The arrival of a cruise ship in Auckland has marked the start of the 2026/27 cruise season, with operator Princess Cruises planning to significantly increase its visits to regional New Zealand from 2028.
The Crown Princess arrived in Auckland's Waitematā Harbour this Saturday morning, marking the beginning of the new cruise season.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston said more than 200,000 cruise passengers were expected to visit New Zealand between now and the end of June.
Auckland's cultural, events and destination agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited expected the cruise sector to contribute more than $200 million to the local economy this season.
But director Annie Dundas said passenger numbers remained below the levels seen in previous years.
There was growth on the horizon, she said, with Princess Cruises planning to double its number of port calls in New Zealand from the 2028/29 season.
Under the plans, Princess Cruises would visit nine New Zealand ports, including Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Lyttelton, Dunedin, Picton, Napier and Timaru, as well as offering scenic cruising through Fiordland.
The company said the expanded schedule would make it New Zealand's largest cruise operator.
The Crown Princess, which can carry about 3,080 guests, was completing a 114-day world cruise when it arrived in Auckland.
SHARE ME