Carnival Cruise Line has indeed brought back mandatory mask-wearing for its sailings in Australia.
On Thursday, Carnival Cruise Line updated its Australia Have Fun. Be Safe policies to read “Out of an abundance of caution, for the time being, masks are required in public indoor spaces (unless eating and drinking or in your stateroom), outdoors when in large congregate events where physical distancing cannot be maintained, during the entire embarkation and debarkation process, when on buses or water shuttles (where applicable), and while indoors on any shore excursion.”
The policy also states, “In line with government protocols, until further notice, we will operate vaccinated cruises with our enhanced protocols. All of our operations will follow these guidelines so we can maintain the confidence of the destinations we visit and deliver on our itineraries and guest experience.”
Currently, only two Carnival shops are impacted by this change—Carnival Splendor and Carnival Luminosa.
This change in policy comes on the heels of last weekend when Carnival Cruise Line’s Majestic Princess had 800 passengers test positive for Covid-19 upon arrival in Sydney, Australia. Fortunately, the majority of the passengers were asymptomatic and none of those with symptoms were severe.
Australia has remained more strict than other regions with its cruise travel restrictions. While cruising restarted in 2021, Australia waited until 2022 to reopen. Carnival Cruise Line only restarted guest operations at the beginning of October.
Since Australia has reopened to cruising, several cruise lines have reported larger numbers of Covid-19 cases among its crew and guests. All of these cases are still either asymptomatic or very mild requiring no hospitalization.
It’s not just Carnival Cruise Line reintroducing masking. Princess Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean have also changed protocol to bring back mandatory masks onboard Australian voyages.
As always, stay in contact with your cruise line for all health and safety updates and requirements as they are subject to change at any time.