The New Zealand Department of Immigration has decided not to approve visas for 61 'non critical' hotel crew members of the 90 total crew aboard Ponant's Le Laperouse, prompting the cruise line to cancel its upcoming New Zealand season.

The cruise line originally had submitted an application in October, which the NZ Ministry of Health approved two months later.

 

"We hope there is a quick review of the processes for expedition ships to operate in New Zealand and that the 2021-2022 season can be saved," the cruise line said.