COVID-19 Policy – Updated August 2023

At Eco Abrolhos, we have implemented policies and procedures to mitigate the transmission of Covid-19 onboard our vessels and reduce the severity of outcomes should an infection occur.

  1. Pre-Embarkation

Travelling on a cruise ship increases your chance of exposure to COVID-19, influenza, acute gastroenteritis (gastro) and other infectious diseases.

While cruise ships have plans in place to reduce passengers’ risk, these measures may not prevent the spread of the virus entirely. To minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission on our vessels, we recommend all passengers have up to date COVID-19 vaccination at least 14 days before embarkation. In addition, all passengers must complete a health screening questionnaire and provide evidence of a Negative RAT before boarding.

COVID-19 and influenza (flu) can cause serious illness and death. If you have decided to go on a cruise, it is important you prepare your own Covid Plan.

In summary a COVID plan is recommended to consider the following:

  • Understand the risks involved. If a guest identifies as an at-risk individual, they should complete a COVID plan with assistance from their doctor. Do you need to bring anti-viral?
  • Are your vaccinations for COVID-19 and the FLU shot up to date – this is NOT mandatory but highly recommended.
  • Masks should be packed so that the individuals can protect themselves prior to boarding whilst enroute to the vessel on transport such as bus and plane etc.
  • Pack Cold and Flu tablets with some pain relief such as Panadol, Nurofen etc.
  • Consider your personal hygiene regime.
  • Bring RAT tests for self-testing.
  • Develop a plan in case of evacuation to cover personal wellbeing & financial costs. Eco Abrolhos will not refund/credit any part of your tour that you were not able to participate in due to the impact of COVID-19. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that will cover you for these costs.
  1. Requirements for Boarding

Passengers are encouraged to assess their own health before boarding the vessel such as conducting a RAT test within 24 hours of boarding.

  1. Precautions during the Cruise

Guests and crew members are encouraged to take additional precautions, including washing their hands frequently and using provided hand sanitiser stations.

  1. Response Plan to COVID-19 Onboard

During a cruise, if a guest happens to develop COVID-19 after departure, we ask guests to self-manage like they would at home. We do not require guests to self-quarantine in the cabin for 5 days, but we do have guidelines to follow:

  • Always wear a mask indoors and around others outdoors for a full 5 days.
  • Rest up and relax onboard during the acute symptomatic period, enjoy the open-air top deck whilst everyone is off the vessel or simply remain in the cabin.
  • Self-administer anti-viral if prescribed by your doctor.
  • Make hand sanitation common routine, social distance from other guests.
  • Self-administer common pain relief e.g. Panadol, Nurofen
  • A crew member will serve your meals for a full 5 days to avoid a high-risk area at the serving area. Please sit outside at the back deck or on the other decks enjoying a view for meal consumption.
  • Anyone sharing your cabin will be required to RAT daily but will not be required to isolate whilst they return a negative result and do not have COVID-19 like symptoms.

What about our crew? If a crew member contracts COVID-19 we will limit their exposure to others as much as possible but do understand if they are well enough, they can resume normal duties in certain roles to ensure safe running and operation of the vessel.

If someone gets COVID-19 please be sympathetic and understanding to ensure they don’t feel isolated and alone.

The same goes for the common flu, cold etc. Our Kimberley trips operate during the Australian winter period and many people fly up from cooler climates. If you do develop the flu or gastro etc., please follow the same guidelines and let a crew member know.

If you feel uneasy about the potential of contracting COVID or other illnesses during the remote wilderness cruise, please contact the Eco Abrolhos Cruise office (08) 9964 5101 or info@ecoabrolhos.com.au for more information or to discuss options.

References

Further information about COVID:

WA Department of Health COVID-19: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus

WA COVID-19 Vaccination: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/COVID19-vaccine

COVID-safe travel in WA + Care Plan: https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Coronavirus/Staying-safe