“The industry is hoping this is the beginning of a new dawn, because it’s worn a lot of pain,” said Joel Katz, head of the Cruise Lines International Association Australasia. “The Australian cruise industry has lost $10 billion over the past two years, and the absence of the ships has disrupted 18,000 jobs, so we are really hopeful now that the government will give us the green light.”
Only local Australian-flagged ships, operated by the likes of APT, Coral Adventures and True North have been able to cruise here – and have done so for more than 12 months now without incident.
Meanwhile, as of February 21 when the Australian government reopened the country’s border, Australians have gone overseas to cruise. Over the past 18 months, almost 9 million people have cruised across 86 countries.
“I think there’s a strong realisation among governments now that you have a situation whereby Australians can fly and cruise overseas and return home, so isn’t it time they can cruise their country?” said Ponant’s Asia Pacific chairman, Sarina Bratton.
Ms Bratton had a breakthrough in February when the Northern Territory government agreed to let in ships of up to 350 passengers and crew for sailings across the top end into Western Australia, pending what the West Australian government decides.
Ponant’s Le Lapérouse is in Noumea, ready to hit Darwin on April 28.
Ponant has two ships, Le Laperouse and Le Soleal, stationed in Noumea ready for deployment. Ms Bratton confirmed Le Laperouse is being readied to arrive in Darwin on April 28, while Le Soleal is scheduled to arrive on May 28. Both ships are virtually fully sold out.
Silversea is also preparing to deploy a small expedition ship for the Kimberley season, which begins in May.
“A number of state and territory governments including the NT are very keen to see small expedition ship cruising resume for the Australian winter season, and we are really hoping the federal government will allow those states that want to go ahead to go ahead,” Ms Bratton said, adding that Ponant alone pumped $1.5 million into Indigenous communities in the Kimberley in access, guiding and other fees.
“That’s not to visit Indigenous communities, but rather to explore the rock art and the land,” she said.
The president of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia, Marguerite Fitzgerald, said the line was “encouraged” by Mr Tehan’s comments.
“After two years of uncertainty, the livelihoods of more than 18,000 people, including suppliers across produce, marine engineering and logistics, entertainment and travel agency depend on it,” she said.
The vice-president and managing director of Celebrity Cruises Australia and APAC, Tim Jones, said Australians were desperate to get back on board. Australians might be opting to head overseas to cruise now, but the top suites aboard Celebrity Eclipse’s 2022-23 Australian season were virtually sold out.
Australia's local cruise ban is finally tipped to end on 17 April - The Australian Financial Review
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