Cruising with Covid: What the Coral Princess case has taught us

Cruising with Covid: What the Coral Princess case has taught us

Recent news of Covid cases among crew and a small number of guests on the Coral Princess and P&O's Pacific Explorer in NSW had commentators speculating that the outcome might be similar to the Ruby Princess outbreak at the beginning of the pandemic. But, any fears were short-lived.

Cruise Lines International Association Australasia managing director Joel Katz says no setting is immune to Covid-19, but in the cruise world, processes are in place for dealing responsibly with the virus. "As we've seen all over the world, cruise line health protocols have shown to be effective in mitigating the risks of Covid-19 and have allowed cruise lines and health authorities to respond swiftly when cases arise," he says.

In mid-July, the Coral Princess made its port call into Eden and reported 110 crew members, all vaccinated, who had tested positive were placed in isolation and were either asymptomatic or had mild symptoms.

Joel says the experience overseas has been that serious illness due to Covid-19 is rare on cruise ships thanks to testing and vaccination requirements and extensive on-board measures.

"As we've seen in other parts of the world, rates of serious illness and hospitalisation are in fact lower at sea than they are on land," Joel says. "Importantly, cruise ships have enhanced medical facilities on board, and staffing for potential Covid-19 isolation and treatment. There are detailed response plans in place and close co-operation with health authorities for reporting and management of suspected or confirmed cases."

While some lines overseas have started to drop pre-cruise Covid testing on select cruises, cruise lines in Australian waters remain committed to extensive health protocols, developed with the help of leading medical experts. To board a ship in Australia, passengers and crew are required to provide proof of full vaccination. And all passengers and crew need to have a Covid-19 test with a negative result before they are permitted to board. Add to this extensive protocols on board covering distancing, sanitation, ventilation, and response procedures.

Behind the scenes, the crew is given extensive training on processes. According to CLIA, there are detailed response plans, which include enhanced medical facilities and staffing for potential Covid-19 isolation and treatment, isolation for confirmed cases, response protocols to identify close contacts, close co-operation with health authorities, and protocols for reporting and managing suspected or confirmed cases.

Marguerite Fitzgerald, the president of Carnival Australia, the parent company of Princess Cruises, says the Coral Princess outcome shows cruise lines can successfully operate a cruise in a Covid environment.

"Nobody expected we were going to keep Covid off ships," she says. "It was just about managing it."

And while it is likely that, as on land, planes and trains, there will be more Covid cases, potential cruisers should be reassured that the industry is working together with local authorities to ensure health and safety.

Joel says: "We know cruise ships are highly visible and draw a great deal of attention, but the reality is that cruise lines have extensive health protocols in place against Covid-19 and these measures are shown to be effective."

CLIA recommends passengers always check the exact jurisdictional requirements with their cruise line or CLIA certified travel agent at the time of booking.

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