Ponant gets green light to start sailing in New Zealand

Thursday, 26 Dec, 2020 0

Ponant has been granted approval to resume cruise operations in New Zealand in 2021.

The cruise line says it has been in talks with New Zealand’s Ministry of Health for months and will be permitted to restart cruises on Le Laperouse from February 2021.

New Zealand is allowing domestic voyages staying within New Zealand waters and exclusively for Kiwis.

"Our excitement is two-fold. 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 the country. And secondly, to support our partners and deliver economic benefit to New Zealand," said Sarina Bratton, Ponant Chair, Asia Pacific.

"This is an important step forward and it takes us closer to the time when borders reopen and cruising resumes in Australia."

Bratton says many local businesses, from travel agents to tour operators and ground operators, will greatly benefit.

Ponant and sister company Paul Gauguin Cruises have collectively operated more than 60 expeditions and cruises over the past six months.

Written by Ray Montgomery, Asia Editor

TravelMole Editorial Team

Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.

Offering the most powerful portfolio in the industry, our 30 brands and 8,000+ properties across 139 countries and territories give...

Since its launch in 1999, TravelMole.com has become, one of the largest global online travel industry communities. It is comprised...

NSW, Australia Welcome to New South Wales – a place to feel free, feel alive, feel new. As the official...

City Cruises is a leading operator of sightseeing, dining and charter services operating in London, York and Poole. We offer...

ITB Asia, Asia’s Leading Travel Trade Show, is an annually held B2B trade show and convention for the travel industry; it is designed...

Why choose Titan Travel? There are some great travel companies out there – so why Titan? Well, we’re one of...

Ensuring our guests have an unforgettable experience while sailing with us is paramount; however, your health and safety remains our...

Arival advances the business of creating amazing in-destination experiences. We provide events, insights, and community for creators and sellers of...

Wonderful Indonesia Indonesia is a country blessed with countless wonders. What makes this country unique is its diverse culture and...

Air Transat is Canada’s number one leisure airline. It flies to some 60 international destinations in more than 25 countries...

Jet2.com is the UK’s third largest airline, flying from ten UK airports to more than 60 destinations across Europe and beyond....

Traveltek is the world-leading provider of online solutions for the travel trade, from consumer-facing websites to call centre applications. We...

With long periods of Thailand’s History, according to evidences and studies, Sukhothai was the first kingdom of Thailand. At that time, an early Thai...

A state like no other. A place known for togetherness, celebration and happiness. In Louisiana, we call it “joie de...

At Visit California, our mission is to develop and maintain marketing programs – in partnership with the state’s travel industry...

Cunard is the operator of luxury cruise ships Queen Mary 2®, Queen Victoria® and Queen Elizabeth®. Renowned for impeccable White...

Destination British Columbia (Destination BC) is a Provincially funded, industry-led Crown corporation that supports a strong and competitive future for BC’s...