MORETON Bay tourism is in for a boost, with Carnival Cruise Line launching a cruise program for next year, with trips to the Great Barrier Reef and Moreton Island.
Carnival general manager Australia Jennifer Vandekreeke said the business would convert 26 per cent of its international itineraries to Australia-based cruises.
World cruising has been devastated by COVID-19 this year, with the industry all but shut down as nations banned liners from entering ports, should they be carrying the virus.
An inquiry into the handling of the Ruby Princess cruise ship that docked in Sydney, spreading the disease found that the NSW government had made mistakes in not containing infected passengers and did not arrange isolation accommodation for those intending to travel further.
Ms Vandekreeke said there had been overwhelming demand for close-to-home intineraries, prompting the conversion of international cruises to domestic.
All itineraries departing Sydney and Brisbane will visit the Great Barrier Reef and surrounding areas, as well as Moreton Island.
"(We are) offering Aussies more opportunities to see their backyard by sea and further support local tourism," she said.
"These new domestic cruises will account for a $16.7 million boost to the Queensland economy."
They will be worth $6.8 million to Cairns, $3.7 million to Port Douglas, $5.4 million to Airlie Beach, and $800,000 to Moreton Island.
In total Carnival will make 30 new calls into Queensland, with trips to the reef and rainforest.
"As Australians, we have become increasingly appreciative of our beautiful home and we are looking to explore our backyard more than ever," she said.
"We are so incredibly lucky to have this beautiful part of the world as our playground and there's no better way to explore the beauty of Australia than by sea.
"Cruising offers travellers the chance to visit a number of fantastic Queensland destinations in one holiday while unpacking only once.
"...It's also never been a more important time to support our local economy."
Ms Vandekreeke said the health and safety of Carnival's guests was the priority.
Cruise Lines International Association says health and safety protocols are being implemented in the wake of COVID-19.
Work is under way on the testing, screening, cleansing and medical protocols that cruise lines will adopt globally, including the testing of all passengers and crew with a capacity of more than 250 people.
A COVID-19 negative test result will be required for any embarkation.
