Is New Zealand heading for another season of cruising chaos?

Is New Zealand heading for another season of cruising chaos?

A letter to guests had a familiar ring. โ€œPlease be advised that Grand Princess must complete a thorough hull cleaning in advance of our calls to New Zealand. As a result, we will now overnight in Los Angeles, California, arriving Wednesday, September 27, 2023, and departing Thursday, September 28. โ€œAs this will be a service … Read more

Police probe claims of ‘extortion attempt’ over New Zealand biohazard ship checks

Police probe claims of 'extortion attempt' over New Zealand biohazard ship checks

The managing director of a Sydney port services company has reported an alleged “extortion attempt” by a former staff member to police after a dossier was sent to the media alleging documents on hull cleaning were “falsified”. The anonymous dossier, which included receipts for hull cleaning, was also sent to cruise lines and claimed an … Read more

Seven lines hit by New Zealand’s bio-blockade as passengers fume

Seven lines hit by New Zealand's bio-blockade as passengers fume

From Carnival to Viking, almost every cruise line has fallen foul of New Zealandโ€™s tough biosecurity regulations about hull cleaning. It’s meant disaster for many passengers who have travelled around the world for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. At least seven ships have changed their itineraries โ€“ and earned the ire of passengers for late calls that … Read more

Oceania Regatta becomes fifth ship caught by New Zealand bio laws row as talks open to try and end the problem

Queen Elizabeth Cruises into Sydney

The Oceania Regatta has become the fifth cruise victim of New Zealand’s biosecurity laws, cancelling two port calls in the country. Queen Elizabeth, Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Viking Orion and Coral Princess also had to have hull work carried out, thanks to the tough biofouling laws in New Zealand waters. An Oceania spokesperson told Cruise … Read more

The 8 best dishes I tried in Auckland

Mudbrick Vineyards Restaurant - Waiheke Island

First-timers visiting Auckland are sometimes surprised by the prevalence of the Mฤori language on street signs, in the media and among the local population. The revival in recent years has been so successful that Mฤori language classes are inundated, and even foreign giants like Disney are dubbing favourites like Frozen, The Lion King and Moana. … Read more

18 cruises worthy of your 2022 bucket list

18 cruises worthy of your 2022 bucket list

After waiting two years to cruise, Australians can at last fly around the globe to join cruise ships in some of the worldโ€™s most desirable ports. Itโ€™s time to dive back into cruising and embark on those postponed dreams. Afloat on the oceans of the seven continents, along the rivers of Europe and Asia, and … Read more