Boutique ship, Caledonian Sky has arrived in Cairns with APT gearing up to launch its Kimberley season on June 11.
APT has confirmed that it has all its crew in place and they are currently undertaking the necessary training. The line has also confirmed that it will operate its full Kimberley season until September this year.
This is a good news for the line which was forced to cancel its first Kimberley cruise scheduled on June 2 because of a shortage of qualified crew.
This is because the government is insisting all foreign-flagged cruise ships wanting to sail Australian waters must employ Australians to take on service and hospitality roles.
The ruling from Australian Border Force says: ”We will only consider exemptions for crew required to safely operate the vessel. Entry of the vessel should also provide economic benefit to Australia. Other roles such as service or hospitality roles, should be filled by workers in Australia.”
APT has employed more than 30 Australian crew members to operate its 2021 Kimberley season.
