Going on a cruise

COVID-19 information

We advise all Australians to not travel overseas at this time, including on international cruises.

Disruptions to cruise ship itineraries due to COVID-19 can have significant consequences for travellers. The situation is fluid and you can expect further disruptions. 

The Australian Government is aware of a number of cruise ships that have had itineraries impacted by the global outbreak of COVID-19, including some ships that have suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 aboard.

DFAT is working closely with the cruise line industry, cruise line operators and countries where ships with Australians aboard are located and affected by these disruptions.

If you need urgent consular help, you can contact DFAT’s Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 from Australia or on +61 6261 3305 from overseas.

If you have any health concerns, including access to your medication, speak to your cruise ship in the first instance.

If you have an upcoming cruise booking, contact your cruise company or travel agent to explore alternative options, such as rebooking onto a future cruise, full or partial refunds. In some instances, depending on your policy your travel insurance may help.

Subscribe to our news and travel advisories for your destinations and transit locations.

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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:

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

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.

  • Destinations onshore. 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 not be able to claim on Medicare or private health insurance on the ship. Check before you go if your ship has a Medicare-accessible doctor on board.
  • 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 (CHOICE).

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

Learn more about natural disasters, and what to do if there's a crisis.

Taking care of your health

  • Health checks and vaccinations. Before you go, get a health checks and any vaccinations your doctor recommends.
  • Medications. Learn more about travelling with medications.
  • Pre-existing conditions. You're more likely to need medical assistance overseas if you have a pre-existing medical condition, such as pregnancy, a disability or a mental health issue.
  • Personal hygiene. Gastro bugs are notoriously common on cruise ships. Learn more about preventing infectious diseases.
  • Onboard medical care. Standards on board may not be as good as in Australia. Talk to your cruise operator about facilties and costs on board.
  • Onshore medical care. If it's too serious to treat on board, they may transfer you to a hospital at the next port.

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

Staying safe on board

  • 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 vigilant 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 do drugs. Know your limits, watch for drink spiking and take care of others. See more about partying safely.
  • Assault. See our advice on reducing the risk of assault, sexual assault and muggings.
  • Piracy. If you're going through a piracy prone area, ask the cruise company about their security measures. Find out about their policies and procedures in the event of a pirate attack.

Read more advice about staying safe and avoiding danger. Also see safety tips for cruise ship holidays (CHOICE).

Shore visits

  • 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 on-shore.
  • Wear safety gear. Riding bikes and scooters, and other 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.

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
  • your travel insurer

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.

Read more

See also

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Reducing the risk of piracy

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.

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