THE New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) and Biosecurity New Zealand have met to address concerns over cruise ship cleaning, which has seen a number of vessels cancel calls in the country over the past month. The two bodies told RNZ they are working together to reduce the number of ships...
THE New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA) and Biosecurity New Zealand have met to address concerns over cruise ship cleaning, which has seen a number of vessels cancel calls in the country over the past month.
The two bodies told RNZ they are working together to reduce the number of ships being sent for last-minute cleaning – an issue which has enveloped at least four lines over the past month, including Princess Cruises (CW 23 Dec 2022), Viking (CW 03 Jan), Regent Seven Seas Cruises (CW 04 Jan), and Cunard Line (see page 2).
A joint meeting was held yesterday, with NZCA Chief Executive Kevin O’Sullivan saying an increase in biosecurity inspections may be contributing to the issue.
He said last-minute cleanings may be prevented if cruise lines were encouraged to begin inspections before the start of the season.
“Nothing in particular has changed, with the exception that there was probably more inspections being carried out this season because of the gap since ships were here last,” he said.
“At the end of the day, the cruise lines are losing revenue, they’re incurring the wrath of unhappy passengers…it’s certainly a far from ideal situation.”
Biosecurity NZ said the meeting was “very constructive”.
It said it remained “fully committed to balancing the need for cruise visitors to be in New Zealand, with protecting our special marine environment and economy.
“To this end, Biosecurity New Zealand will continue to work very closely and actively with vessel operators,” it said.
