The Pacific Explorer became the first cruise ship to arrive in New Zealand since the country closed its borders in 2020 due to pandemic concerns.

2,000 passengers were welcomed with water cannons and a speech by Auckland Mayor Phil Goff. The ship was also met by protesters critical of the ships' environmental impact.

The cruise industry generated revenue equivalent to SEK 3.2 billion annually for the country before the pandemic, according to the NZ Herald.

Source:TT-Aftonbladet.se