Cruise ships will return to the City of Sails as the Crown Princess nears Auckland, marking the first arrival of the 25/26 season.
Auckland is set to welcome the first international cruise ship of the 2025/26 season with Crown Princess arriving on Monday, 22 September, marking the return of a key economic driver for the region.
“Cruise ships are more than just vessels arriving at our waterfront,” said Karen Thompson-Smith, Head of Tourism at Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.
“They support jobs and spending across tourism, retail, hospitality and logistics sectors. Each ship brings thousands of people into the city centre, injecting life and supporting local businesses.”
Despite a nationwide decline in cruise bookings this season, Auckland businesses are well-prepared and eager to welcome visitors, recognising the significant role cruise plays in activating the city. In the 2023/24 season, cruise passengers and crew spent around $200 million in Auckland, around 39 percent of national cruise spend – with downtown businesses experiencing an uplift in spending of 27 per cent on days when a ship was in port.
Elle Armon-Jones founder of The Big Foody Tour, a local food tour operator, highlights how cruise visitors contribute directly to local businesses and neighbourhood economies.
“When cruise ships are in port, we welcome guests who are eager to taste the flavours of Auckland. They purchase directly from local producers through our tours, spreading the benefits of cruise well beyond the waterfront into neighbourhoods and regions,” said Armon-Jones.
New Zealand Cruise Association Chief Executive Jacqui Lloyd said cruise season opening calls are always a milestone for the sector.
“The arrival of Crown Princess in Auckland on 22 September signals the start of another cruise season,” said Lloyd.
“While ship numbers to New Zealand are significantly lower this year, every visit brings people who contribute strongly to the city’s atmosphere and summer economy.”
Karen Thompson-Smith said that Auckland is ready to welcome visitors and capture value from every ship call.
“Looking ahead, the fast-tracked expansion of Ports of Auckland’s wharf and the development of the new cruise terminal underscores the city’s commitment to supporting cruise tourism and its economic benefits in the long term.”
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