Cruise ships may not return to Australia's east coast until mid-April as the federal government extends COVID-19 biosecurity measures.
It follows Victoria, NSW and Queensland agreeing to work on plans to restart the industry for when Commonwealth biosecurity controls are scrapped.
Notwithstanding the extension of Biosecurity Act controls to April 17, the federal government plans to ditch cruise ship restrictions as soon as advice allows.
It hopes the industry will restart along Australia's east coast in coming months.
But states and territories will have the final say about when cruise ships will be allowed to operate in their jurisdictions.
The Biosecurity Act's human health controls were first enacted in March 2020 when Australia shut its international border.
They cover mandatory testing and mask wearing for international fights as well as restrictions on unvaccinated people leaving the country and measures to protect remote Northern Territory communities.
The controls could be removed before mid-April pending health advice.
Health Minister Greg Hunt noted the peak of the Omicron wave appeared to have passed.
Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia earlier labelled as a breakthrough Thursday's decision at national cabinet to prepare for the industry's resumption.
"For two years, all of these groups, including our own employees, have faced uncertainty as to when cruising and its contribution to Australia's national, state and regional economies might resume," president Marguerite Fitzgerald said.
"They at last have reason for optimism and confidence that cruising will return and we will certainly support the cruise industry in working closely with government authorities, both federal and state, to achieve this outcome."
