CCL-Carnival Cruise Line brought back mandatory mask-wearing for all passengers onboard its Australian voyages.
The company's updated COVID policy on its Australian website says masks are now required "out of an abundance of caution" amid rising COVID case numbers.
The previous mask mandate was scrapped back in February 2022.
Passengers will have to wear masks in indoor spaces, in "large congregate events" outside in case physical distancing is not possible, when embarking/disembarking, on buses/water shuttles, and indoors during shore trips.
CCL offers several itineraries to New Zealand from Sydney NSW and Brisbane.
Some Australia-based ships have reported Coronavirus outbreaks since cruising was allowed in New Zealand again after border restrictions were lifted.
The Princess Cruises-operated Majestic Princess ship docked in Sydney NSW with ~800 cases onboard last week. Princess, along with Carnival, are both owned by Carnival Corporation.
Last month, 130+ cases were reported aboard Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas.