Australian Smoke Pollution-Masks availability.

[alfredo1]

 

 

We are booked on an upcoming cruise on the Journey covering Australia and New Zealand, and it appears the route could be considerably impacted by smoke pollution from the horrendous Australian bush fires, unless hopefully there is some rain in the near future to provide some relief for those areas devastated by events. We keep in touch with a number of Azamara friends who are in the midst of it all, and their experiences are terrible.

From a passenger perspective, if smoke pollution becomes an issue will Azamara have appropriate face masks on board for issue to passengers and crew? Perhaps Bonny, could you clarify please.

Thanks.

[BBMacLaird]

I'll inquire for you.

[Baynanno1]

Good rain is currently falling in parts of the east coast and is promised for more areas over the next four to six days, hopefully extinguishing many of the fires we have been subjected to over the past 4 to 6 weeks.

You may be interested in this site : https://www.weatherzone.com.au/radar

 

Enjoy your cruise.

[jelayne]

When we have visited places where the air quality could be problematic we pack masks.   I don’t expect the cruise line to provide masks anymore than I expect them to provide insect repellant or sunscreen 

[tv24]

All of this just breaks my heart.  What's happening in Australia is an immense disaster, way too painful for this Californian (where we have our own horrible fire disasters) who dearly loves the Land of Oz,

[alfredo1]

Great to hear that Baynanno1, and confirmed by contacts in Oz that the rain is at times torrential and should hopefully reduce the pollution. Sadly it will take a long time for Oz to recover, and wildlife has been decimated.

I also note comment from Jelayne, however, we also have our own masks having recently been in Rajasthan where the smoke pollution was dense, but on that occasion many from other parts of the world were not aware of the problem and suffered badly until they could purchase some. Chances are that there will be passengers onboard unaware that the Journey could be impacted during the cruise, where supplies are not so easily obtained!!

[Baynanno1]

9 hours ago, alfredo1 said:

Great to hear that Baynanno1, and confirmed by contacts in Oz that the rain is at times torrential and should hopefully reduce the pollution. Sadly it will take a long time for Oz to recover, and wildlife has been decimated.

I also note comment from Jelayne, however, we also have our own masks having recently been in Rajasthan where the smoke pollution was dense, but on that occasion many from other parts of the world were not aware of the problem and suffered badly until they could purchase some. Chances are that there will be passengers onboard unaware that the Journey could be impacted during the cruise, where supplies are not so easily obtained!!

 

Indeed it will take many years to recover to some extent from the past month or so and Summer is only half over. Sadly, complete recovery will just not be possible for many.

 

It might be an idea to post a suggestion on your roll call for anyone concerned about air quality to pack a suitable mask or masks (as would be the case regularly in many parts of the world). Properly fitted P2 masks are recommended.

 

Bushfire smoke carries harmful particles made up of components that can include nitrates, sulphates, organic chemicals, metals, soil or dust particles, according to the NSW Health department.

P2 masks have the ability to filter out this smoke, and provide protection against particulate matter for wearers.