New Zealand is ready for the long-awaited return of cruise ships – and P&O’s Pacific Explorer could be about to star in her second grand homecoming. The Port of Auckland is anxiously awaiting confirmation from the Aussie cruise line that they will sail the first cruise ships into the harbour on August 12 – and … Read more
Travellers wanting to cruise to New Zealand will soon be able to do so, with the New Zealand government announcing that the maritime border will reopen after July 31. The announcement has been welcomed by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, whose Managing Director Joel Katz said: “Today’s announcement is a huge breakthrough for the … Read more
Cruise is back up and running – 347 ships were sailing at the start of May. But while bookings for late in the year are selling well, the early months hold some really strong cruise deals if you are looking to snap up a discounted stateroom and sail right away. A Cruise Passenger survey of … Read more
As the cruise industry comes back with a rush this year, there are some bargains to be had as the lines work extra hard to get their passengers back on board. British luxury line Cunard has announced some big savings for the next three months on its 2022/23 season – including its Australian sailings. Cunard … Read more
In yet another “huge blow” to the region’s cruise industry, P&O Cruises Australia has announced the cancellation of its 2022 Auckland cruise season, citing the lack of a restart plan in New Zealand. The cancellations affect 21 cruises, and involves the Pacific Explorer. P&O Cruises Australia is part of Carnival Australia, which accounts for seven … Read more
Anyone looking to cruise to New Zealand this season is out of luck – there are no plans to resume cruising into New Zealand until late next year at the earliest. Cruising will not resume into New Zealand until the nation has achieved its 90 per cent vaccination rate, which is well above Australia’s target … Read more
Australians will soon be able to cruise from New Zealand and the South Pacific after luxury French line Ponant revealed bubble sailings between November 2021 to early 2023. The push to get Australians back onboard is an ingenious idea by Ponant, as Australia is yet to lift its cruising ban. There are 14 voyages focused … Read more
In a major blow to the return of cruise to Australasia, Ponant has been forced to pull out of its program of cruises in New Zealand, even though all cabins had already been sold. The move comes after Le Lapérouse was turned away from New Zealand despite agreements from New Zealand Health they would be … Read more
The cruise industry was in shock last night after an expected season of itineraries from New Zealand by luxury expedition line Ponant was blocked at the last minute. The New Zealand Immigration Service claims 61 of the Le Laperouse’s 90 crew don’t have visas because they are not “essential”, and has said the ship cannot … Read more