Cruise, Organisations & Operators,

Heritage Expeditions is celebrating the reopening of New Zealand’s borders to international visitors from 1 May 2022, with the launch of three brand new voyages taking in the hidden beaches, breath-taking fjords and remote island sanctuaries of this enduringly popular destination.
The New Zealand based expedition cruise operator, which has been specialising in conservation-based trips for the past 35 years, is marking the addition of the new cruises with a US$500 flight credit per person booking any of the three trips.
New Zealand Coastal Odyssey: The Ultimate Expedition Cruise of the New Zealand Coast:  The first of the new departures leaves the bright lights of Auckland on 14 November 2022 on an 11-day voyage to discover the highlights of the country’s three main islands, North, South and Stewart.
Before boarding the 140-guest ship, Heritage Adventurer, in Tauranga, a detour will take in the geothermal sights of Rotorua, with its plethora of steam vents, geysers and bubbling mud pools, without which no trip to New Zealand would be complete.ADVERTISEMENTThis is a cruise which packs in the contrasts, focal points and hidden gems of the ninth longest coastline in the world.  From the avant-garde fashion labels of Dunedin, the adventure playground of Queenstown and the Art Deco capital of Napier, to the stunning scenery of Fiordland including Milford, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds, the iconic wildlife havens of Stewart and Ulva Islands, home to New Zealand icon – the Kiwi bird, and thrilling opportunities to encounter rare Hector’s dolphins, native fur seals and penguins in Akaroa Harbour, the Ultimate Expedition features them all.
What’s more, guests will never be far from New Zealand’s gourmet delights, including award-winning wines from Canterbury, Marlborough, Hawke’s Bay and French-infused Akaroa, along with its cheeses.

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Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) UK & Ireland has announced that its Wave 2021 campaign will be called ‘Generation Innovation’.
The campaign will promote the diverse range of innovative initiatives and activities being rolled out across the industry and by individual cruise lines, as the sector takes its next steps towards a return to service.
The cruise industry trade association will use the hashtag #GenerationInnovation on its social media channels to promote the campaign. 
Its regular ‘Cruise Podcast’ will feature guests from across the industry with innovation expertise, and ‘Wave Half-Wower Webinars’ are being introduced every Thursday in January at 09:30.
The webinars will feature four cruise line partners per episode, who will highlight their latest offers and innovations to help agents make the most of Wave.

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The first episode, broadcasting tomorrow (January 7th), will comprise Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Riviera Travel.
Meanwhile, CLIA’s ongoing stakeholder outreach programme – which includes MPs and influential travel groups – will be used to highlight the progress being made.
Andy Harmer, CLIA director UK & Ireland, said: “From the health and safety measures set to be implemented, to the significant sustainability progress being made, to developments in technology on and off ships, the cruise sector has much to be proud of.
“These innovations have never been more important, as Wave gets under way and we further set our sights on the industry’s phased recovery.
“We’ll be highlighting all the incredible work being carried out, both on an industry-wide level and by individual cruise lines.
“Our trade partners have backed cruise through all the recent challenges, and we hope we can count on their support and engagement again during this critical period.”
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Cruise Lines International Association has confirmed it will adopt a new set of health protocols as part of a phased-in, highly controlled resumption of operations in North America.
The trade body said this was a critical next step, with sailing having begun effectively in Europe.
The new regulations will see 100 per cent of passengers and crew tested for Covid-19 as they board, while mask wearing will be compulsory in all situations where physical distancing cannot be maintained.
Air management and ventilation strategies have also been re-examined to increase fresh air onboard.
Shore excursions will only be permit according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers.

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Cruise lines could even deny re-boarding to any passengers that do not comply.
CLIA president, Kelly Craighead, said: “We recognise the devastating impact that this pandemic, and the subsequent suspension of cruise operations, has had on economies throughout the world, including the nearly half a million members of the wider cruise community and small businesses in the Americas who depend on this vibrant industry for their livelihoods.
“Based on what we are seeing in Europe, and following months of collaboration with leading public health experts, scientists, and governments, we are confident that these measures will provide a pathway for the return of limited sailings from the United States before the end of this year.”
According to the most recent economic impact study from CLIA, cruise activity in the United States supported over 420,000 American jobs and generated $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country prior to the pandemic.
Each day of the suspension of United States cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs, the body said.
In a statement, Carnival Corporation welcomed the move: “Across the industry, we are engaged with some of the world’s top medical experts and scientists, who are providing valuable insight to inform the ongoing and evolving development of new and enhanced protocols based on the latest scientific evidence and best practices for protection and mitigation.
“The cruise industry will continue to share learnings and best practices while working together as one united industry focused on the well-being of guests, crew and the communities we visit.”
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Cruise Lines International Association has announced that its ocean-going members have agreed to suspend United States cruise operations until at least October 31st.
Lines had hoped to return on September 15th, but the lingering impact of Covid-19 travel restrictions has made the date unfeasible.
The United States Centres for Disease Control & Prevention also had a ‘no-sail’ order in place until the end of September, meaning no ship can sail in American waters.
A CLIA statement said: “This is a difficult decision as we recognise the crushing impact that this pandemic has had on our community and every other industry.
“However, we believe this proactive action further demonstrates the cruise industry’s commitment to public health and willingness to voluntarily suspend operations in the interest of public health and safety, as has occurred twice prior.

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CLIA said it would continue to monitor the situation, and mooted the earlier restart of short, modified sailings.
According to the most recent economic impact study from the body, cruise activity in the United States supports nearly half a million American jobs and generates $53 billion annually in economic activity throughout the country.
Each day of the suspension of United States cruise operations results in a loss of up to $110 million in economic activity and 800 direct and indirect American jobs.
The impact of the suspension is particularly profound in states that depend heavily on cruise tourism, including Florida, Texas, Alaska, Washington, New York and California.
Confirming the cancellation, Royal Caribbean said in a statement: “The health and safety of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit is our top priority.
“As we work with the CDC and others toward this shared goal, Royal Caribbean Group will be extending the suspension of sailings to include those departing on or before October 31st – excluding sailings from China and Australia.
“We will be reaching out to our guests and travel partners to share further details and address any questions or concerns they may have.”
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