Cruisline vs private tours

[willtup5]

We will be on the Majestic Princess January 29th 2023 Australia/New Zealand cruise. Was wondering the likelihood that cruiseline tours will be mandated vs private shoreside tours based on covid protocols in Australia and New Zealand. Thoughts?

 

[MMDown Under]

20 minutes ago, willtup5 said:

We will be on the Majestic Princess January 29th 2023 Australia/New Zealand cruise. Was wondering the likelihood that cruiseline tours will be mandated vs private shoreside tours based on covid protocols in Australia and New Zealand. Thoughts?

 

Cruiseline tours haven't been mandated in Australia.  Passengers on the current cruise on Coral Princess had to take a RAT test prior to disembarking in Sydney yesterday.

[arxcards]

1 hour ago, willtup5 said:

We will be on the Majestic Princess January 29th 2023 Australia/New Zealand cruise. Was wondering the likelihood that cruiseline tours will be mandated vs private shoreside tours based on covid protocols in Australia and New Zealand. Thoughts?

 

The above is 99% correct. If you are vaccinated, you are free to do your own tours.

 

Currently, if you are cruising from Australia, you are required to be vaccinated, or have an approved medical exemption for being at risk of vaccination. If you have one of those exemptions, you can only do approved ship tours. From the relevant question on Princess' Australian FAQ:

https://www.princess.com/plan/cruise-with-confidence/cruise-health/frequently-asked-questions/au-cruises/

What requirements are in place to go ashore for guests who have been approved for a vaccination exemption?

For guests aged 12 years and older, you may not be permitted ashore in all ports and, if allowed, may only go ashore through shore excursions sold by or through Princess using tour operators who comply with our COVID-19 protocols. Self-exploration or participation in shore excursions not sold through or operated by Princess will not be permitted.

Children under 12 who are not fully vaccinated will be permitted to participate in independent shore activities alongside their fully vaccinated parents/guardians.

[willtup5]

Thank you for your responses. This is encouraging 

[MicCanberra]

Not sure what NZ will require at this stage or by next year, but vaccination will likely dictate whether you can do private shorexes

[SuitesRbest]

I would use cruise line tours at the moment however, give it a couple months and much will change guaranteed. When they do we always research and way it all up.