Cruise ships will soon make their return to Western Australia — but it will not be smooth sailing for everyone, with the state government imposing strict conditions on travel.
The federal government will lift the ban on cruise ships from April 17, allowing every jurisdiction to make their own rules about resuming the popular travel experience.
WA Premier Mark McGowan on Sunday revealed plans for his state’s “safe and staged” resumption of cruising with strict protocols.
Under the initial stage, both Australian and international flagged cruise ships with up to 350 guests and crew will be allowed in WA waters.
All cruise vessels operating in WA must have a Covid-19 management plan, whixjmtzywle all crew and passengers will need to be double-dose vaccinated and have their third dose if eligible.
Pending health advice, Fremantle and regional ports, including Esperance, Albany, Busselton, Bunbury, Geraldton, Exmouth, Port Hedland and Broome will be able to welcome larger cruise ships from October 1.
It is expected Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth will be the first of the larger vessels to visit Fremantle on November 7.
Before the pandemic, there were 106 cruise ship visits to WA in 2019-20, generating $261.9m for the state’s economy and supporting about 935 jobs.
“The ability for the cruise shipping sector to safely resume operations in WA in a safe and progressive way will provide a significant economic boost to the tourism sector, especially Broome in the near term, for the Kimberley cruise season,” Mr McGowan said.
“Our safe and staged approach to the return of cruise shipping means we provide an avenue for these businesses to operate safely once their cruising season starts, while managing the public health risk.”
Tourism Minister Roger Cook said it would be a big boost to the local economy and tourism.
“The cruise ship sector has potential to make a significant contribution to grow jobs and provide a boost to the tourism sector, and pre-Covid-19 injected millions across the state’s port destinations each year,” he said.
“Safely resuming the cruise shipping sector will see the cruise industry grow across WA’s 10 cruise destinations into the future.”
The first big ships are expected on the east coast in late May.
