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Going on a cruise.

Before you go on a cruise, make sure you take steps to be prepared, and reduce your risks of things going wrong. This will help you to have a safe and hassle-free journey. Explore this page to learn about:

• taking care of your health
• cruise-specific travel insurance
• passports and visas
• severe weather and tsunami risks
• staying safe on board
• shore visits
• piracy and conflict
• worst case scenario
• where to get help

This page is for Australians preparing to travel overseas. If you're already travelling and need help, see our information on what to do when things go wrong .

Carefully consider the risks of international travel before you book. Ensure you understand the local risks and requirements before you make a final decision.

Taking care of your health

Infectious diseases can spread quickly onboard cruises. You're more at risk of exposure than in other settings due to the large number of passengers living and socialising in close quarters over a long period.

You could fall seriously ill if you're exposed to an infectious disease, and the cost of your medical care could exceed your travel budget. If you need medical help on a cruise, you may need to pay your medical bills immediately. In serious cases, you may need to pay for medical evacuation from your ship. It's important to ensure you have access to emergency funds if needed. The Australian Government won't pay your medical bills.

When you're planning for your cruise, think about the following:

• Health checks and vaccinations. Before you go, get a health check and any vaccinations your doctor recommends. It reduces your risk of getting infected or developing severe disease.
• Pre-existing conditions. You're more likely to need medical assistance overseas if you have a pre-existing medical condition. Talk to your doctor about your cruise plans before you commit.
• Medications . If you take medication, pack enough to see you through any potential delays. Learn more about travelling with medications .
• Personal hygiene. Infectious diseases like COVID-19, influenza and gastroenteritis are common on cruise ships. Practice good personal hygiene while you're away. Learn more about preventing infectious diseases . Pack masks and hand sanitiser.

If you get sick

If you fall ill while on a cruise, you'll usually be treated in the medical facilities on board. If it's too serious to treat on board, they may transfer you to a hospital at the next port or medically evacuate you while in transit.

Standards on board may not be as good as in Australia. Talk to your cruise operator about facilities and costs on board.

COVID-19 and cruising

COVID-19 remains a global health risk. Carefully consider the risks of international travel before you book.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 happens while on a cruise, your ship may be prevented from docking. You may have to quarantine on board. Local authorities may restrict consular access if your ship is quarantined, limiting the services we can provide.

Read the travel advice for your ports of call . Ensure you understand the local risks and requirements before you make a final decision.

Read more general advice on how to take care of your health .

Cruise-specific travel insurance

Insurance policies don't always cover cruises. Make sure you choose a travel insurance policy that covers you for cruising and any activities you do on shore. Some cruise ships won't even allow you to board without cruise-specific insurance.

There are some things you should consider before choosing your insurance:

• Your onshore destination. Make sure you're covered. Check the advice level . If it's level 3 or 4, your policy may exclude that destination.
• Australian waters . If your cruise isn't leaving Australian waters, you still need travel insurance for your health. You may be unable to claim Medicare or private health insurance on the ship. Check before you go if your ship has a Medicare-accessible doctor on board.
• Your planned activities. Your insurance needs to cover your onshore activities and shore excursions. Adventure activities may not have the same safety standards as Australia.
• Medical evacuations . Make sure you're covered for medical evacuation at sea. The cost of medically evacuating a patient from a cruise ship by helicopter can be in the $100,000s.

No matter how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government won't pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

Learn how to choose the right cover for cruises. Read the travel insurance buyers guide  and CHOICE advice on which travel insurers cover cruises .

Passports and visas

Before you go, organise your passport and any visas you'll need.

• Pack your passport. If you're entering a foreign country's waters, you may be asked to show it, even if you don't plan to disembark in the country. Learn more about passports.
• Get your visas for all destinations. Check visa requirements with your cruise operator or holiday provider well before your planned departure. Learn more about visas .

Severe weather and tsunami risks

Most cruise lines will have processes in place for severe weather.

It can cause rough seas and impact your itinerary. They may reroute the ship if the weather event is too dangerous to navigate safely. Follow the instructions of the ship's crew and put your safety first.

• Check the weather. Know what to expect. Especially if you're travelling somewhere that experiences cyclones.
• Know what to do in a crisis. This includes severe weather and tsunamis .

Staying safe on board

Treat your personal safety and security on a cruise ship the way you would in any other travel destination.

• Reduce the risk of theft. It only takes one thief to ruin your trip by stealing your things when you're not looking. Lock your cabin door, use the safe for valuables and stay alert on board. See more about theft and robbery .
• Party safely. Many cruise liners are famous for their bars, nightclubs and cocktails by the pool. Take the same precautions as you would onshore. Don't swim while drunk. Don't do drugs. Know your limits, watch for spiking and take care of others. See more about partying safely .
• Prevent assault. Socialise safely with strangers and look out for your mates. See our advice on reducing the risk of assault and sexual assault .

Read more advice about staying safe and avoiding danger.

Shore visits

Shore visits are a highlight of any cruise. Just be mindful that the risks in each destination can be unique.

• Research the destination. Know the safety and health risks there. Read the travel advisory for the destination .
• Protect your passport. Unless the local law says you must have it on you at all times, keep it on the boat in your room's safe. Always protect your passport.
• Protect your property. Professional thieves target passengers on shore visits who let their guard down. Especially passengers who look like inexperienced travellers. Protect yourself from theft .
• Look after your health. Research the activity you plan to do. Find out if it commonly leads to particular health problems, especially injuries. Find out if you can get medical assistance while onshore.
• Wear safety gear. Riding bikes, scooters, and other adventure activities are popular extras for cruise passengers. Always wear the correct safety gear for your activity. Also, make sure your insurance covers you for it. Just in case things go wrong.

Piracy and conflict

Piracy is a risk in some parts of the world. Ask the cruise company about their security measures if you're going through a piracy-prone area. Find out about their policies and procedures in the event of a pirate attack.

Conflict in the countries surrounding your cruise route can make traversing the waters more dangerous. Be aware of current events in the region you're cruising through. Ask your cruise company if there are any safety concerns. They may reroute your cruise if the risks are too high.

Worst case scenario

Cruises have policies for what happens if a passenger dies on board.

We strongly advise you to have travel insurance that covers death and repatriation of your remains. It often costs 1000s of dollars.

If you die, the cruise line won't pay for these services. Neither will the Australian Government. It will be your estate or your loved ones that get stuck with the bill.

Learn more about what happens if you die overseas .

Where to get help

On your cruise liner, your first port of call for help is the crew. You can also get help from:

• ship's security
• ship's doctor
• travel companions
• your travel insurer.

If you're onshore:

• the tour guide
• local authorities
• local hospital

The Australian Government

In some circumstances, consular officials may be able to help. However, there are limits.

It's important you understand our limits and how and when we can help. Read the Consular Services Charter .

• See the travel advisory for all your destinations , including shore visits and territorial waters. Know what each advice level means.
• Also see our advice for travelling by boat .
• Learn about piracy , terrorism and kidnapping .
• See what to do if you need help while you're away.
• See the list of Australian embassies and consulate overseas (DFAT)
• Read about the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP), US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (US Government)
• Read the travel insurance buying guide , guide to planning a cruise trip and safety tips for cruise ship holidays (CHOICE).

Related content

Piracy is a major issue around the world. Explore this page to learn about high risk areas for piracy, how to reduce your risk and where to get help.

This page will help you understand the risks and take appropriate precautions before you head out on the water.

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• ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Let us know you're coming If you're travelling by boat the master of a vessel arriving in Australia is required by law to give notice of impending arrival at least 96 hours before arrival.
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NSW sails towards normality with the lifting of COVID cruise ship protocols

Published: 28 August 2023

Released by: The Premier, Minister for Health, Minister for Tourism

The NSW Premier Chris Minns has ended COVID rules for cruising as the industry prepares for a busy summer.

Premier Minns has signed paperwork formally removing the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols.

The cruise protocols were introduced in April 2022 to support the safe resumption of cruising following the lifting of the Commonwealth’s ban during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The participating state governments - NSW, Victoria, QLD and WA - approved the cruise protocols, which have been implemented by the cruise industry on a voluntary basis.

The protocols stated that all passengers aged 12 years and over needed to be fully-vaccinated to board a cruise ship departing or arriving at a port in these 4 states.

It also enforced mask wearing, including when embarking and disembarking, along with mandating negative COVID test results prior to departure.

Governments have agreed there is no longer a need for formal protocols with increasing community immunity to COVID-19 and lessons learned from the cruising industry since voyages resumed.

The Premier’s move follows an announcement late Friday by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC).

The AHPPC rescinded the current Communicable Diseases Network Australia (CDNA) Cruise Guidelines and issued new advice around cruising.

The committee did note that cruise ships remain a higher risk setting for communicable disease and that cruise operators can help reduce the risk, including by managing staff health, encouraging passengers and crew to stay up to date with vaccinations and by promptly identifying and controlling outbreaks.

The NSW Government encourages the cruise industry to continue its work to reduce the risk of COVID-19 and other outbreaks on voyages, in line with the updated Australian Health Protection Principal Committee’s advice.

Premier of NSW Chris Minns said:

“We need to get life back to normal.

“We have scrapped these rules because they aren’t needed any more.

“Passengers can take their own decisions to look after their health before and during a cruise.

“Cruise companies have been looking after their guests and workers and we encourage them to continue that.

“But this change is needed – we could not remain the only country with these rules for cruising.

“These protocols were important at the time to get the cruising industry going again after COVID. They were never meant to remain forever.”

Minister for Tourism John Graham said:

"The 2023 winter cruise season in Sydney is on track to be one of the strongest on record and it is fantastic even more people can now participate.

“These protocols were important after COVID but were not intended to continue in perpetuity and I thank the sector for how they have handled the additional requirements placed upon them.

“The decision to bring the sector in line with other forms of travel is a sensible way to give visitors an unforgettable and safe experience across NSW’s beautiful coastline.”

Minister for Health Ryan Park said:

“The decision to repeal the cruise protocols is supported by NSW Health advice and NSW Health will continue to work with the cruise industry to minimise health risks to passengers as much as possible.

“The NSW Government remains committed to safeguarding public health and ensuring that policies are adapted in response to changing circumstances.

“I am confident that the cruise industry will continue to prioritise the health and safety of passengers, crew, and the broader community.”

Related information

• AHPPC statement – Advice to support safe cruising
• Staying healthy on a cruise

Australia to lift entry ban for cruise ships after two years

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Global cruise operator reintroduces Covid mandates on Australian ships after surge in cases

Carnival Cruise Lines’ makes vaccinations and mask wearing compulsory as cases rise and after Majestic Princess reported 800 positive test results

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A major global cruise operator has reintroduced vaccine and mask-wearing mandates on its Australian ships due to a “rapid rise” in Covid cases across the nation.

The announcement comes following a Covid-19 outbreak onboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Majestic Princess, which infected 800 people before the passengers disembarked in Sydney last weekend.

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Carnival Cruise Line issued a statement on Friday confirming that, out of an “abundance of caution”, masks would be required on vessels in public indoor spaces and some outdoor settings, including events, during embarking and disembarking and on transfers.

“In line with government protocols, until further notice, we will operate vaccinated cruises with our enhanced protocols,” it said.

“All 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.”

In a statement, a Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson said it was “critical” everyone played their part in keeping the community safe while “faced with a rapid rise of Covid cases”.

The spokesperson added that for all vessels in the Carnival Corporation fleet operating in the Australian region, “this means going above current guidelines”.

“We can confirm that mask wearing is being applied on board all Carnival Corporation brand ships operating in Australia and the region as an additional safeguard in light of the current rate of Covid-19 in the general community,” they said.

“We thank our guests for abiding by our requirements.”

Carnival Cruise Line operates 25 ships around the globe including Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Cruises World Cruising.

As part of the tightened measures, 100% of crew and 95% of passengers over 12 must be fully vaccinated. The final 5% must have proof of an accepted medical condition preventing them from receiving a vaccine.

All guests two years and over have to take a rapid antigen test within 24 hours of boarding, or a PCR within 48 hours and provide proof of a negative result, among other temporary measures including health screenings.

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The measures come days after Princess Cruises’ Majestic Princess cruise ship reported about 800 of its 3,300 guests testing positive to Covid-19 as it docked in Sydney last weekend.

The outbreak occurred during a 12-day cruise to New Zealand, raising the spectre of the arrival in Sydney of the Ruby Princess in March 2020 – early in Australia’s pandemic – which was ultimately linked to 28 deaths and more than 600 infections.

Princess Cruises said virus patients had been isolating and every passenger had been given a rapid antigen test in the 24 hours before arrival.

Guests who tested positive and chose to stay on the ship were required to isolate for at least five days.

Covid-19 cases have more than doubled in a fortnight in NSW, Queensland and Victoria despite lower testing numbers. NSW and Victoria recorded a combined 48,267 new infections on Friday, up from 22,676 two weeks ago.

NSW and Queensland have moved to “amber” risk settings due to the continued spread of a new Covid wave.

Masks have become mandated in NSW in hospitals and healthcare settings while in Queensland, masks are recommended in a range of public settings and among elderly and vulnerable people.

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Explainer: what are Australia’s obligations to cruise ships off its coast under international law?

Professor, UNSW Sydney

Disclosure statement

Natalie Klein does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

UNSW Sydney provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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The spectre of large ships with people desperate to come ashore is not a new sight in Australia.

In 2001, the MV Tampa infamously sought to enter Australian waters off Christmas Island to discharge more than 400 asylum seekers who had been rescued by the Norwegian vessel.

It is estimated that 15,000 crew members are now stranded on 18 cruise ships floating around Australia, with mounting concerns that coronavirus will take hold and spread.

The circumstances for each ship may vary, but the fundamental rules of international law remain the same.

Duty to render assistance

For those at sea, there is a duty for masters of vessels to render assistance to those in distress. States must fulfill this obligation, too.

Australia could be seen as fulfilling this responsibility with its plan to send doctors to the cruise ships to evaluate sick crew members. An at-sea boarding is challenging, though, and requires the consent and cooperation of those on board.

When the vessel itself is in distress, the international law of the sea allows for it to enter a port of refuge.

Read more: Yes, Australians on board the Diamond Princess need to go into quarantine again. It's time to reset the clock

Though countries exercise sovereignty over their ports and are entitled to control which vessels enter, an exception exists under customary international law to allow ships in distress to dock.

This is what happened in 2001 when the master of the Tampa issued a distress call to warrant his entry to Christmas Island.

But what counts as distress? Essentially, it is when there is a clear threat to the safety of those aboard the ship.

Traditionally, this related to situations when a vessel had a broken mast, damaged sails or malfunctioning engines or other mechanical failures requiring repair. A vessel could enter into port and seek the repairs needed before continuing on its journey.

The Tampa’s distress, however, was caused by the fact it was carrying an excess number of people who required more food, water and medical attention than the vessel was equipped to provide.

International law protections for crews

What about a cruise liner with a crew of 1,000 who live in close quarters and are exposed to the coronavirus? A situation of distress could well arise on these ships, as well.

International law has minimum requirements for the crew operating a ship. At the moment, it would seem the crew on a cruise liner would be divided between those who are essential for the running of a vessel and those whose jobs are to look after the passengers.

A situation of distress would be more easily established when the crew responsible for the actual running of the vessel are unwell and unable to perform tasks essential for the safety of the ship.

Read more: Coronavirus has seriously tested our border security. Have we learned from our mistakes?

The crew members also have core rights that are set out in the Maritime Labour Convention , which came into force in 2013. It sets the working and living standards for crews working on ships internationally.

Under this convention, seafarers who are in need of immediate medical care are to be given access to medical facilities on shore. Australia is bound by this obligation for vessels located in its territorial waters, regardless of whether those ships are foreign-registered.

Australia has implemented the convention under its own Navigation Act and, most particularly, the Marine Order 11 .

That order requires the owners of vessels

put in place measures for the health protection, medical care and essential dental care for seafarers on board.

This obligation extends to ensuring that

seafarers have health protection and medical care as comparable as possible to that available to workers on shore, including prompt access to: (i) necessary medicines, medical equipment and facilities for diagnosis and treatment; and (ii) medical information and expertise.

This order applies to Australian vessels. The question is whether the same rules apply to a foreign-registered vessel.

The Ruby Princess, for example, is registered to the Bahamas . The Bahamas is bound by the Maritime Labour Convention , which sets out similar requirements to those in Australia’s Marine Order.

However, the vessel owners do not have full responsibility for the well-being of crews on board. The Maritime Labour Convention makes clear that Australia is duty-bound to offer medical care to crew on ships in its territorial waters.

Read more: Memories overboard! What the law says about claiming compensation for a holiday gone wrong

The convention does not indicate who has primary responsibility to provide medical assistance in cases like these, but the shipowner does have financial liability under the treaty to defray the expenses of such treatment. What matters is the crew receives the necessary medical care.

For Australia, there is still a balance of rights to be achieved. Under international law, a state might refuse access to its ports for a ship that poses a serious and unacceptable safety, environmental, health or security threat to it. A pandemic would no doubt count in this regard.

Port states have the right to protect their local populations in different ways, consistent with international health regulations put forth by the World Health Organisation and with the International Ship and Port Facility Code .

Yet, the safety of persons on board must be assured, as well.

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The cruise industry is one of the most heavily regulated industries with robust, clearly defined standards. The average ship undergoes dozens of announced and unannounced safety inspections per year, involving hundreds of man-hours and the implementation of thousands of specific requirements set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and other authorities.

The cruise industry has a long history of ongoing review and improvement, with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)’s policies often exceeding requirements of international law. Providing for the safety of passengers and crew is, at all times, the industry’s top priority.

Regulatory Authorities

Cruise operations are tightly regulated with rigorous enforcement by outside authorities. These regulatory authorities set comprehensive standards for safety, security, crewmember protections, health, and environmental performance. International regulators include the IMO, International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Health Organization (WHO). Also, agencies such as the U.S Coast Guard, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have full authority to regulate and enforce compliance for ships entering or departing from U.S. ports

Inspection and Enforecement

Cruise ships are subject to three robust layers of inspection and enforcement of international law and other requirements:

Port States:

Any country whose ports or waters are visited by a cruise ship has full authority to make sure that it follows international, national, and local regulations. Specifically, Port States inspect and enforce compliance with applicable international and domestic laws and regulations.

Countries of Registration:

The country or Flag State where a cruise ship is registered must make certain that registered ships meet all international requirements. Flag States also inspect ships on a regular basis to ensure compliance with both international and national requirements.

Classification Societies:

Independent agencies, called classification societies, conduct inspections on behalf of Flag States, cruise ship owners, insurers and other members of the maritime community to ensure that ships are in compliance with applicable standards and managed responsibly. These societies also set strict safety and environmental guidelines for design, construction and operation.

Consistent Updates:

International regulations are reviewed and updated to implement improvements. Specifically, the IMO reviews regulations on an ongoing basis through committee and subcommittee meetings, general sessions, and extraordinary sessions when warranted.

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Regulations and standards

Select a category

The national law and regulations

Find the Domestic Commercial Vessel National Law, the Navigation Act and regulations.

National Law Act 2012

Navigation act 2012, legislation, guidance notices and fact sheets for domestic commercial vessel owners and operators, approach to regulatory action against certificates of competency, marine orders.

Read all marine orders including marine orders under the national law and navigation acts.

Index of marine orders

Marine order changes, marine order 1—administration.

Definitions and provisions which generally apply to marine orders.

Marine order 2—Australian International Shipping Register

Requirements for seafarers working on and ships registered on the Australian International Shipping Register.

Marine order 4—Transitional modifications

Transitional arrangements for marine orders made under the previous Navigation Act.

Marine order 11—Living and working conditions on vessels

Improving standards for the welfare of seafarers.

Marine order 12—Construction—subdivision and stability, machinery and electrical installations

Stable and mechanically sound vessels.

Marine order 15—Construction—fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction

The construction and equipping of vessels to reduce fire risks.

Marine order 16—Load lines

Meeting load line requirements.

Marine order 17—Chemical tankers and gas carriers

Carrying dangerous liquids and liquefied gases.

Marine order 18—Measures to enhance maritime safety

Enhancing maritime safety through additional survey and identification means.

Marine order 19—Tonnage measurement

Tonnage measurement and certificates.

Marine order 21—Safety and emergency arrangements

Safety measures and emergency procedures

Marine order 25—Equipment—lifesaving

Lifesaving equipment regulations and the recovery of persons from the water.

Marine order 27—Safety of navigation and radio equipment

Navigation and radio equipment, communication and emergency signals.

Marine order 28—Operations standards and procedures

Watchkeeping standards, fatigue management and emergency operations.

Marine order 30—Prevention of collisions

Safe navigation of vessels to prevent collisions.

Marine order 31—SOLAS and non-SOLAS certification

Surveys and certification of vessels.

Marine order 32—Cargo handling equipment

Cargo handling equipment on vessels.

Marine order 33—Cargo and cargo handling—grain

Vessels carrying grain.

Marine order 34—Solid bulk cargoes

Vessels carrying solid bulk cargo.

Marine order 35—Additional safety measures for bulk carriers

Safety of bulk carriers.

Marine order 41—Carriage of dangerous goods

This marine order provides information about keeping dangerous goods safe.

Marine order 42—Carriage, stowage and securing of cargoes and containers

Carriage, stowage and securing of cargoes and containers.

Marine order 43—Cargo and cargo handling—livestock

Vessels carrying livestock.

Marine order 44—Safe containers

Keeping container ships safe.

Marine order 47—Offshore industry units

Requirements for offshore industry units.

Marine order 49—High speed craft

Requirements for high speed craft.

Marine order 50—Special purpose vessels

Special purpose vessels.

Marine order 51—Fishing vessels

Requirements for fishing vessels on overseas voyages.

Marine Order 52—Yachts and training vessels

Yachts, super yachts and training vessels

Marine order 53—Vessels in polar waters

Requirements for vessels travelling in the Arctic and Antarctic.

Marine order 54—Coastal pilotage

Guidance for coastal pilots and vessels requiring a coastal pilot.

Marine order 57—Helicopter operations

Helicopters working from vessels.

Marine order 58—Safe management of vessels

Keeping vessels safe.

Marine order 63—Vessel reporting systems

Ship tracking and reporting systems.

Marine order 64—Vessel traffic services

Provides the regulatory framework for vessel traffic services in Australia.

Marine order 70—Seafarer certification

Seafarer certification and qualifications.

Marine order 71—Masters and deck officers

Qualify as a master or deck officer.

Marine order 72—Engineer officers

Qualify as an engineer.

Marine order 73—Ratings

Eligibility, training and experience needed to become a qualified rating.

Marine order 74—Masters and deck officers—yachts

Become a master or deck officer of an Australian regulated yacht.

Marine order 76—Health—medical fitness

Requirements for medical certificates.

Marine order 91—Marine pollution prevention—oil

Protecting the marine environment from oil pollution.

Marine order 93—Marine pollution prevention—noxious liquid substances

Protecting the marine environment from contaminating liquids and chemicals.

Marine order 94—Marine pollution prevention—packaged harmful substances

Protecting the marine environment from packaged harmful substances.

Marine order 95—Marine pollution prevention—garbage

Protecting the marine environment from garbage.

Marine order 96—Marine pollution prevention—sewage

Protecting the marine environment from sewage pollution.

Marine order 97—Marine pollution prevention—air pollution

Protecting the marine environment from air pollution.

Marine order 98—Marine pollution—anti-fouling systems

Protecting aquatic organisms in our marine environment.

Marine order 501—Administration—national law

Link to the legislation on the Federal Register of Legislation.

Marine order 502—Vessel identifiers—national law

Applying, displaying and communications about a unique vessel identifier.

Marine order 503—Certificates of survey—national law

Certificates of survey details.

Marine order 504—Certificates of operation and operation requirements—national law

Certificate of operation requirements.

Marine order 505—Certificates of competency—national law

General information about certificates of competency.

Marine order 507—Load line certificates—national law

How to apply, the conditions and how to vary a certificate.

National law exemptions

You can apply for an exemption from a national law requirement. You may do so when it is unreasonable to require full compliance or where transitional arrangements are required.

National Law Act exemptions for marine orders

Exemption changes, general and specific exemptions, exemption 1—marine safety (vessel identifiers), exemption 2—marine safety (certificates of survey), exemption 3—marine safety (certificates of operation), exemption 4—marine safety (recreational use), exemption 6—marine safety (periodic survey, equipment certification and compass adjustment), exemption 7—marine safety (temporary operations) exemption, exemption 10—marine safety (operation of fishing vessels), exemption 13—marine safety (wildlife or other sightseeing), exemption 14—marine safety (sea rangers), exemption 15—marine safety (scientific research and educational activities), exemption 16—marine safety (traditional fishing), exemption 17—marine safety (great barrier reef region and torres strait zone), exemption 18—marine safety (sail), exemption 21—marine safety (operator vehicular ferry-in-chains), exemption 22—marine safety (bareboats), exemption 23—marine safety (masters or crew without certificates), exemption 24—marine safety (emergency services vessels), exemption 25—marine safety (old certificates of competency—local restrictions), exemption 31—marine safety (expired pre-usl code certificates), exemption 39—marine safety (lifejacket lights), exemption 33—marine safety (sailing vessels with motor propulsion), exemption 36—marine safety (steam-powered vessels), exemption 40 (operational area) determination, exemption 40—marine safety (class c restricted operations), exemption 41—marine safety (unpowered barges), exemption 44—marine safety (domestic commercial vessels—eiapp certificate), superseded and repealed marine safety exemptions, standards and generic equivalent solutions.

Find the National Standards for Commercial Vessels, generic equivalent solutions, the Uniform Shipping Laws code, and International Safety Management code.

National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV)

Generic equivalent solutions for national standards, uniform shipping laws code, superseded generic equivalent solutions for the national standard, marine notices.

Find important safety related information, general guidance and changes to legislation on shipping and maritime issues.

Index of marine notices

02/2024 - limitation of sulphur emissions from cruise vessels while at berth in sydney harbour, marine notice 2024/01 - reduction of underwater radiated noise (urn) from shipping, 2023/07 - guidance for the safe carriage of battery powered vehicles on ships, 2023/06—means of embarkation and disembarkation from ships in port, 05/2023 - receiving maritime safety information (msi), 04/2023 - pilot transfer arrangements, 03/2023 - access to shore leave for seafarers, 02/2023— vhf marine radios with digital selective calling capability, marine notice 01-2023— a satellite-based augmentation system (sbas) in the australia and new zealand region, marine notice 14-2022—ensuring navigation bridge visibility, marine notice 13-2022—guidance document for the recording operations in the oil record book part i, 12/2022—requirements for the use of exhaust gas cleaning systems in australian waters, 11/2022—biofouling and in-water cleaning, 10/2022—planned maintenance on ships, 09/2022—cessation of printed nautical publications, 07/2022—under keel clearance management (ukcm) in torres strait, 06/2022—coastal pilotage, 04/2022—safe handling of hatch covers, 02/2022—proper stowage and securing of cargo containers, 01/2022—marpol annex v (garbage) discharges, 10/2021—means of embarkation and disembarkation from ships in port, marine notice 08/2021 - electronic chart display and information systems, marine notice 07/2021 - responsible navigational practices, marine notice 06/2021—fatal accidents from falling off pilot ladders on ships, 05/2021 - sanctions, 08/2020—working at height, 1/2020—fatal accidents caused by moving elevators on ships, 5/2018—pre-loading cargo information for livestock vessels, 4/2018—high pressure fire-fighting systems—design safeguards against personal injury, 2/2018—electronic visual distress signals (evds), 15/2017—transfer operations at sea and in coastal waters, 13/2017—ship accommodation ladders with unapproved secondary means of support arrangements, 12/2017—operation and maintenance of rescue boat outboard motors, 18/2016—danger with the use of weighted heaving lines, 10/2016—international delivery of domestic commercial vessels and near coastal vessels operating overseas, 5/2016—ensuring adequate waste reception facilities, 15/2015—free-fall lifeboat safety, 7/2015—piracy and armed robbery against ships, what are marine orders.

Marine orders can change or add to Australia's maritime laws. Find out how they are created, the conventions around marine orders, and view an index of all marine orders.

How marine orders are created

Conventions underpinning marine orders.

Our maritime safety and protection of the sea laws implement international and national standards.

Marine Order 54 (Torres Strait Draught Variation) – Exemption 2021

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Find out about travel requirements and steps you can take to stay safe.

Domestic travel within Australia

Domestic travel requirements are determined by state and territory governments. Check the websites of local health departments for information about travel to:

• Australian Capital Territory
• New South Wales
• Northern Territory
• South Australia
• Western Australia .

Travelling overseas

The Australian Government does not currently have any COVID-19 requirements in place for travellers entering and departing Australia.

COVID-19 however continues to pose a health risk in Australia and overseas. We strongly encourage wearing masks and being vaccinated while travelling internationally. You should practice good cough and hand hygiene, and physically distance from others where possible.

Some countries, airlines and vessel operators may have COVID-19 travel requirements in place. Check the requirements of any:

• countries you are travelling to, or transiting through
• airlines or vessel operators.
• Smartraveller website
• Australian Government – international travel information .

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is important if you become sick with COVID-19 overseas. Make sure your insurance includes:

• transit destinations
• inclusions for COVID-19
• other add-ons like cruise specific insurance.

Some destinations also require travellers to hold travel insurance as a condition of entry.

Cruise travel

Check with your cruise provider or travel agent for up-to-date travel requirements for your ship and destination/s. You can also contact the relevant state or territory government to find out if any requirements apply for your destination.

Outbreaks onboard a cruise

Cruise ships carry a higher risk for spreading disease compared to other types of travel. COVID-19, influenza, and other infectious diseases spread easily between people living and socialising in close quarters.

If an outbreak of COVID-19 occurs on your cruise, you may need to:

• quarantine on the ship
• disembark and follow the local rules in the state or territory or country you are in.

Before you travel, check the  Smartraveller advice on cruises . Contact your travel agent or cruise operator for specific information on their COVID-19 safety protocols.

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Australian COVID Protocols Dumped for Cruise Ships

Andrea Santillan

• August 29, 2023

After last week’s announcement that previously imposed Australian COVID protocols on the cruise industry will be removed , New South Wales (NWS) promptly and officially discontinued them last Monday, August 28, 2023.

Australian COVID Protocols Finished in NSW

Other Australian states—Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia (WA)—are expected to follow suit. 

The government introduced pandemic-related guidelines to revive the previously ailing Australian cruise industry in April 2022 .

Some of its recommendations included wearing masks, vaccinating all cruise passengers 12 years old and older, and acquiring negative COVID test results. As the country’s immunity to the infectious disease grew, they proved less of a necessity and more inconvenient for cruise lines and their passengers. 

“We need to get back to normal.”

Last Monday, NWS Premier Chris Minns signed paperwork that officially scrapped the Eastern Seaboard and Western Australian Cruise Protocols. According to Minns, “We need to get life back to normal.”

In line with the decision, the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee (AHPPC), part of the country’s health department, removed cruise vaccination protocols and updated their health guidelines. 

The country’s Chief Medical Officer, Paul Kelly, stated that other Australian states won’t be far behind in making similar changes.

When the idea of scrapping the pandemic-related protocols was suggested last week, it met with much support from passengers, cruise lines, and the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). 

Now that it’s become official, these stakeholders will undoubtedly be pleased with the latest announcement.

Carnival-owned Princess Cruises was one of the first to express its approval. A company representative wrote in a LinkedIn post , “We applaud the decisions by governments throughout Australia to make visiting and exploring the country easier and more convenient for all travelers. This long-awaited development means that all cruise enthusiasts can once again indulge in the sheer pleasure of exploration…” 

While the AHPPC acknowledges that cruise ships remain a “higher risk setting for communicable disease,” it encouraged cruise companies to mitigate them by promptly addressing outbreaks, encouraging guests and crews to have updated vaccinations, and managing the health of their staff.

For now, Australian COVID Protocols are a think of the past in NSW.

Go Deeper : Timeline of the Cruise Industry Shutdown

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Scenic Eclipse II Makes Maiden Call to Gladstone

• April 26, 2024

On Thursday, April 25, the Port of Gladstone welcomed the Scenic Eclipse II for its inaugural visit during its Chairman’s Voyage itinerary along Australia’s East Coast. 

The ship docked at the Gladstone Ports Corporation’s (GPC) East Shores Precinct Cruise Terminal.

Scenic Eclipse iI’s visit coincided with ANZAC, the national day of commemoration of Australia and New Zealand for victims of war. Passengers were taken to a VIP area for the  Day Dawn Service, commencing at 5.30 am at Anzac Park.

The ship’s next port of all is Percy Islands, followed by Airlie Beach, Magnetic Island and Willis Island before the journey ends in Cairns on April 30.

The newest addition to The Scenic roup’s Discovery Yacht fleet, the Scenic Eclipse II carries 228 passengers and 176 crew. It recently arrived in Australia for a two-year season of sailings. Guests will explore the Queensland coastline, including the Great Barrier Reef and its islands, the Northern Territory and Kimberley region, and the coast of Western Australia in 2025. 

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Authorities to Limit Arctic Cruises with New Regulations

New rules for polar cruises are intended to protect some of the world’s most remote and vulnerable destinations..

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New restrictions on cruises to Svalbard, Norway, go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Photo by Lloyd Woodham/Unsplash

Svalbard , an archipelago deep in the Arctic Circle known for its rugged, remote terrain of glaciers and frozen tundra, is often referred to as the land of the polar bear. But spotting one of the majestic white giants is expected to get harder next year under new regulations aimed at protecting the region from the growth in popularity of expedition cruising.

Beginning January 1, 2025, only ships carrying 200 or fewer passengers will be permitted to land—and only in select spots—within national parks and other protected areas of the Norwegian territory that are home to walruses, seals, reindeer, and more.

The new rule , among several changes enacted by the government of Norway in February, is even more strict than those for cruises in Antarctica, where ships carrying up to 500 people can make landings, albeit with no more than 100 people disembarking at a time.

It’s one of a growing list of recently adopted or proposed restrictions for the Arctic and the Antarctic that aim to regulate where visitors can go and what they can do when they get there.

Like debates about overtourism worldwide, the attempt to balance environmental concerns with booming travel demand is a tug-of-war that has been going on for years—and one that will no doubt continue to escalate in response to the steady increase in expedition cruise ships being built and deployed.

Here’s a look at the new and proposed rules for polar tourism, and the impact they might have.

New rules for cruises in Svalbard

Last year, 32 boats carrying nearly 24,000 passengers visited Svalbard, compared to 25 ships carrying just over 20,000 passengers in 2019, according to numbers provided by the Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators (AECO).

While larger ships will still be able to visit Svalbard’s only cruise port in Longyearbyen, the northernmost settlement in the world, it’s just the jumping-off point for sailing deeper into the wild to explore by foot and on Zodiacs and kayaks.

Expedition ships traditionally carry up to 200 passengers, and those small ships make up 70 to 80 percent of the Svalbard sailings, according to industry estimates. But as expedition cruising has grown, so has the size of some of the ships, including some of the luxury entrants into the expedition market. Seabourn and Silversea’s new expedition ships, for instance, carry between 200 and 300 passengers. Scenic’s new ships carry just over 200, but the company keeps polar sailings to 200 passengers.

Come January, only ships carrying 200 passengers or fewer will be permitted to sail in Svalbard.

Tetyana Dotsenko/Shutterstock

Besides restricting passenger counts of ships in the protected areas, the new Norwegian regulations will limit to 43 the number of protected areas where the ships can drop anchor and take their passengers to explore. They will also prohibit people and boats from getting closer than 500 feet to areas where walruses congregate, and prohibit cruise ships from breaking fast ice, or ice that is connected to the shore or seabed—a controversial practice that some employ to give passengers a closer view of polar bears or to allow passengers to walk on ice.

Exactly what impact these rules will have on cruising in the region remains to be seen. But AECO said it “will not only limit operations, but also will put a severe strain on the remaining areas open for shore-landings.”

Howard Whelan, a veteran guide with the Australian company Aurora Expeditions , which only sails ships with fewer than 150 passengers, said he, too, is concerned about the impact of funneling all the ships into limited sites rather than having them spread out and explore more widely across the archipelago. But he applauded the fast-ice rule “because that’s clearly affecting polar bear and seal habitat.”

AECO said it was disappointed the rules were enacted “despite a thorough consultation process, where a united industry has worked on providing solutions in line with the common goal of protecting the vulnerable wildlife and wilderness of Svalbard.”

Now the group said it is working with operators to help them better understand the new rules as they tweak their itineraries.

Hurtigruten, the Norwegian-based company that was a pioneer in expedition cruising, says that while its two ships that circumnavigate Svalbard have a maximum capacity of 200 passengers, it has larger ships that also sail the region.

“Our team of expedition experts await further updates from AECO, and we will work together to adapt our itineraries where necessary,” said Karin Strand, vice president of expedition development at HX, Hurtigruten’s expedition arm.

HX said it will announce new Svalbard itineraries in the weeks ahead that meet the new requirements, and that it is deepening its partnership with sister brand Hurtigruten Svalbard , the oldest and leading ground operator in the destination.

Iceland is considering regulating visits to Dynjandi waterfall.

Thomas Schnitzler/Shutterstock

Proposed regulations for Greenland and Iceland

While the new regulations may push more Arctic cruises south to Iceland and to Greenland’s remote eastern coast, authorities in those countries are also working on proposals that could restrict cruising.

Among those being considered is a tourism law that would create zoning in Greenland to define areas where tourism is restricted or banned, according to AECO. Greenland is also looking at creating cruise-specific zones that define where cruise activities are either fully unrestricted, allowed under certain conditions, or prohibited entirely.

In Iceland, the government is considering regulations for Zodiac landings near the Dynjandi waterfall, the largest waterfall in the country’s Westfjords region and a popular attraction for tourists on land and ship. And it recently passed an accommodation tax for overnight stays, including on cruise ships.

Antarctica looks into further limits, too

One of the hottest tickets for expedition cruising is Antarctica, which reported more than 100,000 visitors last year, mostly on cruise ships. Managing that growth is expected to be a key focus of next month’s annual meeting of consultative members of the Antarctic Treaty, which last year agreed to begin work on a comprehensive tourism management plan.

Among the contentious topics discussed last year were whether to prohibit any expansion of landing sites for cruise-ship passengers and the possible banning of overnight camping and the use of helicopters and submersibles by cruise ships.

Debates for limiting tourism in Antarctica have been going on for years, but changes are much harder to adopt as there is no central government, and 56 countries are party to the treaty that governs the vast white continent.

Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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