In a major breakthrough for the region, luxury adventure cruise line Ponant has been given “conditional approval” to sail in New Zealand waters. The move follows the Cruise Lines International Australasia model of sailing only with New Zealanders in New Zealand waters. The model is under consideration by the Australian government. Ponant said in a … Read more
New Zealand expects to open a travel bubble with Australia from March next year, the NZ Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed today. This means that quarantine-free travel between Australia and New Zealand maybe introduced by the end of March 2021, provided the rate of COVID-19 infections remains low in both countries. In a press conference … Read more
Australia has banned international cruise ships for 30 days, while the New Zealand government has banned cruise vessels from its territorial waters for more than three months in a weekend of tough moves to halt the global coronavirus pandemic. Australia’s move came Sunday after a cabinet meeting which also agreed all international travellers to Australia … Read more
The cruise lines have some amazing exclusive and classic shore excursion favourites lined up. We highlight 12 of the best New Zealand shore excursions.
Cruise passengers with international passports heading for New Zealand will have to apply for a New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority from 1 October this year. But the good news is Australian citizens are exempt. From 1 October 2019, all air and cruise ship travellers from 60 visa waiver countries, will be required to hold a … Read more
Kiwi cruise numbers are growing – and so are visiting ships. The coming wave season promises another record number of vessel visits to the land of the long white cloud. In many parts of Europe, this could be a recipe for disaster. But thanks to the co-operative efforts of cruise lines and local communities, it’s … Read more
New Zealanders are split on the country’s growing cruise industry with some locals against the increased port calls, while others believe that it is key to the growth of the tourism industry. Cruise lines have had some backlash from small communities like the Banks Peninsula village, which has a permanent population of only 650 residents. … Read more
The arrival of Majestic Princess opens a new chapter for Australia’s favourite premium cruise line – and New Zealand is where she will excel, reports Peter Lynch. She’s big, bold and not called Majestic for nothing. Princess Cruises’ largest and newest entrant to the burgeoning Australian market will turn this wave season into a game-changer. … Read more
Royal Caribbean has announced big details around the 2019/20 Aussie season. There will be a total of 30 South Pacific sailings – 25% more than last season, Ovation of the Seas will be returning, Voyager of the Seas will be fresh from a refurbishment and more. The 2019/20 season will kick off with the arrival … Read more