After a 100-day no-sail order by US health authorities, international cruise passengers are returning to the seas.

Although initial passenger numbers may be meagre, a combination of passengers rebooking on credit from cancelled sailings and highly reduced fares have led to sold-out itineraries through New Zealand ports as soon as January next year.

The long-distance liners Oceania Regatta and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth – are scheduled to arrive in Auckland next year at full capacity. However, the course to restart of the cruise industry is far from clear.

New Zealand’s cruise ban which was due to expire last week, was extended for a further 60 to 90 days.

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