P&O Cruises says NZ bookings will start in mid-2022

A major cruise company has revealed when it will start offering cruises again in New Zealand after the industry was decimated by COVID.

P&O Cruises Australia has confirmed New Zealand cruises will resume from mid-2022.

The cruise company announced the change on Wednesday in a statement that said bookings would be offered for New Zealand cruises from mid-2022.

The company had been hoping to restart them in April this year.

Australian domestic cruise bookings are still planned for April 30 this year, the company said.

However P&O, which is part of the world’s largest cruise operator, Carnival Corporation, said this was still dependant on the industry being given approval from the government.

The ocean liner which is part of the Carnival Corporation cruising juggernaut also noted Australian sails are scheduled to resume by April 30. Picture: Toby Zerna

The global cruise industry has been placed in deep freeze since the beginning of pandemic due to international border restrictions and the contagion risk posed by a large ship harbouring thousands of tourists.

The first wave of COVID-19 cases in NSW were largely linked to a cluster of travellers aboard the Ruby Princess cruise line.

P&O Cruises Australia president, Sture Myrmell said the New Year had brought a renewed sense of optimism that the industry would be able to begin operating in the coming 12 months.

P&O Cruises Australia president, Sture Myrmell. Picture: Joel Carrett/ AAP.

“We know that much better days lie ahead and we remain positive about the resumption of cruising,” Mr Myrmell said.

“While we’ve paused operations, P&O Cruises together with the wider industry has been using the time wisely to plan for cruisings return.”

P&O said it would be in contact with customers who have had cruises cancelled in 2021 and would be providing refunds or the option of booking another voyage at a later date.

“As we work towards this goal, we wanted to provide our Kiwi guests with as much certainty as possible and flexibility around their 2021 bookings and an opportunity to reschedule their cruise holiday for 2022 or beyond,” Mr Myrmell said.

In Australia, P&O Pacific Adventure is set to begin sailing on April 30 from Sydney, while Pacific Encounter trips will begin operation from Brisbane on May 7.