Cruise operators are responsible for ensuring measures are in place to keep passengers and crews safe from infectious diseases, including COVID-19, in line with the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.
This includes the testing regime for passengers and crew prior to disembarkation.
There are currently increasing levels of COVID-19 throughout the community as the current wave of infections, driven by the new Omicron subvariants continues to grow.
In any enclosed space, including cruise ships, there is always a risk that COVID-19 will spread. Cruise ships must inform passengers of this risk. Prompt testing and isolation of cases, along with prevention through wearing masks and good hand hygiene, is important.
NSW Health’s assessment is that the COVID-19 risk level for the Majestic Princess is now Tier 3, which indicates a high level of transmission.
Carnival, the cruise operator has advised NSW Health that all COVID-positive people are isolating and being cared for by the onboard medical team.
NSW Health is liaising with the Majestic Princess cruise ship to monitor the health of its passengers and crew members.
Carnival has advised NSW Health that passengers disembarking from the ship have undertaken a rapid antigen test in the 24 hours leading up to disembarkation.
Carnival has advised NSW Health that they are assisting passengers with COVID-19 to make safe onward travel arrangements.
Further information for cruise ship passengers is available here.
