Cruise ships returned after more than two years

The first cruise ship for more than two years has arrived into Sydney Harbour. P&O Australia’s Pacific Explorer was given a special welcome after returning to Australia from Limassol in Cyprus, via Singapore. Two tugs with water cannons performed a special “ballet” to welcome the ship, which was empty except for crew.

It can carry 1998 passengers and 924 crew. However it won’t leave on its first cruise with passengers until May 31, to make the first call at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal on June 2.

“Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray! Hip hip hooray and one last one hip hip hooray,” the staff onboard shouted in unison. Pacific Explorer comedian and juggler James Bustar says he is so glad to be back onboard.

The return of cruise ships will bring a much-needed cash injection back into the $5 billion industry that supports 18,000 Aussie jobs. Plus they will allow cruise addicts to indulge in the holidays they love. A total of 1.35 million Australians took a cruise in 2018. More ships will gradually return to Australia in the coming months, though some firms have cancelled cruises months ahead because the resumption was uncertain. 

Pacific Explorer was set to enter Sydney Heads at 9.30am, pass the Opera House at 10.20am and dock alongside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 10.30am. Cruise fans were invited to welcome it by gathering around the harbour. As reported by 9News, cruise firms are busy rehiring staff, while suppliers are also gearing up for their return after a bleak two years.

Almost 30 passengers on the Ruby Princess ship died after the coronavirus spread on board at the start of the pandemic, with NSW Health blamed after it then tore through the country when passengers disembarked. Since then, cruise ships have not been allowed to dock anywhere in Australia.