VICTORIA is preparing for the return of cruise ships with what the state government says are “sensible protocols” that aim to reduce the risk of large outbreaks.

Ahead of the Commonwealth ban on cruise ships lifting this month, health departments in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland have worked together to align requirements for cruise ship operators and passengers.

The first international cruise ship to visit an Australian port in more than two years is scheduled to arrive into Sydney this weekend.

A statement from the Victorian government said cruise ship protocols will protect Victorians as well as the workers and passengers on the vessels, which are susceptible to large outbreaks.

These protocols include the following measures:

  • All passengers over 12 must have received two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, and all crew must be ‘up to date’ with three doses (with exceptions for those who aren’t yet eligible)
  • Unvaccinated children under 12 or anyone with a valid medical exemption can travel, but they must not make up more than five per cent of the ship’s passengers
  • Passengers must obtain a negative COVID-19 test before embarking, and if boarding with symptoms they must have another negative PCR test that day. Crew will test every 14 days, or when symptomatic
  • All crew must wear masks on board except when in their rooms. All passengers must wear masks when embarking and disembarking, and indoors onboard if social distancing is not possible
  • Cruise ship operators must undertake public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission, including developing COVID-safe plans for shore excursions and managing cases and contacts onboard

Cruise ship protocols will not apply to people arriving on passenger ships that sleep fewer than 100. Entry requirements for fully vaccinated or exempt non-cruise maritime crew will be the same as those for air crew.

Victoria minister for health Martin Foley said Victoria has the fewest restrictions in place since the beginning of the pandemic, and the sensible settings that are in place can be reviewed following the peak in cases.

“The return of cruise ships later this year is great news for our visitor economy, and our COVIDSafe protocols will protect workers, passengers, and the communities and attractions that will host cruise ship excursions,” he said.