The P&O Cruises’ Pacific Explorer arrived in New Zealand on August 11th, heralding the return of the cruise industry to New Zealand. This is the first cruise ship to arrive at New Zealand’s ports after its borders closed in March 2020.
The Pacific Explorer stopped in Port Auckland as a part of its cruise from Sydney to Fiji. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff stated in an address to the onlookers that this was a momentous day and that the return of the Cruise industry to their ports would provide an economic boost to businesses, especially those in the hospitality and accommodation sector. Cruises were expanding fast before the lockdown was announced. Officials of the port Authority stated that the revenue from the cruise ships coming to the city had doubled between 2015 and 2020, with Auckland receiving more than 100 cruises every year, delivering more than 300,000 passengers.
Some protestors followed the Pacific Explorer on a sailboat as the cruise ship arrived. The protestors were not happy with the return of cruising, as they were worried about the cruise industry’s impact on the environment.
Marguerite Fitzgerald, President of Carnival Australia and P&O Australia, stated that while this visit was a one-off call, they will be making a return during the summer season and will have a cruise originating in New Zealand in 2023.
The opinions expressed herein are the author’s and not necessarily those of News2Sea.