Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern of New Zealand said on Wednesday the nation will reopen its international borders on July 31 at 11:59 PM. Cruise ships will be permitted in local ports on the same day.
The end-July re-opening of travel after a two-year suspension is welcome news for the travel industry in general, and cruise line companies in particular. Ardern said in a statement that opening the borders would open up tourism and put immigration settings on a more secure footing. “We are building on our proven plan to secure New Zealand’s economic future,” Ardern said.
Australia lifted its travel restrictions on cruise ships in April of this year.
