping of the protocols.

Government to axe cruise vaccination rules - Cruise Passenge

The 'restrictions which have been cruelling the industry' - what? Is that the same cruise industry that's never been so busy?

Minns says we 'need to move on' - despite the fact covid is still around and causing grief (and hospitalisations are up in the US along with the latest strain of the bug but let's not ruin the Telegraph's campaign with facts).

1 hour ago, arxcards said:   This isn't a done deal yet, as the "East Coast cruise protocols" were established by NSW & QLD, and the other states signed on to it. As a good friend reminded me this morning, the wicked witch of the north has said boo so far, so they need to send a Courier Mail journo to George St Brisbane to tell her to remove it. 😉   Even then, I recall the previous NSW Premier posturing that way too, but it wasn't his decision to make.   But the good news is that when NSW & QLD relax the protocols, that the rest of Australia will follow. I am not so sure that testing will be dropped.   

Hope they don’t stop the testing pre boarding.

Cheers Carole

23 hours ago, habitatnal said: I wonder when this will take effect?  I would hope that all of Australia would drop protocols and not just NSW.  I would think pre-cruise testing would be dropped as well.

One bit missing that is important with these protocols, particularly for those outside of Australia wondering when the date will be. Chris Minns is only one state premier and has no executive power over these protocols. Extracted from those protocols:

The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols are the primary document outlining Governments’ expectations for cruise lines operating in Australia (domestic and international). They were developed on the instruction of National Cabinet, are informed by industry, and have been approved by Governments across the Eastern Seaboard and in Western Australia. As national COVID-19 settings change, state Governments will consider and advise industry of any changes to the Protocols.

18_July_Eastern_Seaboard_Cruise_Protocols.pdf (nsw.gov.au)

National cabinet is not a government, but a function that allows the Australian and state governments to meet and decide on policy/strategy of things that affect both levels of government. National cabinet met last week, and as far as I can tell, this didn't get a mention and there is no date set for their next meeting. NSW & QLD developed much of the protocols, as they are the predominant cruises states in Australia. It is possible that NSW and QLD could agree to dismantle this outside of National Cabinet, but there has been no word from QLD at this stage. I am waiting intently for any news from QLD premier Anastasia Palaszczuk and/or National Cabinet.

26 minutes ago, arxcards said:   One bit missing that is important with these protocols, particularly for those outside of Australia wondering when the date will be. Chris Minns is only one state premier and has no executive power over these protocols. Extracted from those protocols: The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols are the primary document outlining Governments’ expectations for cruise lines operating in Australia (domestic and international). They were developed on the instruction of National Cabinet, are informed by industry, and have been approved by Governments across the Eastern Seaboard and in Western Australia. As national COVID-19 settings change, state Governments will consider and advise industry of any changes to the Protocols. 18_July_Eastern_Seaboard_Cruise_Protocols.pdf (nsw.gov.au)   National cabinet is not a government, but a function that allows the Australian and state governments to meet and decide on policy/strategy of things that affect both levels of government. National cabinet met last week, and as far as I can tell, this didn't get a mention and there is no date set for their next meeting. NSW & QLD developed much of the protocols, as they are the predominant cruises states in Australia. It is possible that NSW and QLD could agree to dismantle this outside of National Cabinet, but there has been no word from QLD at this stage. I am waiting intently for any news from QLD premier Anastasia Palaszczuk and/or National Cabinet.

I’m hoping we will hear something soon.  Thank you for the lesson in how Australian government works.  I have never been to Australia but I hope to someday.  I just think it is time to drop all protocols now because if you don’t think it is safe to go on a cruise then don’t go.  No one is forcing you to go on a cruise.

1 hour ago, habitatnal said: I’m hoping we will hear something soon.  Thank you for the lesson in how Australian government works.  I have never been to Australia but I hope to someday.  I just think it is time to drop all protocols now because if you don’t think it is safe to go on a cruise then don’t go.  No one is forcing you to go on a cruise.

True, but these protocols were never about an individual's decision to cruise, but to protect hospitals from being overwhelmed. For NSW, that risk passed only around 6 weeks ago but I agree, now is the time.

I can see some serious misunderstandings about the protocols based on the Ch9 news report and the short clip of Minns last night. A casual observer would perhaps think that from yesterday the vax & test requirements for cruising have been lifted & so people will start turning up at the terminal perhaps from today to find the protocols are still in place.

A date is required to be announced!

3 hours ago, mr walker said: I can see some serious misunderstandings about the protocols based on the Ch9 news report and the short clip of Minns last night. A casual observer would perhaps think that from yesterday the vax & test requirements for cruising have been lifted & so people will start turning up at the terminal perhaps from today to find the protocols are still in place. A date is required to be announced!

I think he was just signalling a general policy direction for the near future - full details are yet to be signed off. I dont know if NSW would go ahead without QLD concurrence. 

I have not been following how cruising has been proceeding overseas- all I know is that I know many people who have all done comprehensive tours and cruises all over the World - and none have come across any problem (like being put off an expensive land tour or locked up in a ship cabin) . I am definitely wondering why I still remain so nervous about the consequences of testing positive when on cruises or organised tours. There is no problem with organising ones own transport, accomodation etc. My understanding is that the only way you can get Covid these days is to get tested for it 🙂  

Aussieflyer

11 minutes ago, bazzaw said: Snip......My understanding is that the only way you can get Covid these days is to get tested for it 🙂  

Some truth in that bazzaw.  😂

According to this article unvaccinated cruisers can book their cruise from this weekend!                                                                                                                                                                                                https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/federal-government-removes-cruise-vaccination-requirements/?fbclid=IwAR1F3EZUC81it_uPXRYUWMXWza1Jz2wPT8rClJGTP9jqycyLCnypQrIVaU8

19 minutes ago, datone said: According to this article unvaccinated cruisers can book their cruise from this weekend!                                                                                                                                                                                                https://cruisepassenger.com.au/news/federal-government-removes-cruise-vaccination-requirements/?fbclid=IwAR1F3EZUC81it_uPXRYUWMXWza1Jz2wPT8rClJGTP9jqycyLCnypQrIVaU8  

It says the Federal body has removed 'its' requirement for vaccination but the States still have theirs in place. The article also states that 'The AHPPC though, will uphold recommendations for isolation for those who have Covid.'

So it's not a free-for-all just yet!

Keep the protocols in, vaccs, masks etc. might save a few lives.

It is close to a done deal. Rather than the reports about the report, here is the report: 

https://www.health.gov.au/news/ahppc-statement-advice-to-support-safe-cruising

Even though only announced today, the decision was made ay AHPPC 9 days ago. With the CDNA cruise guidelines being archived today, it has afforded the East Coast Protocols the space to be wound back as well.

Our "famous" NSW page for the past 18 months or so has a small update today.

https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/travel/cruising-rules

The Australian Health Protection Principal Committee has released new advice to support safe cruising. This webpage will be updated soon with NSW Health advice to the cruising industry and passengers. Changes for each state will reflect CDNA guidelines, and will only take days to be rubber stamped.

On cabin isolation, AHPPC advice ...  encourage those who have cold or flu symptoms to stay in their cabin and if leaving their cabin to wear a mask and avoid crowded spaces.  This stuff was around long before covid, and has been applied during flu & noro outbreaks. I expect that this will return to becoming a last resort during any cruise affected by a serious outbreak.

What else will change - well, now comes the cruise line policy around refunding anyone genuinely sick with covid. Currently, there have been 100% credits given up to the gangway for anyone testing positive with a pre-cruise RAT. With this test no longer required, even if you take one, the result will be irrelevant to being denied boarding resulting in no credits for cancellation. This will fall back onto the travel insurance policy, and not all policies cover for pre-cruise cancellation due to covid.

Sky news reporting NSW premier has signed off on scraping covid rules on cruise ships.   

About time I think

33 minutes ago, johnkylie said: About time I think

Yes way over due. Australia was the only country in the world continuing with covid rules on cruise ships.

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