The Australian Cruise Association (ACA) acknowledges the completion of the Special Commission of Inquiry into the Ruby Princess and the handing down of the resulting report on Friday, August 14.
At a very thorough 320 pages, we are pleased to note that the findings of the report upheld the integrity and professionalism of the Princess Cruises team here in Australia as they managed through the unfolding Coronavirus crisis and the unprecedented challenges it presented.
This document will also inform the ongoing discussions and planning being undertaken by the cruise sector in conjunction with the Australian government and individual state governments and their agencies around the safe and responsible re-start of cruising in our country.
Cruise tourism plays an important role in the Australian economy contributing much needed financial support to our large city gateways and smaller regional destinations.
Over 18,000 Australians rely on our sector for a job and the industry contributes $5.2B in economic output. Australian Cruise Association’s membership is a diverse representation that covers tourism operators, transport providers, provedores, ports and attractions – all of whom are deeply affected by the pause in business.
As such, it is vital that we find a way to re-start cruising in this country while also most importantly, ensuring the safety of the destinations, the passengers, and the crew.
In order to support that goal, the Australian Cruise Association has been working closely with like-minded organisations in Europe, New Zealand, the US and closer to home – Cruise Lines International Association Australasia (CLIA) to observe the development of country specific health and hygiene protocols, and their plans to welcome cruise ships back to our waters.
There is no doubt that cruising will follow a staged plan and may not look like it did previously but we look forward to exploring all the options being considered including the introduction of state by state cruising with domestic guests through to a mix of sea and land-based packages that have robust and effective health and safety protocols.
While we acknowledge the complexities of re-starting our cruise industry in Australia, we welcome the opportunity to work with the appropriate authorities on a step by step re-commencement of cruising which is vital to supporting our visitor economy and putting Australians back to work.
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