| Cruise hails NSW call

CARNIVAL Corporation has welcomed the end of New South Wales’ COVID-era protocols, after Premier Chris Minns earlier this week revealed the rules are set to be scrapped (CW 23 Aug).

The company said the “common sense” decision is a win for New South Wales’ economy, with more than one million Australians set to take a cruise holiday in their own backyard this summer, delivering a $3.3 billion boost to the state.

Chief Strategy Officer Teresa Lloyd (pictured) said the decision will bring cruising more into line with current Australian community COVID settings.

“We are pleased this decision removes the ongoing confusion that surrounds cruising for so many tourists and brings us back in step with the rest of the community, including restaurants, sporting and entertainment venues, and public transport,” she said.

“We look forward to other states following suit.”

Lloyd said Carnival and its cruise lines have worked hard alongside the relevant state health authorities to ensure its ships go above and beyond when it comes to keeping guests, crew and the community safe.

“The health and safety of our guests remains our number one priority,” she said.

“We will continue to abide by our strict and robust hygiene standards on our ships whilst working alongside health authorities into the future.”

Virgin Voyages also applauded the government’s decision to lift COVID-19 restrictions on cruising in New South Wales, with Chief Brand Officer Nathan Rosenberg acknowledging the leadership shown by Minns, and his commitment to the Australian cruise industry.

“We thank the Premier for his decision on the removal of these regulations that will finally bring Australia in line with the rest of the world,” he said.

“We encourage the remaining states to follow suit as soon as they can, given the high levels of interest to cruise by Australians and the contribution it makes to the economy nationally.”