What needs to be done before cruises arrive
The return of cruises is high on most people’s bucket lists (or relaxing lists) as they head back to Australia’s shores in May.
After a two-year ban on all cruises due to Covid, the government lifted the ban and all ships are set to sail!
The industry pumps an eye-watering $5 billion and will help more than 18,000 get a job.
But before they set sail, there are quite a few things that need to be sorted.
Rehiring staff and shopping
Graeme Blackman of Inter-Marine said workers who were laid off due to the pandemic should look forward to being rehired.
His tools which were used to ensure everything was working need to also be checked due to being idle for two years.
The Inter-Marine lost almost 90 per cent of its $7 million turnover during the ban.
"It'll be a slow, progressive start but we're so glad we could last this long."
Steven Biviano, from Sydney Select Fresh Providores, is required to ensure the ship is stocked with all ingredients on offer for the delicious meals.
Before the pandemic hit, Steven was delivering 40-semi trailers of fruit and vegetables to cruise ships.
Then his team of 30 was cut to just three people which he said will now change.
"(I'll be) getting a team re-established, speaking to growers, agents," he told Nine News.
Jeremy Goodman, Supply Chain Director for P&O Cruises Australia, will then ensure all products needed are on board.
The first cruise will require: 4,500 dozen eggs, 15 tonnes of fresh vegetables and 6.5 tonnes of poultry.
"When Pacific Explorer resumes cruising on May 31, more than 300 pallets of products of various kinds will be delivered," he said.
"Each pallet weighs around 500k kilograms so that is around 50 tonnes of fresh produce."
Cooking up dishes
The delicious meals that will be prepped and cooked with the products will be created by P&O Cruises Australia Corporate Executive Chef Uwe Stiefel.
Chef Uwe has been practicing new dishes in his Sydney restaurant and said it will be interesting to see what people enjoy after almost two years of takeaway food.
Entertainment
P&O Cruises Australia's Head of Entertainment Brett Annable and Corporate Entertainment Director, Zoltina-J Medwik Dale have been busy recruiting entertainers to welcome aboard passengers.
"We are about to welcome our first production show cast into rehearsals for their debut at the end of May and we are putting the finishing touches to our brand-new production show, 'Musicology', which is launching later this year on Pacific Encounter and Pacific Adventure," Brett said.
Covid-19 rules
Cruising is set to be different thanks to covid with new protocols put in place to ensure the safety of all staff and customers.
All passengers must be fully vaccinated before jumping on a cruise, with Covid tests to be mandatory before departing as well as another test done while on board.
Cruise lines will have their own rules when it comes to wearing masks but will most likely have the rule in place where social distancing isn’t possible.
Staff will however be required to wear masks except for outside on the deck and will be trained with Covid protocols.
The delicious buffets are still on offer but will be served by staff from behind screens to help stop the spread of the disease.
All mealtimes will also be staggered for passengers to ensure social distancing is in place
First cruise to leave
P&O’s Pacific Explorer will be the first cruise ship to start its journey leaving from Sydney on May 31 for a relaxing four night voyage to Brisbane.
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