Industry welcomes New Zealand’s big cruise comeback
Cruise ships will be able to return to New Zealand for the first time in more than two years with the country’s international border set to fully reopen by midnight 31 July.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Wednesday a major package of reforms, which include an early opening of New Zealand’s border and a simplification of immigration settings, to address the immediate skill shortages in New Zealand and speed up the economic recovery from COVID-19.
“New Zealand is in demand and now fully open for business,” Jacinda Ardern said.
“New Zealand’s international border will reopen to all tourists and visa holders two months earlier than planned on 31 July.”
Ardern said the announcement gave a good amount of preparation time for airlines and cruise ship companies to return to New Zealand for the peak spring and summer seasons.
According to Tourism Minister Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s wider tourism sector is on the way to recovery.
Nash said opening during the mid-winter, traditionally a quiet period for tourism in the country, also allows travellers time to apply for visitor visas before booking a flight or a cruise.
“Approximately 90 per cent of cruise visits are during the warmer months of October to April, and summer is our bumper tourism season overall,” he added.
“Today’s announcement means it’s full steam ahead for the industry who can plan with certainty for the rest of the year and beyond.”
Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia has welcomed the announcement and said it will provide a welcome boost for tourism operators in communities around the country, while also bringing clarity for the many thousands of Kiwis who love to holiday at sea.
“Today’s announcement is a huge breakthrough for the many New Zealanders who depend on cruise tourism, including travel agents, tour operators, food and produce providers, port workers and many other industry suppliers,” said CLIA’s managing director for Australasia, Joel Katz.
“The suspension of international cruising over the past two years has had a huge impact on the New Zealand travel industry and we now have an opportunity to work on a revival.”
Katz said millions of people had already sailed in more than 90 other countries where cruising had resumed.
“The cruise industry has done an enormous amount of work with medical experts internationally which has resulted in health protocols that are among the most extensive to be found anywhere in world tourism,” Katz said.
“These protocols span the entirety of the cruise experience and provide some of the highest possible levels of prevention, detection, and mitigation against Covid-19 – including vaccination and testing requirements for all passengers and crew before boarding.
“The cruise industry has worked closely with the New Zealand government to develop plans for a responsible return of international cruise ships and we look forward to reviving the economic opportunities that come with cruise tourism in communities around New Zealand.”
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has welcomed the decision, as the line prepares for its inaugural Australasian season for the newly-refurbished Norwegian Spirit, set to offer four sailings from Auckland between January and March 2023.
“As we mark our full fleet now back in the water, doing what we do best – delivering exceptional holidays at sea – we are delighted by this announcement which paves the way for our return to New Zealand waters after three years,” said Ben Angell, Norwegian Cruise Line’s vice president and managing director, APAC.
“Our commitment to New Zealand both as a guest source market and as one of the most highly sought-after destinations on our global cruise map is steadfast and we can’t wait to resume our operations Down Under for the benefit of guests, our crew and the New Zealand economy.”
Norwegian Spirit’s upcoming Australasian deployment will see Auckland become a seasonal homeport with four turnarounds providing an additional economic boost through pre and post-cruise international visitor stays, as well as 45 visits to eight different New Zealand ports throughout the 2022/23 season: Auckland, Dunedin, Lyttleton, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga, Bay of Islands and Akaroa.
The NCL team held a Great Cruise comeback event on Tuesday 10 May 2022 at Brew on Quay in Auckland to celebrate, thank the trade for their steadfast support and provide an update on NCL developments.
Celebrity Cruises has also chimed in, confirming it is “more than ready” to welcome back guests, with Celebrity Eclipse setting sail from Sydney on 22 October for the 2022-23 season with a series of three to 13 night itineraries across Australia, New Zealand and the South Pacific.
“We always knew that someday we would showcase the wonders of this region from our luxury ships once more,” said Celebrity Cruises’ regional vice president and managing director, Tim Jones.
“We’re thrilled that ‘someday’ has arrived – and soon, so will Celebrity Eclipse. We can’t wait to welcome everyone on board again come October,”
“People are ready to cruise again, with pent up demand reflected in the high volume of enquiries and bookings we’ve been taking in anticipation of the recent green light from the Government.
“We are also ready to cruise again, having successfully delivered cruise holidays around the world for almost a year.
“We look forward to doing our part in contributing to the nation’s economic future, with the long-awaited return of international travel and tourism.”
Featured image: Facebook/jacindaardern
Latest News
Australia fails to make top 10 destination list for American travellers
Australia's top cities have failed to make the grade with American travellers this northern summer, with no local city in the top.
APT Launches 2025 Asia Adventures
APT has launched its Asia Adventures for 2025, including new luxury holidays in India, Sri Lanka and Japan. Five new tours lead guests to the highlights of India, including a seven-night cruise along the rarely travelled Lower Ganges aboard the Ganges Voyager. Further south, Sri Lanka’s greatest destinations are revealed on a new 15-day Land […]
ANZAC Battlefield travel on the 2025 bucketlist
As Anzac Day dawns, agents prepare for a surge in bookings for the 110th anniversary of the Anzac Cove landings.
Former Channel 9 Getaway host and founder of TRIBE Jules Lund to speak at Travel DAZE
From blond-tipped travel reporter to Travel DAZE speaker, Jules Lund cuts through the BS.
HX’s Roald Amundsen finds aliens in the Antarctic
Forget whales, HX's MS Roald Amundsen captures aliens in the Antarctic - and they're not pretty.
Mayhem in France as 70% of flights face cancellation
I mean it wouldn't be France if there wasn't at least one strike.
Etihad Airways launches double-decker service with world’s only in-air three-room suite
We imagine falling asleep in the three-room suite is superior to falling asleep on your neighbour's shoulder.
Norwegian Cruise Line launches 2024 Europe travel season
Europe certainly has a lot of ports. Its time for Australia to up its game.
“The power of travel for positive change” – Intrepid’s Jenny Gray hails controversial all-women Saudi Arabia trip
There is an awful lot to love about this tour from Intrepid. Where do we sign up?
Princess names the Sun, unveils Sanctuary Collection + Star Princess to Alaska in ’26
A huge bottle of Veuve was smashed into the side of the ship to make things official. So no, we couldn't snag a glass.
Collette special offers across peak northern summer season
If you are craving a trip to Europe then grab this deal with both of your grubby hands.
Air India and All Nippon codeshare between the two countries
Here at TW we agreed that the photo would have worked better if they had swapped planes.
A&K offers minimum 18 weeks paid parental leave
Contrary to what the photo suggests this benefit is only applicable for humans. Back to work Mrs Jumbo.
NH Hotel Group rebrands as Minor Hotels Europe & Americas
Hang around the bends of the hotels. We imagine they will be full of a lot of branded content.
Scenic Eclipse II – the business of creating unforgettable life-changing memories
These cruise brothers from another mother offer a view of cruising on Scenic Eclipse II that is poles apart.
MSC builds new hospital ship with Mercy Ships
If you want to read a story that puts a smile on your face then this is the one for you.
“I peed on myself watching this” – Social media users squirm at Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of The Seas 55ft dive video
TW is not responsible for any involuntary actions your body might have after watching this video.
FLIGHT REVIEW: Qantas Boeing 787 Dreamliner business class
The real bonus is you're unlikely to be around screaming children. Hoorah!
Traveltek offers travel agents new rapid deploy cruise website
As always, if you have any issue with the platform, just turn it off and on again.
Experience whale watching & classical music at the Australian Festival of Chamber Music in Townsville
Disappointedly, the whales do not start singing in tune with the orchestra. Opportunity missed.
Fond, very Fond. London hotel famed for James Bond link adds ‘Classic Comforts’ lunch menu
James Bond author Ian Fleming was so fond if this hotel, it inspired the legendary phrase ‘shaken, not stirred’.
What sets Eclipse Travel apart with Africa expert Hilary Dubyk: Travel Weekly TV
If you want to know more about Africa, then Hilary Dubyk is your person.
Surge in Australians visiting Japan
Feel like all of your friends have just returned from Europe? Now it's Japan.
Seabourn announces Western Kimberley Traditional Owners as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn has named Western Kimberley Traditional Owners, the Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of the ultra-luxury purpose-built Seabourn Pursuit. It is the first cruise line to appoint Traditional Owners as godparents of a ship. Seabourn Pursuit embarks on its inaugural season in the Kimberley region this June. The naming ceremony will take place on Seabourn Pursuit’s […]
Sydney named 17th best place to work remotely
If you struggle to get a seat within Sydney's coffee shops, you now know why.
W Melbourne grows sales team
We appreciate the thought that has gone into this team photo.
Cunard welcomes new ship Queen Anne
This might be the most impressive ship handover in ship handover history.
Intrepid Travel appoints Yvette Thompson as general manager sales & marketing ANZ
It isn't end-of-day Monday and Yvette Thompson has already nabbed herself an impressive promotion.
Anna Fawcett re-joins Global Touring in newly-created APAC role
With such an impressive CV, Global Touring is no doubt thrilled to have Fawcett back.
“We know our response has been far from perfect” – Emirates’ open letter following Dubai flooding
If you also need to write an apology letter, then this is a pretty good template.
Malolo Island Resort opens brand new Spa
Fiji’s Malolo Island has added another string to its bow – opening its $1.3 million day spa on Thursday, 18th April 2024. (Lead Image: matriarch Rosie Whitton with spa staff) Located at the edge of the resort’s luscious patch of tropical rainforest, the new “Leilani’s Spa” adds another level of elevated experiences to Malolo’s already […]
Virgin Australia’s HILARIOUS second instalment of the ‘Bring on Wonderful’ campaign
We don't use the word 'hilarious' lightly, but this is worthy of the title.
Visit Sunshine Coast reveals new brand identity
If you were looking for another reason to visit the Sunshine Coast then this is it.
Sofitel launches brand campaign starring Sex Education’s Gillian Anderson
We can confirm the content of this video is less spicy than Sex Education.
Holland America Line gives agents the chance to visit Alaska on 11-day Famil
If you've ever wanted to see a Polar Bear (and who doesn't?), now is your time.
More than 65 luxury agents gather in Sydney for Best of the Best dinner
This looks like a fabulous do. We imagine there may be a few (or maybe 65) sore heads this morning!