As cruise lines look ahead to when they can restart cruises, two countries have extended their ban on cruise ships due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Australia’s Minister of Health announced that cruise ships will now be banned from the country until September 17, 2020. The restrictions will not allow ships that have visited a foreign port to dock at an Australian port.
Australia first put a ban on cruise ships at the end of March and applies to all vessels that carry more than 100 passengers. The Australian Government is working with the cruise industry to ensure the health and safety of Australians.
Officials are hoping that cruises can operate in Australia’s summer cruise season that begins in September.
Nearby New Zealand is currently planning on allowing cruise ships to return beginning on July 1.
Spain also extended their ban on cruise ships last week. Ships will probably not be allowed to visit Spanish ports until the country’s state of emergency has been lifted.
