In other news, Princess Cruises has announced it will return to Australian shores from June this year after extensive delays due to transmission concerns of COVID-19 on large ships.
The 2000-guest Coral Princess will officially set sail from Brisbane on June 16 for its inaugural cruise as part of a schedule that includes 11 separate departures ranging from three to 12 nights between June and August.
The Coral Princess will then return to Queensland in November to complete another 10 summer cruises.
In a move worth an estimated $60 million dollars to the Queensland economy, the 2000-guest ship will be homeported in Brisbane for 11 new departures ranging from 3-12 nights between June and August before returning for another 10 cruises this summer from November. (Supplied)
The return of Princess Cruises comes after the Federal Government announced it would end its ban on international cruise ships from April 17, 2022.
Health Minister Greg Hunt said the decision to overturn the two-year ban came after fresh medical advice that coincided with allowing international tourists to visit Australia.
“On the basis of medical advice and with the agreement of National Cabinet, lifting the cruise ban is consistent with the reopening of Australia’s international border and shows that we have successfully navigated Australia’s emergency response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Mr Hunt said.
Rules for ships will include passengers being double vaccinated and “improved” processes in relation to COVID-19.
Princess Cruises Senior Director of Sales, Marketing and Service Nick Ferguson said he believes the Coral Princess has the power to inject an estimated $71 million into Queensland’s tourism-starved economy.
“After two years of rolling pauses, we are delighted to be featuring Queensland in an exciting winter program of cruises from Australia, which demonstrates our commitment to cruising Down Under and the local travel agent community,” he said.
“Coral Princess is a great mid-sized ship, which carries 2000 guests yet offers a wide range of public spaces and amenities normally only found on much larger ships, so she provides a very affordable way to see Australia and the world in comfort and style.
“And with Princess’ Medallion Class our guests can easily stay connected with their friends and family while at sea and experience a more personalised and effortless cruise holiday.”
Source: 9News (9news.com.au)
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