Ruby Princess Cleared of Any Wrongdoing by New Zealand Customs

Ship was under investigation for 2020 calls during the pandemic.

New Zealand's Online News Source called Stuff is reporting the crew and officers of the Ruby Princess has been cleared of any possible wrongdoing by the New Zealand Customs Authority.

According to Stuff the ships' crew and officers were under investigation for possible violations while making several calls in KIWI land during the early days of the pandemic in 2020.

The New Zealand Cruise Association released a statement saying “It is clear from the outcome that the ship’s crew and others connected with the visit did the right thing in satisfying pre-arrival reporting requirements,” the association wrote. In their message they also thanked the cruise industry for its “open engagement” with the investigation, which had made it “easier during a challenging time.”

The NZ Customs Service has released findings to Stuff under the Official Information Act following a 20-month investigation into the Ruby Princess and whether any offences were committed prior to its arrival in New Zealand on March 11 last year.

The cruise ship carrying 2671 passengers and 1146 crew left Sydney in the early hours of March 9. It arrived in Milford Sound on March 11, then made further stops in Dunedin, Akaroa, Wellington and Napier before cutting its trip short and leaving NZ waters on March 15.