The chief health officer of the Northern Territory of Australia has announced "post-emergency" directives for visiting cruise ships, which include the abolition of the previous limit of 350 passengers.

Joel Katz, director of the local manager of the Cruise Lines International Association, told Cruise Weekly that this indicates a big step forward for cruising NT and Australia.

"Expedition cruise lines have been operating successfully in North Korea for many months, and the decision to open for larger ships is a sign of trust in the health protocols that cruise companies have.

"Together with the measures established in other countries, the announcement of NT means that all Australian coastal states and territories have now set their way to a responsible revival of cruise tourism as we approach the summer season ahead.”

However, some rules will still apply, such as the necessity of a health worker on each vessel, and the ship will still have to visit the port of Darwin as its first port.

If you become close on board, you will still be subject to quarantine conditions while on board, but you will be free to explore during excursions on shore.

Kimberly's season has been going strong since Ponant started sailing on April 28.