The country’s government has confirmed it will not extend its current ban on international vessels arriving and departing from Australia ports, which expires on April 17.

Additional measures to reduce the risk of Covid-19 infection will be implemented, such as enhanced pre-arrival health screening of passengers, stress testing the emergency response system in relation to cruises and increased engagement with the cruise industry. 

All passengers will be required to be double vaccinated. Vessels will still need to meet all state and territory public health requirements of the jurisdiction into which they dock.

Australian minister for health Greg Hunt said the decision to allow the ban to lapse was based on medical advice.

"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," he added.

Chief executive of the Australian Federation of Travel Agents (AFTA) Dean Long welcomed the move and thanked the Australian government for listening to the industry’s calls.

"We now need the state and territory governments to tell us whether they are open to welcome cruise ships back from 17 April when the ban expires," he added.

"Given international cruise ships must meet all state and territory public health requirements to be able to berth, clarity is needed before the real planning of getting ships back here can begin."