Can ye hear the horn sounding from across the ditch? New Zealand is now welcoming cruising again.
On July 31, the maritime border reopened ahead of the upcoming cruise season, which traditionally begins in October. This year, though, there’s an early arrival. this week, P&O Cruises‘ Pacific Explorer departs Sydney for Auckland via Fiji. Just as she was the first vessel to reintroduce cruising in Australia, she will be welcomed into New Zealand with cannons and cheers.
Protocols for cruising in New Zealand will be similar to those put in place in Australia to ensure the health and safety of all. Cruise Lines International Association Australasia managing director Joel Katz noted that these protocols provide some of the highest possible levels of prevention, detection and Mitigation of Covid-19.
The beauty of New Zealand being so close to Australia is when it comes to cruising, there is so much choice. You can jump on a plane and begin your voyage from a port in the North or South Islands, or simply step aboard from a port here in Australia and embark on a round-trip. And there’s an exciting season ahead.
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New Zealand’s islands are ideal to explore on board a cruise ship.
The next major ship scheduled for the upcoming cruise season is Majestic Princess, which departs Auckland on October 16 on a four-night itinerary to Sydney via the Bay of Islands. One immersive excursion highlight at the Bay of Islands is taking a traditional Māori waka (canoe) along the tranquil waters of the Waitangi River. Along the way, you’ll hear stories about the landscapes and Maori culture, and learn songs.
Entering port soon after will be the New Zealand debut of Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Eclipse. Departing Sydney October 22, the 12-night journey takes in Milford Sound, Dusky Sound, Doubtful Sound, Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, Napier, Tauranga and Auckland. To really enjoy those two sea days on both ends of the itinerary, consider booking into a retreat suite, which includes access to a private restaurant, a private lounge and complimentary drinks.
Newly refurbished Norwegian Spirit returns to New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Norwegian Cruise Lines will be debuting the recently refurbished Norwegian Spirit for 12-day voyages across from Sydney and Royal Caribbean’s giant Quantum of the Seas will be heading to New Zealand for the first time. Viking will also be sailing two ships in the region for the first time. There are one-way cruises from Sydney to Auckland on Viking Orion via New Zealand’s east coast and a range of Pacific sailings on Viking Mars.
Those keen on adventure cruising also have a number of options. Nature lovers should consider Heritage Expeditions‘ Galapagos of the Southern Ocean 11-night sailing exploring the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Subantarctic Islands lying to the south of New Zealand including The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island. Here you can view penguin breeding colonies, elephant seals, and look for the elusive Campbell and Auckland Island snipe, a small bird in the sandpiper family. The cruise, on the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, departs Bluff, New Zealand on December 18, 2022.
The Subantarctic Islands south of New Zealand and Australia have been labeled “the Galapagos of the Southern Ocean”.
Coral Expeditions is offering a 12-night New Zealand’s East Coast itinerary. Sailing from Auckland to Milford Sound, the voyage takes in over 7000km of New Zealand’s spectacular coastline. A highlight of the sailing is a visit to the Solander Islands, with the Māori name Hautere translating to “flying wind”. The trio of uninhabited volcanic islets lay just beyond New Zealand’s South Island. Spy rare orchids and spot birds including diving petrels and Buller’s albatrosses. The cruise, on Coral Adventurer, departs January 7, 2023.
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