Coronavirus: cruise ships throng Sydney Harbour as entry ban fuels rush for docking
- Cruise liners pile up around the harbour as the industry scrambles to deal with the fallout of Australia’s decision to block entry to many vessels
- Several countries have banned entry to cruise ships after the infection of more than 700 people on the Diamond Princess berthed off Japan
Sydney’s iconic harbour is starting to resemble a parking space for cruise ships.
As the southern hemisphere moves into autumn, cruise ship traffic on the famous harbour would typically be quietening down. But right now it’s busier than the summer peak months as domestic ships and vessels excluded from the ban rush back to shore to disembark or get fuel and supplies.
That is meant the port authority for Sydney Harbour is rushing to find options, putting boats both in the standard cruise ship berths and lesser used anchorages, like Athol Bay next to a bustling residential area across from the city’s zoo.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Sunday announced he would bar many foreign cruise ships from docking at Australian ports for at least 30 days, while New Zealand has banned all cruises until at least June 30 in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
When Morrison announced the restrictions there were 37 cruise ships in waters near Australia, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. Many headed to ports around the country, while a further 11 are expected back by the end of the week, according to a spokesman.
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Australian-flagged vessels are exempt from the ban, as are international cruise ships that had already departed their last overseas port and were destined for Australia.
There is an additional carve out for “certain cruise ships already in transit to enable Australian citizens and permanent residents to disembark and return home,” according to the Department of Home Affairs.
It’s a big logistical exercise for the industry that’s worth A$5.2 billion (US$2.9 billion) a year in Australia. Ships need to dock to refuel and get supplies, and where they can come in to port depends on their size, the depth of water needed and whether they need to offload passengers.
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Operator Royal Caribbean Cruises alone has four ships in the area. Two are remaining in Sydney for the moment, while two others are heading 100 kilometres (60 miles) down the coast to Port Kembla, the company said.
Unlike elsewhere in the world where passengers are stranded at sea, Australia is allowing passengers to get off boats – even if it takes some time.
Passengers who were on domestic itineraries will be able to disembark. Some with international itineraries on ships that were already in transit when the ban was announced will be allowed onto dry land, but will have to self isolate for 14 days.
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