The administration said on Sunday that it will resume allowing cruise ships into the nation as part of a broader relaxation of border rules that would make the country more welcoming to visitors from countries that do not provide visa waivers. May saw New Zealand reopen to vaccinated tourists from all over the world, dordle including the United States; in June, the country did away with pre-arrival testing requirements for individuals who had been through the process.
All visitors to New Zealand will still be subject to a mandatory vaccination policy.
The government said in a statement that "today's modification in border settings represents the last milestone for our reconnection plan." Optimistic words from tourist operators who are eager to welcome back foreign visitors from all over the globe are excellent news for the tourism sector and the economy as spring and summer approach.
The resumption of cruise ship visits to New Zealand is good news for the economy since it comes in advance of the peak summer tourist season (October through April). Before the outbreak, the government estimated that cruise passengers spent over $500 million annually.
The administration has said that people entering the country through ship would be required to be vaccinated just as those entering via plane. Teens and adults are required to pay, while kids 16 and under are exempt.
In addition to "complying with New Zealand's domestic COVID-19 rules regarding mask-wearing, and testing," travelers will be required to "present evidence of vaccination status to their booking agent or the operator."
Weeks after neighboring Australia lifted all pandemic-related border limitations, the decision to remove restrictions was made. It follows Australia's decision in April to lift restrictions on cruise ships entering and transiting Australian waters.
Alison Fox has been writing for Travel + Leisure since 2013. Her dream is to visit every place in the globe, but when she's not in New York City, she loves to relax on the beach or go on exciting adventures. You can keep up with her travels on Instagram.
