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Cruise ship cancels NZ summer season

The 'Le Lapérouse' has cancelled its summer season in New Zealand after 61 crew were refused work visas on route to Auckland. On Feb 1 the ship was forced to sail 1800 km to New Caledonia to refuel. Now operator Ponant has decided to pull out from the planned New Zealand season, which it was given special Economic Exemption to operate last year. "Ponant regretfully advises that our small expedition ship Le Lapérouse has been forced to cancel her season of seven fully booked expedition voyages in New Zealand for New Zealanders," the cruise line said. On Jan 29 the 'Le Lapérouse' was stopped outside of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone, with visa applications being refused for 61 of their 90 crew on board.

Cruise ship permitted to dock in Noumea

The 'Le Laperouse' which was low on fuel with a significant storm approaching after being turned away from New Zealand has docked in Noumea after getting approval late on Feb 1. The ship left Jakarta before its paperwork was processed, but the owner believes it and the crew were given the all clear to come. Communications from the Immigration Department will determine what next steps, if any, are available to salvage our planned and approved operation in NZ this season. The ship docked alongside a container terminal near Anse du Tir in Noumea. Anse du Tir is separated from the main port of Noumea in Moselle Bay by a small quay.

Cruise ship low on fuel while cyclone is approaching

The 'Le Laperouse' which has been turned away from New Zealand was now stuck off the coast of New Caledonia, low on fuel with a significant storm approaching and no permission to dock. The ship had an economic exemption to come to New Zealand for the cruise season, but was last week refused entry after Immigration denied 61 of its 90 crew visas because they were not considered essential workers. The government said the ship left Jakarta before its paperwork was processed, but the owner believed it and the crew were given the all clear to come. The ship has sailed 3.600 nautical miles to get to New Zealand. It was now trying to get into Nouméa and was very low on fuel. The 'Le Lapérouse' was due to take 100 passengers on seven voyages around New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand said on Feb 1 it had no further update in relation to the 'Le Laperouse', other than to confirm that it continues to engage with Ponant to discuss their options.