New Zealand’s Ministry of Health has granted conditional approval to the French cruise company Ponant to restart sailings in New Zealand, but limited only to local residents.
In this way, the country is becoming the next destination to permit a limited resumption of cruises starting in February 2021.
The news follow months of discussions between the French company and Australia and NZ government officials, for regional permit of cruise operations.
While Australia remains closed to sailing, New Zealand allowed a ‘travel bubble’ and Ponant responded thanking the country’s officials, noting that this action brings the industry “closer to the time when borders re-open and cruising resumes“.
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Our excitement is twofold. Firstly, to have the opportunity and privilege to offer ‘Bubble Expeditions’ for Kiwis, enabling exploration of some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of that country, so rich in natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife. And secondly, to support our partners and deliver economic benefit to New Zealand,
…said Sarina Bratton, Chairman Asia Pacific for Ponant.
The company initially resumed service in summer 2020, with most sailings from France and to the Arctic.
