Ms Fitzgerald said most of the ship’s 2,000 passengers were unharmed and allowed to move freely on board and disembark at onward destinations.
“This includes Geraldton where every disembarking guest will be required to undertake a rapid antigen test before going ashore,” she said.
“This is standard procedure and one that is well understood by our guests to protect themselves, other guests, our crew and the community.”
WA Health said all cruise ship operators visiting WA should adhere to national protocols and have their own COVID-19 plans in place.
“In accordance with protocols, while in WA waters cruise operators must report cases of COVID-19 to WA Health 12 to 24 hours prior to arrival at a WA port,” he said.
“The protocols set out the minimum expected standards, which include the need for reporting to occur.
“Those aboard ships who have COVID must be isolated for five days.”
The Shire of Broome said many of the Coral Princess passengers went ashore, spending Monday in town or taking part in organized shore excursions.
He said they were expected to inject about $190,000 into the local economy.
But the ship’s arrival was met with mixed reactions from the locals.
In social media posts, some welcomed the return of cruise lines and the boost to the economy, while others expressed concern about health risks.
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Large cruise ships were banned from WA waters in 2020.
These restrictions were lifted in April this year for ships with up to 350 passengers.
Larger ships were allowed to return from October 1.
Announcing the lifting of the ban in April, Premier Mark McGowan said the ability for the cruise transport sector to safely resume operations in WA would provide a significant economic boost to the tourism sector.
“Our safe and organized approach to the return of cruise shipping means we provide a route for these businesses to operate safely once their cruise season begins, while managing public health risk,” he said.
AAP
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