Norwegian Cruise Line's Ben Angell, VP and MD APAC, said the company is ‘delighted’ to be returning to New Zealand after an absence of three years.

Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand’s easing of pandemic restrictions for arriving travellers is a crucial next step in play for the reopening of Asia’s cruise market and transition from cruises to nowhere to sailings with multiple itineraries.

Celebrity Cruises' Tim Jones, VP and MD Australia, New Zealand and APAC, said the company is ready to resume cruising to New Zealand following news that maritime borders will reopen July 31.

International cruise ships will be allowed to return to New Zealand, with the country’s maritime borders reopening July 31 after two years.

Le Ponant passengers will benefit from an exclusive partnership between Ponant and one of the few companies that still dives for wild pearl oysters, Paspaley Pearls, when the ship begins sailing in the Kimberley next year.

Holland America Line opened sales for new itineraries in Australia/New Zealand starting in September.

Jill Abel, CEO of the Australian Cruise Association, and Kevin O’Sullivan, CEO of the New Zealand Cruise Association, signed a refreshed memorandum of understanding during Seatrade Cruise Global.

There is a ‘dim glimmer of hope’ that New Zealand will welcome cruise calls soon, according to Kevin O’Sullivan, CEO, New Zealand Cruise Association with a target set for July 1.

Sydney-based travel and lifestyle public relations agency Barking Owl Communications will handle the communications programmes for Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises in Australia and New Zealand.

Virgin Voyages is now setting its sights on Australia and New Zealand, today announcing its plans to go Down Under starting in 2023.