P&O Australia’s Pacific Explorer will receive a special welcome after returning to Australia from Limassol in Cyprus, via Singapore.
Two tugboats with water cannons stand ready to perform a special “ballet” to welcome the ship, which was empty except for the crew.
It can carry 1,998 passengers and 924 crew members.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Cruises Australia, and David Elliott, NSW Minister for Transport, will welcome the ship.
However, it will not depart on its first cruise with passengers until May 31, making the first call at the new Brisbane International Cruise Terminal on June 2.
The return of cruise ships will bring a much-needed injection of cash into the $5bn industry that supports 18,000 Australian jobs.
More ships will gradually return to Australia in the coming months, although some companies canceled cruises months in advance because a resumption was uncertain.
The Pacific Explorer is scheduled to enter Sydney Heads at 9:30 a.m., pass the Opera House at 10:20 a.m. and dock next to the Overseas Passenger Terminal at 10:30 a.m.
Cruise fans have been invited to welcome him by gathering around the port.
Cruise Lines International Association managing director for Australasia Joel Katz said the new broad health rules would allow for a gradual revival.
“The end of the cruise ship suspension is a huge milestone and will be celebrated by the many thousands of Australians whose livelihoods depend on cruising,” he said.
Victoria was the first state to outline its rules for cruise ships.
Unvaccinated children under the age of 12 or anyone with a valid medical exemption may travel, but must not represent more than five percent of the ship’s passengers.