Cruise ship operators

Cruise ship operators must complete the same pre-arrival documentation as other commercial vessels and follow the other instructions on the maritime border health requirements page.

Maritime border health requirements

Outbreak reporting requirements

If an outbreak of a communicable disease reaches a cumulative attack rate of 3% or more, the master of the vessel must report case numbers daily using a Situation Report (SITREP). The cumulative attack rate is the total number of cases over the last 21 days, or since the voyage began (whichever is shorter).

Communicable diseases to be reported

• COVID-19
• flu (influenza)
• other acute respiratory illnesses
• acute gastroenteritis.

Complete and submit your SITREP

external link SITREP spreadsheet (XLSX 126KB)external link

• Email the completed SITREP to ITOC@tewhatuora.govt.nz.
• Continue submitting daily SITREPs while in New Zealand waters or until we tell you otherwise.

These SITREPs are in addition to the existing health arrival documentation requirements.

Cruise operator responsibilities

Cruise operators can help reduce the spread of communicable diseases through good practices and procedures.

We expect cruise operators to help reduce risk by:

• providing easy access to hand sanitiser, masks, testing equipment, and support for passengers and crew with communicable diseases
• following regular and thorough cleaning routines
• communicating with and encouraging passengers and crew to follow health guidance
• quickly putting extra controls in place when illness happens.

Report notifiable infections while in harbour

The master must inform the local Medical Officer of Health or a Health Protection Officer if any person on board may have a notifiable infectious disease.

If a person has symptoms while in harbour

Public health assistance

Cruise operators are responsible for:

• the health of crew and passengers
• sanitation standards and practices on the ship.

Keeping passengers and crew healthy helps protect people in New Zealand.

We recommend cruise operators maintain accurate records for passengers and crew about acute respiratory infections and gastroenteritis outbreaks on board.

If you report illness or outbreaks, public health officers may ask you for more information about the situation and the control measures you have taken. In some situations, we may need to visit the ship.

Public health officers can give you advice and guidance on managing public health risks.