Ponant gets NZ tick

LATE last year Ponant received the green light to commence luxury expeditions in NZ (CW breaking news), following months of engagement with the country’s Ministry of Health.

Le Laperouse (pictured) will recommence operations exclusively for New Zealanders in NZ’s waters from next month, making use of its 3-shield COVID-safe protocol it has been utilising on cruises for the past six months.

The initial departure, a 14-night Chatham Island & Subantarctic Islands Expedition itinerary, is scheduled for 08 Feb.

Chairman Asia Pacific Sarina Bratton welcomed Ponant’s ability to support its partners, and deliver economic benefit to New Zealand, as well as “to have the opportunity and privilege to offer bubble expeditions for Kiwis, enabling exploration of some of the most remote and inaccessible parts of that country, so rich in natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife.

“Kiwi travel agents, tour operators, ground operators, airlines, port authorities, food and beverage suppliers, technical suppliers, fuel suppliers, service and waste suppliers all benefit from our small ship operation”, Bratton added.

“This is an important step forward and it takes us closer to the time when borders re-open and cruising resumes in Australia, and to when we will be able to confirm the return of our luxury expedition small ships.

“Ponant’s relaxed, refined and French-inspired style complements this extraordinary experience.”

Ponant also recently partnered with Qatar Airways subsidiary Discover Qatar to launch an expedition cruise series travelling around the country’s coastline (CW 10 Dec) - for more, visit au.ponant.com.