travel

May 9, 2021, 7:35 p.m.

Tourism companies are keen to see cruise ships return to the southern waters. Photo / supplied

Tourism companies are keen to see cruise ships return to the southern waters.

Although the Transtasman Bubble will be opened, cruise lines will not be allowed to enter New Zealand waters until at least June 30th.

Cruise ships became Covid hotspots last year, especially after Ruby Princess, who sailed across New Zealand, became the source of one of Australia’s largest outbreaks.

However, the New Zealand Cruise Association believes that cruises have been wrongly targeted.

The association has proposed a phased re-entry for the industry, starting with passengers only in New Zealand and then bringing in Australians.

Board chairman Kevin O’Sullivan admitted that it would be a while before passengers from other countries set sail in New Zealand.

He said there needs to be a change in government readiness as soon as possible when ships and crews are ready for the upcoming season.

“We are now able to operate New Zealand cruises, and then New Zealand and Australian cruises, with complete convenience and safety.

“It’s frustrating because over time, the less likely we will see cruises this season because it takes time to get crews and ships ready.

“First of all, we need an indication of the government’s willingness to go through a process with industry to bring shipping back.”

“That would give the industry a hint that with existing protocols, shipping could return,” he said.

The industry met monthly with the Department of Business, Innovation and Employment and was due to recently meet with Tourism Secretary Stuart Nash, but this has been postponed until next month, O’Sullivan said.

Norcombe Barker of Larnach Castle said they would welcome cruises back but it must be safe.

He said cruise passengers were a huge part of their business ahead of Covid.

While cruises may or may not be an option here, it has been available in Europe since July last year and will resume in America in July with full occupancy expected.

All passengers and crew must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Tony Boomer of Dunedins House of Travel said UK cruises sell out in minutes.

“My personal opinion is that they have been targeted quite unfairly.

“I see no reason why a properly vaccinated crew, isolated off the coast for so long, could not cruise New Zealand and even extend them to the Transtasman bubble.

“I mean if we can fly then why can’t we cruise?” he said.

In the season before the pandemic brought the industry to its knees, Port Otago had 115 cruise lines that generated 20 percent of its revenue.

The managing director Kevin Winders said the port only wants to see cruises back if it is safe to do so.

“We want a good deal of work to be completed and both the shipping companies and the ports to be organized and staffed for the new protocols.

“We are committed to doing this and supporting the safe return of cruises. We just need a go-ahead from the government in due course, which I am sure will come. It is only a matter of when this date occurs. ” ” he said.

The New Zealand Cruise Association will hold a conference in Otago next month to speak to local tourism companies.

Chris Hipkins, Minister for Covid-19 Response, told the New Zealand Herald the government was aware of the extremely high risks that cruise travel posed in the early stages of the pandemic last year.

“Any return for cruise lines must be guided by very strict public health recommendations.

“Currently, cruise lines are specifically excluded from participating in the quarantine-free travel agreement between Australia and New Zealand. There is currently no time frame in which this could change. Domestic cruise lines operating in New Zealand waters are currently allowed to do so.” work.”