It has been 25 months since Australia banned the entry of international cruise vessels under the Biosecurity Act.

Upon the resumption, additional measures will be in place to reduce the COVID-19 risk on board ships, including enhanced pre-arrival reporting; ensuring vessels always arrive with permission to unload passengers; stress testing of emergency response systems; and engaging with the cruise industry on a safe resumption.

​Ships will also need to meet all state and territory public health requirements, with these jurisdictions to soon advise on their readiness to begin cruising.

The Australian Government will extend the human biosecurity emergency period under the Biosecurity Act 2015 by an additional three months. The emergency period, which has been in place since 18 March 2020, will now be in place until 17 December 2020. The order encompasses restrictions on overseas travel, the entry of cruise ships into Australia, the supply and sale of certain essential goods and retail stores at international airports. The Hon Greg Hunt MO, Minister for Health media release.