In response to enquiries regarding vaccine mandates being imposed on cruises from Australia, we have obtained the following information from the Queensland Minister for Health:
There are currently no public health directions, including vaccination mandates, in place in Queensland.
The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australia Cruise Protocols (the protocols) have been developed by the Queensland, New South Wales, Victorian and Western Australia Governments in close partnership with the cruise industry. The protocols are periodically reviewed by the relevant parties and updated as appropriate. There are currently discussions occurring at a national level around the update of the cruising guidelines.
Cruise ships often involve passengers in close proximity for extended periods which can increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission and outbreaks.
COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective in preventing severe disease and hospitalisation from COVID-19 infection. The protocols outline reasonable steps the cruise industry can take to limit the spread of COVID-19 (on the vessel and to local communities visited during the cruise) and reduce the risk of severe illness from COVID-19, including vaccination of travellers
The discussion nationally is occurring at the Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA) (Federal Government) level:
The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols continue to remain in place, although there has been significant interstate discussion around maintaining these going forward.
The Communicable Diseases Network of Australia (CDNA) are currently revising the COVID-19 guidelines, which includes advice around cruising. The Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols will be updated or removed based on the advice from CDNA in these guidelines.
It is also important to note that this is a Protocol rather than a legislated requirement. As we are no longer in a declared emergency in Queensland, there are no longer any public health directions that apply. Compliance with this protocol by the cruise industry is
With no legislated mandates in place either nationally or in Queensland, and compliance with this protocol by the cruise industry being voluntary, the four states involved are now awaiting advice from the CDNA to allow these protocols to be changed.