Restrictions ease for cruise ships passengers

In welcome news for local businesses, new protocols have been announced for cruise ships.

With cruises allowed back on the water this month, Phillip Island already has nine ships booked in to visit this season.

The first ship, the Seabourn Odyssey is due to arrive on December 7.

Announcing the new protocols, the government said they were designed to protect Victorians as well as the workers and passengers on the vessels, which are susceptible to large outbreaks.

The protocols include the following measures:

• All passengers over 12 must be double vaccinated, and all crew must be ‘up to date’ with three doses (with exceptions for those who aren’t yet eligible)

• Unvaccinated children under 12 or anyone with a valid medical exemption can travel, but they must not make up more than five per cent of the ship’s passengers

• Passengers must obtain a negative COVID-19 test before embarking, and if boarding with symptoms they must have another negative PCR test that day. Crew will test every 14 days, or when symptomatic

• All crew must wear masks on board except when in their rooms. All passengers must wear masks when embarking and disembarking, and indoors onboard if social distancing is not possible

• Cruise ship operators must undertake public health measures to reduce the risk of transmission, including developing CovidSafe plans for shore excursions and managing cases and contacts onboard