Every cruise ship operating in Australia owned by Carnival Corporation will now require passengers to wear masks indoors amid concerns over the nation's fourth COVID-19 wave.
Earlier 9news.com.au reported that Carnival Cruises had reintroduced mandatory mask wearing. It can now be confirmed that entire fleet owned by the company will implement the measures.
Months after the mandate was scrapped for guests, cruise management said that "out of an abundance of caution" the health measure would return to "adapt to the evolving public health situation".
Carnival Corporation brands include: P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Cunard, Holland America Line, Seabourn and P&O Cruises World Cruising.
Masks are now required onboard in all public indoor spaces, outdoors when in large groups where physical distancing cannot be secured and also during the entire embarkation and debarkation process.
They are not required when eating or drinking however.
"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," a Carnival Australia spokesperson said.
"The past two years have seen all industries, including ours, strengthen their health and safety protocols. At the same time, a majority of the population is now vaccinated.
"At a time when Australia is faced with a rapid rise of COVID cases, it's critical everyone plays their part in keeping the community safe, and we thank our guests for abiding by our requirements."
