PACIFIC Explorer became the first international cruise ship to visit Sydney Harbour since the federal government imposed a ban on cruise ships entering Australian waters on 17 March 2020. The ban was lifted on 17 April 2022.
Four Engage Towage tugs ushered P&O’s Pacific Explorer to the Overseas Passenger Terminal on Monday (18 April), along with a Port Authority tug, several law-enforcement vessels and a flotilla of private vessels.
Pacific Explorer’s arrival in Sydney was the end of a 28-day voyage from Europe where the ship had been laid up for much of the past two years.
The vessel is scheduled to return to service on 31 May on a four-night round-trip to Brisbane. The vessel is scheduled to make the first call at the Port of Brisbane’s new cruise terminal on 2 June.
Cruise Lines International Association managing director Australasia Joel Katz said extensive new health protocols would allow a phased revival of the Australian cruise market.
“More than a million Australians took an ocean cruise every year before the pandemic and we now have an opportunity to return to sailing and revive an industry that was worth more than $5 billion annually to the Australian economy,” Mr Katz said.
“The end of the cruise suspension is huge landmark and will be celebrated by many thousands of Australians whose livelihoods depend on cruising.”
P&O Cruises president Marguerite Fitzgerald said the cruise line was excited to be working towards re-starting operations on May 31 and had begun preparations for the staggered return of its three-ship fleet and crew.
“We’ll be working closely with government agencies on our return which will see us visit about 20 ports around the country after an absence of more than two years,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
“Australia has long been one of the world’s strongest cruise markets and as the nation’s only home-grown cruise line we are excited at the thought that our loyal customers will be travelling with us again very soon.”
