About Us

Owner - Yves Delnatte

HI I’m Yves - I am originally from Europe, I have three adult children living in Australia and the UK.


Working 33 years as an Engineer I have been fortunate to travel to many places around the world. 
During my travels, I had the opportunity to discover New Zealand, the first time in 1995 (1 month in a camper van) and the second time in 2019, gliding in Omarama.

I fell in love with your beautiful country!!

 

After many years of working for corporates, it was time to look for a different way to enjoy life - especially for when I retire. When I found Affinity Cruises for sale in 2021, I decided to buy the business with a view to living in New Zealand.

I like nature …. and everything to do with nature… flying, gliding, sailing, diving, hiking and photography. It is a new adventure for me and very special to not have to go into a big office everyday anymore.


An iconic NZ business, after operating as a family owned business for nearly 30 years, I am looking forward to developing the business further but keeping the focus on cruising these incredible destinations, with the same relaxed, hosted, flexible Kiwi Style that Affinity is known for.

We have a great team that comprises of our of Skipper, Chef and Deckhand looking after all your needs on board and our reservations, admin, sales & marketing team in the office looking after all your pre and post departure queries, information and needs.

The fact our guests come back and cruises again and again with us across the various breath taking destinations we cruise, is a real testament to how passionate our team are about delivering you an unforgettable experience.

Thank you for considering a trip aboard our lovely MV Affinity we look forward to welcoming you aboard for an amazing experience and looking after your every need.

Thanks Yves


About the Vessel

The vessel Affinity was purpose-built in Picton by Carey’s Boatyard for the type of cruising that she does. Affinity has 8 guest cabins, a comfortable lounge for dining and relaxing, and a spacious deck.

We do not have air conditioning on the vessel for summer. There is a ventilation system creating a flow of air in the cabin but it is not an air conditioning. Central heating is ok as I have installed those units last year.

Affinity Features

  • Accommodation is onboard the vessel in 8 cabins which can be configured into twin share — bed and bunk or double bed.
  • If you are a sole passenger and require a cabin to yourself, our single supplement is available.
  • All cruises are fully catered and all linen is supplied.
  • 3 bathrooms facilities on the main deck — separate ladies and men’s — with a good supply of hot water.
  • Spacious vessel both inside and out, including a comfortable lounge area.
  • Lots of interesting books to read, as well as a few board games.
  • Easy access both on and off the vessel, with platform steps at the stern of the vessel.
  • 4-metre inflatable tender for shore excursions and for use when divers are in the water.
  • Use of gumboots for on deck and going ashore.
  • First aid certificates held by crew members, plus an oxygen cylinder onboard.
  • Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.
  • Vessel complies with all safety regulations and holds all appropriate licences.

We care

At Affinity Cruises we believe we’re very privileged to operate in 3 amazing cruising locations. We encourage our staff and each-and-every cruising passenger to respect and care for these environments. By doing so, our natural resources will be available for future generations to discover and enjoy.

We design our cruise itineraries to ensure our cruising passenger get the most from the area with minimal impact on the environment and their wallets. In the Marlborough Sounds most cruises will start on the afternoon that the passengers leave home meaning no additional accommodation is required pre- or post-cruise, as the itinerary is also designed to enable passengers to head back home on the day the cruise finishes.

On the Vessel

In 2012 we installed a new Scania engine. Scania has always been at the forefront in the development and production of environmentally safe engines. They have made great progress in reducing harmful exhaust emissions to meet stringent emission standards, without compromising the high quality of Scania marine engines in terms of performance and cost-effective operation.

Fuel efficiency is a priority, with set itineraries that ensure sensible fuel usage and therefore reduced emissions.

We have installed a new efficient heating system to allow for continuous heating (if required) as well as a new electrical system, minimising the use of the generator to enjoy the silence in nature.

We use an environmentally-approved paint system on the hull of our vessel that is designed to reduce drag through the water and save fuel.

All cleaning products used on-board are environmentally-friendly.

We reduce waste as much as we can as all waste is required to go back ashore for recycling.

Passengers are encouraged to bring a water bottle on all cruises and refill their bottle on-board each day.

Cruising in Fiordland — a World Heritage Park with outstanding natural values — requires us to follow strict guidelines as per our consent to operate in this pristine area, to ensure the continued protection in this remote location.

Prior to arriving in Fiordland each year, we are required to take the vessel out of the water to clean-inspect the hull for any unwanted pests or weeds.

We also monitor the number of fish that are caught, kept or returned to the sea. In all 3 locations, we fish for the plate (not the freezer) on our scenic cruises.

We believe in supporting local businesses and prefer to buy local produce when available.

Silver Qualmark Award

We are honored to announce that Affinity Cruises has received the Silver Sustainable Tourism Business Award.

This achievement reinforces our position as a top tourism company that consistently exceeds the expectations of our valued guests.

Through our proactive leadership and careful management, we have created a culture of excellence that influences every aspect of our operations.

With a strong dedication to ongoing improvement, we are committed to enhancing our economic, social, and environmental performance, ensuring an exceptional and continually evolving sustainable experience for all of our travelers who sail with us.