Carnival Australia welcomes the New South Wales and Queensland Governments action to accelerate a planned easing of Covid vaccination rules for children enabling more families to cruise under protocols that have supported the restart of cruising in Australia.
Although the rule change is currently limited to NSW and Queensland, it is expected to soon become the model for the Eastern Seaboard Cruise Protocols that have been adopted nationally.
A problem with existing arrangements emerged following high family demand during the recent spring holiday period with cruise lines unable to accept some family bookings or having to cancel some cruise holidays.
These families were left disappointed because under the rules unvaccinated children aged under 12 were limited to a five per cent threshold that also accounted for unvaccinated adult guests with medical exemptions.
“The last thing we want to do is disappoint our guests so we are pleased that the governments are showing empathy for families in the vaccination arrangements that apply to children,” said Ryan Taibel, Carnival Australia Vice President of Sales.
“The governments reacted quickly to the problem but unfortunately the rule change couldn’t be in place for the recent school holiday period when there was such high demand from families wanting to cruise.
“However, it is good to know that the easing of vaccination requirements for children means that families will be able to book their summer cruise holidays with confidence. Our onboard teams can’t wait to welcome our young guests on our ships.”
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