O’Sullivan said because the family-run company is New Zealand-owned, it has received an exemption to bring its 50-passenger Spirit of Enderby, formerly Professor Khromov, to New Zealand.
Built in 1984, the ice-strengthened vessel was refurbished in May last year to provide comfortable accommodation in twin-share cabins, half with private facilities.
First cruise in November
The first cruise is expected to depart Bluff on November 24 and will call at Stewart Island, as well as cruising around Fiordland, carrying only New Zealand passengers.
It is understood the ship’s crew are in quarantine and will be tested for coronavirus when they arrive.
Kiwi cruising for Kiwis
‘This is such a critical first step for the New Zealand cruise industry,’ said NZCA Chairman Debbie Summers, who has been advocating for ‘Kiwi cruising for Kiwis.'
‘We are stoked!”
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