Why is Lindblad leaving New Zealand

[cruiseej]

I keep seeing emails from Lindblad stating "This year marks the fleet's final season in New Zealand for the foreseeable future." What has changed that they are leaving New Zealand? I did a Google search and came up empty. 

[califsealion]

My only guess is that they decided there was more demand in the Mediterranean? I don't really have a better answer, but I know that's where they are sending the Orion next. They are leaving the South Pacific as well.

[ExpeditionCruiseLvr]

Honestly demand. I was on the Orion in Dec 2023 from Solomon islands to New Zealand and the ship only had 21 of 120 passengers. The next segment was also booked low. There's always sales on these sailings, indicating LOW passenger volumes. Lindblad is the king of NEVER discounting. So they are moving their ships to where they can make more money.

[cruiseej]

@ExpeditionCruiseLvr Thanks for the insight and first-hand experience.

 

I would have thought that for people who want to do expedition cruises, this part of the world offers a number of destinations most people haven't explored. How many expedition cruises can they do in the Mediterranean? 😉 I would have thought people who have already done Antarctica and/or North Atlantic expedition cruises would be eager for other destinations. Maybe it's the high cost of air travel from North America and Europe to Australia/New Zealand/South Pacific region.