NEWS UPDATE: BIGGEST ONE YET! Will we be cruising by December 17th? New Pacific Adventure Photos!

Join my private Facebook group for cruise deals, tips and advice - the more members we have, the better we’ll get! www.facebook.com/groups/CTGdeals Head to my website for great cruise and travel deals: www.thecruiseandtravelguy.com.au Follow me on Facebook and Instagram: www.facebook.comn/thecruiseandtravelguy www.instragram.com/thecruiseandtravelguy Late last week, CLIA held their virtual cruise forum with the strongest indications yet about an Australian cruising restart. Today, we’ll take a look at exactly what was discussed and more. Unsurprisingly, headline news this week came out of CLIA’s cruise forum. The annual event, normally held in the flesh, was transferred online this year but the content was no less impressive. Industry leaders representing among others, Royal Caribbean, P&O Australia, Ponant and Norwegian Cruise Line joined in for an industry discussion on all things cruising. Sture Myrmell, President of both P&O Australia and Carnival Australia announced during the forum that all passengers boarding P&O Australia ships will need to be fully vaccinated. As far as I know, this is the first major commitment by a local cruise line towards a post covid-cruising policy. Furthermore, in relation to the vaccination of children, Myrmell said, “our policy will be consistent with the government’s approach to vaccination for children. We will see how that unfolds. If your child is eligible for vaccination, they will need to be fully vaccinated to travel [with P&O Australia].” It was only last week that ATAGI released its official recommendation that children over the age of 12 should be vaccinated - so it’s expected that this will be reflected in P&O Australia’s local sailing requirement. Gavin Smith, VP and managing director for Royal Caribbean commented that during the pandemic, cruise lines and CLIA have fostered great relationships with Australian government agencies. Smith believes that these relationships, when considered in tandem with Australia’s growing rate of vaccination will allow for cruising to recommence this summer. In his words, “the tide is turning”. Smith further explained that even over the past fortnight, the Australian government’s commitment to the four phase roadmap has provided confidence that Royal Caribbean will be back in our local waters by December or January. From my own perspective, I’ve been pleased that in NSW at least, there has been a large public focus on the successful rate of vaccination within the state and coupled with Royal Caribbean’s NSW-exclusive itineraries, I am feeling the most optimistic about a restart that I ever have since the beginning of this pandemic. Just yesterday however, the office of The Australian Department of Health announced the extension of its biosecurity emergency period. In June this year, the measures were extended until September 17th and as of yesterday, they have been extended further until December 17th. Royal Caribbean is the only line to have scheduled cruises before this date, with their first local voyage departing on December 13th and their second on December 17th. As yet, no further cancellations have been announced by the line. P&O, Carnival and Princess’ first scheduled cruises commence on the 18, 19 and 20th December respectively. The biosecurity measures can be amended or repealed at any time. The extension isn’t surprising, although CLIA was hoping the measures would be reviewed on a month by month basis. Cruise lines will require at least 2 months notice to have their ships in position locally for a cruising restart. That brings us to roughly the middle of October being the date that cruise lines would need to know if they have any chance of recommencing services locally this year. I’m sure it’s a long shot - but my optimism won’t waver. I’m buoyed by estimates that NSW in particular will reach its 80% vaccination target in November, with Victoria not far behind. With vaccinations rates at 80% being among the highest in the world and higher even than the US and UK where cruising has been in operation for months, it will be only more difficult for the government to successfully justify a continuing ban on cruising beyond December. As always though, I’ll keep you up to date. In Triest, Italy, the Pacific Adventure continues to come to life. Golden Princess has officially been retired, with the ship’s new name embossed onto her stern. P&O Australia released a few extra images for us thirsty cruisers, highlighting some of the updates taking place across the ship. Thanks for watching and see you soon!