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14 Night Auckland roundtrip aboard Azamara Pursuit from just $8,526 per person Cruise Departs: 20 Jan 2025 Ports of Call: Auckland, Bay of Islands, Norfolk Island, New Plymouth, Nelson, Picton, Akaroa, Dunedin, Kaikoura, Napier, Auckland Includes: $1,000 onboard credit per stateroom What’s included when you travel with Azamara? Life Onboard Your boutique hotel at sea, Continue Reading

Discover the primordial majesty of Fiordland’s iconic Doubtful and Dusky Sounds on an unforgettable 5-day exploration with Heritage Expeditions, pioneers in authentic small ship expedition cruising. Established in 1952, New Zealand’s Fiordland National Park is now over 1.2 million hectares in size and rightly famous for its epic, grand scale scenery, untamed wilderness and unique Continue Reading

Fun In The Sun Sale 8-DAY SOUTH PACIFIC FROM SYDNEY, AUSTRALIACarnival SplendorPorts of Call: Sydney > Mare > Lifou > Noumea > SydneyThu 6 Mar 2025 – Fri 14 Mar 2025 Prices start from $852 per person.

An Extended Journey to Sybaritic Beaches Embarkation: Piraeus (Athens) | Disembarkation: Piraeus (Athens) Voyage Dates: Choose from either 19 JULY 2024 or 13 SEPT 2024 departures. Ocean Suites start from just $13,920 per guest Our Ocean Terrace Suites elegantly combine space – at 35 – 39 sqm (377 – 420 sq ft) they are amongst Continue Reading

18 April to 17 May 202529 Nights aboard L’Austral28 ports of call7 countries Starting from AU$27,050GRAND VOYAGE PRICE:From AU$23,822pp in a Deluxe Stateroom, Deck 3^ This exceptional cruise offers an unparalleled exploration of the Iberian Peninsula’s major cities, UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the tower of Belém in Lisbon and Antoni Gaudí’s works in Barcelona, Continue Reading

Antalya to Venice 15 Nights aboard L’Austral16 ports of call5 countries Starting from AU$13,310GRAND VOYAGE PRICE:From AU$11,966pp in a Deluxe Stateroom, Deck 3^ Embark on a cruise designed to unveil the ancient wonders of Greece, including a special visit to Turkey. This journey features UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Mycenae ruins, the Epidaurus theatre, Continue Reading

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UNLEASH YOUR ADVENTURER'S SPIRIT

New zealand cruises.

Lace up your hiking boots and explore New Zealand's natural beauty.

The Land of the Long White Cloud, New Zealand is known for Maori culture, lush-valley-and-gentle-hill-filled landscapes made famous by the "Lord of the Rings" films and dramatic glacial mountain peaks. Cruise to New Zealand and head to the World Heritage-listed Fiordland National Park, home to the mighty fjords of Milford Sound. Ever imagined setting foot on tundra? Check out Franz Josef and Foz Glaciers on the South Island, two of the world's most accessible glaciers. Get your fix of urban culture in windy Wellington, Auckland and Christchurch. Adrenaline junkies will want to make a beeline for Queenstown on Lake Wakatipu's shores, where you have access to ski resorts, bungee jumping and jet boating.

All Natural Adventure

Lace up your hiking boots and explore the natural beauty

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FROM HARBORS TO HOBBIT-HOLES

Sightsee your way through New Zealand's best-known sites and cities. "Lord of the Rings" lovers, appreciators of the arts and culinary enthusiasts won't be disappointed. 

WELLINGTON WOWS

Hilly and windy Welly is New Zealand's capital city. It's home to a scenic hillside tram, a collection of indigenous art and artifacts at the Te Papa Museum and an up-and-coming food scene, exclusive cocktail bars tucked next to modernist, high-end spots serving inspired takes on local ingredients.

AUCKLAND EXPERIENCE

New Zealand's largest city, Auckland is home to two harbors, black and white sand beaches, hiking trails and the iconic Sky Tower. Head to the top for the best views during your vacation.

JUST LIKE THE MOVIES

Follow in Frodo's footsteps and check out Hobbiton in Matamata — check out the recreation of the hobbit's houses nestled in the rolling green hills (watch your head!). Cruise to New Zealand to kayak past unique cliff structures at popular Cathedral Cove, where the Chronicles of Narnia were filmed.

NEW ZEALAND RUGGED, ROBUST AND READY FOR YOU

The best part about a New Zealand cruise is that it departs from Australia , so you see two countries and two different landscapes in one visit.

SAMPLE AUSTRALIA

While you're "in the area," start in Australia and experience a sampler cruise from Sydney , or a cruise up the coast from Tasmania to Queensland .

ALL OVER NZ

From North to South, see city sights in Auckland, check out the art deco delights of Napier , and cruise through Milford Sound's majestic fjords .

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Hiking Know-How

Although summer is the best time to visit New Zealand in terms of warm weather, it's also the busiest season for domestic and international visitors. This means less accommodation options and higher prices. The shoulder season of autumn is a better option, as you have the bonus of falling leaves, while spring is known for its unstable and windy conditions. If hiking is on the agenda, remember to pack quality hiking boots and layers, as some of the Great Walks have notoriously temperamental weather. A waterproof and windproof jacket will save you while cruising around New Zealand, particularly in the cooler months.

Australia and New Zealand: 10 Bucket List Stops on Your Cruise

Kia Ora is a local greeting, which translates to "Hello!". It is derived from the Maori language, where it's literal meaning is "alive" or "healthy".

As in Australia, tipping is not a New Zealand custom.

If driving in New Zealand, bear in mind the roads can by windy, narrow and hilly, so give yourself extra time to get from point A to B.

CUISINE Meats and Sweets

Like its neighbor Australia, New Zealand's national cuisine has British, Mediterranean and South Pacific influences. But it has developed its own sweet tooth, with a long list of cookies, candy and cakes that locals love.

EMBRACE YOUR SWEET TOOTH

New Zealander's sweet selection includes pavlova (a meringue cake with fruit toppings), Afghan and Anzac biscuits, hokey pokey ice cream (vanilla with honeycomb pieces), chocolate fish, Pineapple Lumps and lolly cake.

KIWIS LOVE THEIR LAMB

One of New Zealand's biggest meat exports, roast lamb — seasoned with rosemary and served with seasonal vegetables — is served in many local restaurants. When you visit New Zealand, look for options that are locally raised and grass-fed for the best flavor.

SEAFOOD ESSENTIALS

Satiate yourself on Bluff oysters, thought by many connoisseurs to be the world's best. Or try the country's British-inspired favorite, crisp-fried fish and chips with plenty of malt vinegar to cut through the richness. Top that off with savory whitebait fritters and green-lipped mussels in curry sauce with crusty bread.

Related Ports

New Zealand ports are a combination of cities and countryside stops. This includes Auckland and Wellington, as well as Tauranga's beaches, Doubtful and Dusky Sounds' fjords and the Bay of Islands. Don't forget Napier, with its distinctive art deco architecture like Miami Beach.

Akaroa, New Zealand

Bay Of Islands, New Zealand

Doubtful Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Dunedin, New Zealand

Dusky Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Tauranga, New Zealand

Wellington, New Zealand

Milford Sound (Cruising), New Zealand

Napier, New Zealand

Auckland, New Zealand

Picton, New Zealand

Lyttelton (Christchurch), New Zealand

Related Destinations

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There are so many ways to cruise discover the perfect cruise line for your next voyage., frequently asked questions.

If it’s on the water, we can book it for you. Flight Centre offers you a huge range of cruises, from ocean and river cruises to adventurous expedition voyages and special themed voyages. Some of the most popular lines we offer are Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises and Disney Cruise Line. Booking a cruise can be complicated, with a huge variety of cabin choices, itineraries and inclusions for you to consider, so it’s a good idea to work with experienced travel experts – like us! We’ll also save you money by finding you the best cruise deals.

Cruises are great value because almost everything is included in the one price. Your cruise fare will include accommodation, all meals, onboard facilities like swimming pools and fitness centres, plus entertainment. A few things can incur extra charges, like specialty restaurants, drinks, spa treatments and some activities. Specific inclusions may vary based on the cruise line, stateroom selection and the package you've booked.

Absolutely! A cruise is perfect for a group holiday or to celebrate that important milestone. Let your travel expert know if you're travelling as a group and they'll find you the best options to suit your group.

Absolutely! Look for adventure-themed cruises, comedy cruises food cruises,  wedding & honeymoon cruises or music cruises – and that's really just the beginning of the different types of cruises we offer!

Once onboard, you'll receive a daily schedule of activities. Usually, the schedule for the following day will be left in your cabin by staff when they clean the room. Many modern cruise ships also have onboard digital screens that will display the day’s events or a mobile app you can download to keep track. Take a look on our website for information about your particular cruise ship or visit the cruise line’s site to see what you can expect.

From April 2024 you'll be able to book online through the Flight Centre website. Simply use the search function and filters on the page above and you’ll find what you're looking for from a whole range of cruises. You can book directly online, or enquire if you’d prefer to speak to a travel expert about your cruise holiday. If you’d prefer to talk to someone straight away, give us a call on 0800 250 172.

Yes, most cruise lines will be able to cater to your specific needs to ensure that you have a safe and enjoyable holiday. For dietary requirements, many ships have multiple restaurants with different menus that may meet your needs, or your travel expert can inform the cruise line of dietary requirements ahead of time. Accessible cabins are available on most ships and need to be booked in advance. We can also work with you to assess deck plans and accessibility options to find the right ship to suit you.

It depends on the destination. For Australia and many South Pacific islands, no visa is needed for short stays for New Zealand citizens. Be sure to check the official websites of each destination where your cruise will be docking.

New Zealanders often enjoy cruises to the South Pacific islands, Australia, and exploring their own beautiful coastline. Europe and Alaska are popular destinations further afield for Kiwis too.

Our Help Centre has a host of FAQs about travel requirements, booking your cruise and plenty more information you need before you set sail.

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New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruises

Authentic experiences and extraordinary landscapes await onboard new zealand cruises.

Escape to this unhurried corner of the world, where Māori legends, steaming volcanic lakes, penguins and hobbits add to the magical landscape. From the historic North Island, known as "the birthplace of the nation," to the stirring drama of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi  , a cruise to New Zealand / Aotearoa with Princess will defy expectations.

Across the Ditch cruise activities

Enjoy enriching experiences onboard and ashore

Princess Cruises proudly presents Across the Ditch, an immersive program designed to bring guests the very best of New Zealand / Aotearoa. Our program brings authentic Maori experiences, culture and local flavors onboard and ashore to showcase what makes New Zealand so unique. With more New Zealand wines, beers, entertainment, enrichment (including the Matariki Festival) and more Shore Excursions than ever before, you’ll have the chance to enjoy even more of this fascinating country as you journey Across the Ditch on a New Zealand cruise.

"Across the Ditch" is an affectionate term for crossing the Tasman Sea between Australia and New Zealand and vice versa - known colloquially as "the Ditch".

Excursions — your gateway to New Zealand's best attractions

On a cruise to and from Auckland, delight at the sight of glittering glowworms inside Auckland’s / Tāmaki Makaurau Waitomo Grotto, and enjoy an exclusive kiij at Māori and Polynesian exhibits in  Auckland . Travel along Akaroa’s Southern Alps, and see white-flippered blue penguins and New Zealand / Aotearoa fur seals on a cruise through Akaroa Harbour. On itineraries with More Ashore Late Night calls, we stay until at least 9 p.m. in port so you can experience some of the fabulous nightlife.

And with a range of  Discovery Recommended and Exclusive excursions  available only with Princess Cruises, you’ll see New Zealand in a whole new way.

Photo: Waitomo Glowworm Caves

Let Your New Zealand / Aotearoa Cruise Journey Begin

Lifestyle & culture.

Savor the unique tastes of an authentic Māori hangi or sample award-winning wines from  Picton . See how the Māori’s rich heritage comes alive in the Bay of Islands / Pēwhairangi, and discover how Napier’s / Ahuriri beautifully preserved 1930s architecture pays homage to the Māori by merging the linear symmetry of Art Deco with tribal motifs.

Photo: Traditional Māori welcome

Natural wonders & landscapes

Witness the unparalleled beauty of what locals call “Godzone” (God’s own country) on a hike into Tauranga’s / Tauranga Moana Wai-O-Tapu thermal valley and be rewarded with spectacular mud pools, geysers and rainbow-colored lakes. And just outside  Wellington , you’ll experience a world teeming with Māori myths, rugged coasts and adorable seals.

Be awestruck by the beauty of  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , named one of the 7 Cruise Wonders of the World by  Condé Nast Traveler . And sail through the glassy waters and towering cliffs of Milford Sound, which was formed a millennia ago by massive glacial flows.

Photo: The volcanoes in the Wai-o-Tapu Valley

Unique experiences on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

New Zealand’s vast, dramatic and diverse landscape is the unrivaled home of Tolkien’s mythical Middle Earth. Journey to the city of Edoras and walk in the footsteps of  The Lord of the Rings  in Wellington, and visit Peter Jackson’s Weta Studios.

Marvel at the sight of twinkling glowworms in Auckland’s Glowworm Grotto, and explore Wellington’s Zealandia, nicknamed "Jurassic Park," in search of the giant weta – one of the world’s largest insects!

Photo:  The Lord of the Rings  movie sets in Hobbittown

Onboard enrichment on New Zealand / Aotearoa cruises

At Princess® we want you to enjoy an unforgettable New Zealand adventure. That’s why we’ve created a unique onboard program ‘Across the Ditch’ - with special regional experiences, including:

• See traditional folkloric performances, and learn the art yourself such as the Haka Māori War Dance or Poi Dancing.
• Enjoy kiwi favorites served on board New Zealand cruises, including Pavlova, or Lamb, or even a Hangi Dinner – a Māori tradition. Pair this with a glass of world famous wine from the Marlborough Region.
• Learn more about New Zealand’s rich history with a pop-up display from Auckland War Museum in the Atrium.
• Participate in “Festivals of the World” celebrations, such as Matariki, a Māori festival that marks the start of the Māori New Year, with ceremonial offerings and homage to whakapapa (ancestors). Celebrate with kiwi music, dance, crafts & even traditional face painting.

Photo: A traditional Māori Matariki Festival on board

Landmarks & Cultural Masterpieces

Don’t miss the famed Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which boasts the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand, Port Chalmers’ Larnach Castle (the country’s only castle) or cruise to Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau and see the Sky Tower, the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere.

Photo: Larnach Castle in Dunedin

Art, museums & historic treasures

Wellington ’s number-one attraction, the Te Papa National Museum, showcases Māori and Pacific cultural treasures, New Zealand’s extraordinary natural life and its most important works of art.

Photo: The famous TranzAlpine Express in the Southern Alps

UNESCO world heritage sites

Sail into a world of surreal beauty in  Fiordland National Park / Piopiotahi , where the verdant flanks of snowcapped peaks plunge into the crystalline waters of ice-carved fiords. Or visit the Tongariro National Park outside of Napier / Ahuriri, which holds the title of first park in the world to receive UNESCO World Heritage status for both its natural and Māori spiritual and cultural value.

Photo: Fiordland National Park

Discover More

Australia cruisetours.

Before or after you set sail for the wonders of New Zealand, why not also discover some of Australia’s greatest attractions. Sailing from Sydney or Auckland / Tāmaki Makaurau, you can pair your cruise with a land tour to the Australian Outback to famed Uluru (Ayers Rock) and visit the Great Barrier Reef.

Photo: Australia’s magical Great Barrier Reef

Australia & New Zealand Cruise Articles

Read about exotic isles, legendary destinations, and prepare to explore a region unlike any other on your Australia and New Zealand cruise.

Australia & New Zealand Cruises

Visit iconic landmarks in Australia, strikingly diverse landscapes in New Zealand, and the palm-fringed islands of the South Pacific.

Things to Do in Brisbane Cruise Port for Couples, Singles & Families

Find things to do in Brisbane, Australia, while you're in port.

5 Things to Bring Back from Your Australia Cruise

Wondering what to bring back from your Australia cruise?

Tauranga Shore Excursions: Maori Culture and History Comes Alive

Explore foreign lands when you embark on a Tauranga shore excursions.

10 Melbourne Travel Tips to Help Cruisers Fit in with Locals

These 10 Melbourne travel tips from Princess Cruises will help you experience the best of this iconic Australian city as only a local would.

Fiordland National Park Excursions: Experience the Majesty of New Zealand

Witness the majestic beauty of New Zealand on Fiordland National Park cruise excursions.

Cruise to New Zealand

Cruise ship, Auckland

By Bob McCree

Cruising in New Zealand is the perfect way to explore over 15,000 kilometres of coastline and the spectacular landscapes this diverse country has to offer.

Cruising to New Zealand is a well-established tradition. The first settlers arrived here by boa t more than 1 , 000 years ago, and even up until the 1960s it was the only way to reach this country. Today, c ruis ing to New Zealand is, happily, a much more comfortable and luxurious experience.  

The most popular places for boarding a cruise to New Zealand are Australia and the South Pacific. Around-the-world cruises pass through here, as do adventure cruises bound for Antarctica.  

As a compact island nation, New Zealand is a wonderful cruising destination as each distinct region is within overnight sailing. New Zealand’s cruise ports are well set-up to welcome international visitors on cruise ships with a wide range of onshore activities and day trips available.  

Whether you’re after scenic beauty, viewing endangered  wildlife , learning about  Māori culture , or indulging in  gourmet goodness , cruising around New Zealand offers varied experiences and life-changing moments.  

North Island cruise destinations

Stops on c ruis e s a round North Island may include the beautiful Bay of Islands , cosmopolitan Auckland and Wellington, the capital city . Those who enjoy art and wine will enjoy Napier, the world-famous art deco city in the Hawke's Bay wine region.

South Island cruise destinations

Cruise d estinations around the South Island can include the stunning Marlborough Sounds , the charming French-style settlement of Akaroa and the revitalised city of Christchurch. The   historic Scottish-influenced Dunedin , and the ruggedly beautiful Fior d land in the south west are not to be missed.

Cruise Destinations

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If you’re looking for the best New Zealand tours, Zealandier Tours New Zealand have a range of guided escorted tours available for you.

If you are interested in our fully escorted small group tours of New Zealand, consider one of our Zealandier New Zealand tour packages. Our NZ tours are ideal as cruise ship shore excursions or for those wanting a full service tour package.

Zealandier group tours are especially designed for those who wish to travel, but not travel alone. Our Senior Travel Club is a great way to explore local day trips, shows and extended overnight trips away.

Leave all the work to us as you enjoy the sights and sounds of your dream holiday locations. Experience the uniqueness of New Zealand on one of our special Cruise Ship New Zealand Day Tours or Boutique Tour packages. Join any of our tours with family and friends, as a solo traveller, or form your own group.

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Auckland (New Zealand)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Australia - New Zealand - Pacific Ocean Islands

Local Time 2024-04-11 01:12

Port Auckland cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Auckland, New Zealand. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Auckland is the turnaround cruise port of New Zealand. Since ships docking here are also being re-provisioned, the port's exchange role makes it of crucial importance for the country's and the city's economy.

Port Auckland

Port Auckland is located in Waitemata Harbour. It is managed by the Council-owned company Ports of Auckland Ltd. It manages Greater Auckland's commercial cargo and cruise ship facilities, but not the ferry terminals and the yacht marinas.

The port has 2 harbours (excluding the ferry terminals) - the container port (Auckland City) and the port in Onehunga. Wiri Inland Port (in Wiri, South Auckland) has terminals that serving NZ's reshipment (quick turnaround cargo shipping) trade linking the seaport with the country's road and rail freight networks.

Auckland is a major containership port located on the central-eastern waterfront. The port covers an area of 0,55 km2 / 0,21 mi2 of wharves and storage facilities (mainly for TEU-containers and cars). All the land is reclaimed (from the former Commercial, Official and Mechanics bays).

• Wynyard Wharf (aka Western Reclamation) is used for chemicals and liquids storage.
• Princes Wharf (Overseas Passenger Terminal/cruise terminal and residential development) provides cruise ship berthing.
• Queens Wharf is the proposed location for a new cruise terminal.

The other freight wharves are named Captain Cook, Marsden, Bledisloe, Jellicoe (alternative dock for large-sized cruise vessels), Freyberg, Fergusson.

In 2006, Ports of Auckland Ltd (management company) bought for NZD 27 million 3x new large dockside gantry cranes (for TEU-containers) from Zhenhua Port Machinery Co (China). The new cranes were installed at Axis Intermodal Terminal (Fergusson Wharf), in addition to 2x older cranes (2001-bought). The new gantry cranes are NZ's largest - each with weight 1250 tons, height 103 m (338 ft), boom length 56 m (184 ft) and lifting capacity 2x TEU-containers (at once) with speeds of up to 150 mph. The new cranes serve Post-Panamax vessels and in case of power failure provide emergency electricity to reefers (refrigerated containers).

The port handles annually around 1600 vessels, ranking it NZ's largest commercial port with over NZD 20 billion in shipped goods per year, It handles around 60% of the country's imports and 40% of the exports. Its annual container capacity is around 780,000 TEUs. The annual number of imported second-hand cars is around 166,000 (mainly Japanese models).

In late-December 2017, the port authority company (POAL) announced its plans for building shore power infrastructure (estimated project cost NZD 18,3 million). Shore-to-ship power supply reduces significantly the number of emissions generated by visiting vessels. The technology allows docked cruise vessels to shut down completely their diesel engines and connect to the city's electrical grid for all the onboard electrical power while berthed. The annual volume of reduced greenhouse gas emissions (COx, NOx, SOx) was estimated at around 31%.

In mid-August 2020, ​Ports of Auckland (management/authority company) was granted consent for deepening the shipping channel from 12,5 m (40 ft) to 14-14,2 m (46 ft). The channel dredging will allow larger (New Panamax) container ships to enter Port Auckland. These vessels have max draft 15 m (50 ft) when fully loaded.

Auckland cruise port

Port Auckland's cruising industry is a large contributor to the city economy. Each ship call brings in about NZD 1 million from passenger spending. For 2010 was estimated that the region received over NZD 177,4 million from direct expenditure by arriving passengers and crew. Each cruise passenger to NZ injects into the country’s economy ~NZD 1700. In 2010, New Zealand was ranked as the 4th largest international passenger cruising market - following Australia, UK, and the USA.

(statistics) during season 1996-1997 the port handled only 27 ship calls and around 19400 passengers.

(statistics) in the season 2005-2006, the port handled 48 cruise ship calls with over 100,000 passengers.

In March 2010, the world's second- largest cruise company - Royal Caribbean (RCCL) - announced its decision to open a dedicated office in NZ catering to the increasing numbers of local residents taking cruise ship travel vacations. RCCL acquired part of the Auckland-based travel agency "Cruise Vacations", which served its brand lines since 1990. Since April 2010, the NZ office is overseen by "Royal Caribbean Cruises Australia" and supports all operations for the RCCL's 3 brands - RCI, Celebrity, and Azamara. RCCL opened its Sydney-based office in December 2008.

During season 2010-2011, a total of 87 cruise ships visited Auckland, carrying 138,200 passengers and 56,400 crew, bringing around NZD 305 million into NZ's economy, plus around NZD 177 million into Auckland.

During season 2011-2012, the cruise port handled a total of 97 ship calls from 30 different vessels, over 200,000 passengers and 88,000 crew. Those injected NZD 346 million into the country's economy and provided over 5600 full-time jobs. Compared to the 2009-2010 season (109,951 passengers, over NZD 191 million to GDP) this was an increase of 81%.

(statistics 2014) the cruise port contributed USD 190 million to the local economy, with 115 ship calls and handling 188,500 passengers plus 75,000 crew.

According to CLIA, 2015 was a record year for NZ's cruising market. A total of 66152 local residents booked a ship cruise, which was a 10% increase over 2014. The statistics showed NZ as the 3rd international cruise market with a record double-digit increase in 2015 (preceded by China and Australia). The increase in NZ cruisers traveling to Australia was 71%, and to Asia - 64%. Over the period 2010-2015, the NZ's cruising market recorded an ~65% growth.

(statistics 2015) the cruise port reported a record passenger spending of about USD 484 million (port's worth USD 220 million to the local economy). This was an increase of 15% over the season 2014-2015 season. During season 2015-2016, Port Auckland had 105 cruise ship visits and served around 230,800 passengers.

Princess Cruises 2015-2016 itinerary program for the first time ever included a round-trip departure out of Auckland. The 9-night itinerary visited Melbourne, Burnie (Tasmania) , Kangaroo Island , Port Lincoln and Portland (Victoria) , with prices starting from AUD 1200 pp (quad cabin). The cruise line's 2015-2016 program had scheduled more than 80 departures out of Australian ports ( Sydney , Brisbane , Melbourne ) and also from Auckland NZ.

In 2016, NZ's economy received a total of USD 484 million from the 249,000 cruise tourists. NZ's season 2016-2017 (September-April) ended with a total of 41 vessels (22 different companies) and 760 ship calls to 31 port- and island destinations. New Zealand's economy received over USD 490 million (across all regions).

In 2018, the port handled 113 ship calls and over 285,000 passengers. The number of cruise ship tourists to NZ (2017-2018 season) was estimated at around 280,000. For 2019, the cruise port had booked a total of 131 ship calls, with expected 322,000+ passengers (24% increase over 2018). Among season's highlights was the homeported Majestic Princess (port's largest liner so far). The 330-m, the 18-deck ship was launched in 2017 and has a max capacity of 4270 passengers plus 1350 crew.

In 2019, Stats NZ reported record levels of total cruise ship expenditure in New Zealand - NZD 569.8 million (~USD 363,5 million) to June 30, 2019, or an increase of 28% over 2018.

Cruise itineraries to and from Auckland New Zealand

Follows a list of destinations visited by cruise ships leaving out of Auckland:

World Cruises from Auckland are offered mostly as one-way segments from around the world itineraries by UK-based lines - like Cunard, P&O, Princess, Cruise Maritime). Full-length itineraries (eastbound or westbound) can be up to 110+ days round-trips starting from Southampton England ). On those, just like Australia, New Zealand is only a mid-itinerary destination offering one-way departures from Auckland back to Southampton (disembarkation port). The longest eastbound itineraries from Auckland generally include USA ports (including Hawaii, California, Florida, often New York) and feature Panama Canal transition and Transatlantic crossing to Europe (UK). Longest westbound itineraries include the Suez Canal transition and ports in the Mediterranean Sea.

With the constantly growing popularity of cruising vacations among New Zealanders, the "World Cruises" round-trip from Auckland is starting to appear on the market. Such a deal is the Sea Princess ship's 2017 world itinerary (104-days westbound, May 16 through August 29) visiting ports all over Europe (including Norway and Iceland), also Canada New England, USA and South America (through Panama Canal). Princess started to offer round-trip New Zealand to Hawaii itineraries that include stops in Australia, Western Samoa, the Hawaiian islands and French Polynesia (with overnights in Papeete (Tahiti Island) ).

Cruises around New Zealand leaving round-trip from Auckland (13-14-day itineraries) visit also Melbourne or Sydney as turnaround port, usually on the way back (second leg).

Cruise to Nowhere Auckland deals is on 3-day round-trip itineraries without any ports of call along the route. Generally, these are themed voyages with themes like "food and wine" (most common), also comedy, sports, wellness, music, etc. There are onboard pre-scheduled theme events and activities like parties, concerts, meetings, presentations, tastings, etc.

Short-break ("Mini Cruises") are round-trips visiting Napier (4-day eastbound) or Bay of Islands (4-day northbound).

One-way cruises to Sydney from Auckland are 14-15-days in length and often visit Tasmania and Melbourne before Sydney.

The "South Pacific Islands" group of itineraries offers round-trip voyages with duration 8-9-10-15-days. They visit ports in New Caledonia, Fiji, Vanuatu, Espiritu Santo, New Guinea, Tonga.

Repositioning cruises from New Zealand to Asia are mostly offered by luxury ships as segments of their around the world itineraries. They end up in either Singapore or Hong Kong and include ports in Australia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan. Longer segments may also include ports in China, Japan, and South Korea.

Repositioning cruises from New Zealand are between Auckland and the USA (via Hawaii) ending up in Honolulu or in California - Los Angeles , San Francisco or San Diego . Rarely, there are itineraries going all the way to Alaska ending in Vancouver BC (Canada) or Seattle WA (USA) .

Auckland cruise terminal

Auckland cruise port terminal is part of Waitemata Harbour. Liners berth right at the heart of the city.

Port Auckland's principal cruise terminal is at Princes Wharf. The second facility used for cruise vessels is Queens Wharf. There is approved funding for “Shed 10″ (Queens Wharf) upgrade. Upon completion, it will become the port's primary cruise berth.

Queens Wharf cruise terminal

In 2010 was made the decision the old Shed 10 (2-story historic building, former warehouse) on Queens Wharf to be rebuilt and refurbished as a modern cruise terminal. The project's interior designers were from Jasmax.

City Council spent over NZD 23 million on the new terminal. Refurbishment works started in 2012 and were completed in 2013. The new cruise ship terminal is equipped with Customs, lounge, processing/waiting area, and various service facilities. The building's ground floor is used for pax luggage, security and border agency processing. Queens Wharf is a popular public space also used for themed event space by locals and tourists.

In September 2016 started the building of a mooring structure at the end of Queen's Wharf. The "mooring dolphin" was sunk into the sea bed (off the wharf's end) to provide a mooring point for longer / larger cruise vessels without spending much more money on a wharf extension. The structure cost USD 10 million and was completed and usable for the season 2017-2018.

In 2017, the port was visited twice by its ever-largest vessel - RCI's Ovation of the Seas . During both visits, the 348-m liner had to be moored in Waitemata and its passengers ferried ashore via tenders. The new mooring dolphin (location 75 m / 246 ft off Queens Wharf's end) is used for berthing only of the  largest cruise liners .

In September 2018 were announced plans for a 90-m (295-ft) long mooring extension to be constructed off Queens Wharf. The 42 m (138 ft) long extension will be partially served by a gangway and will allow berthing for larger vessels - with LOA length up to 337 m (1105 ft). The new plan also includes the building of 2 mooring structures (48 m and 82 m dolphins) out from Queens Wharf. Walkway to the first mooring will be available to the public when liners are not docked. A smaller gangway will give port workers access to the 2nd structure. Once started, the project could be operational by summer 2020.

• address - "Queens Wharf, 150 Quay Street, Auckland New Zealand"
• location - near City Centre (Downtown Auckland), close to main transportation connections
• finger pier structure with 4 berths (one either side of both piers)
• Princes Wharf berth - max LOA length (1050 ft / 320 m), draft/depth (33 ft /10 m), served by jetway (airbridge) covered gangway
• Queens Wharf berth - max LOA length (968 ft / 295 m), draft/depth (33 ft /10 m), served by jetway (airbridge) covered gangway Tidal Range: 0.2 to 3.3 metres

The ship arrival times (mentioned above) show Pilot boarding times. To those must be added approx 1 1/2 hour for docking alongside the berth. This means if the Pilot boarding time is 6:30 am, the ship should be berthed and tied up around 7:30 to 8 am.

• Passenger disembarkation starts ~ 30 min (varies by vessel) after the ship has berthed.
• Meeting arriving passengers - Princes Wharf's passenger exit is located outside Shed 21. Queens Wharf's best place to meet quests is between Ferry Terminal and Cloud (the adjacent wharf).
• Public access to the port's working areas and the docked ships are forbidden (restricted to port staff, crew, and passengers only).
• The only people allowed to board the docked vessel are its crew, embarking (cruise ship) passengers and pre-approved visitors.

The terminal has no luggage storage facility for disembarking passengers.

The nearest supermarket is Countdown (on 76 Quay Str).

The facilities at Auckland cruise terminal include MAF agency, customs, stevedores, tour information. The port is located close to the Auckland International Airport, the city highlights, and the business district.

Cruise ship terminal directions & parking

Exiting the airport turn left at first traffic lights (George Bolt Memorial Drive) and continue as the road runs into motorway route 20. Exit route 20 at the 2nd off-ramp to City and Nelson Str. Continue straight through the traffic lights at Nelson Str. and to the intersection of Nelson and Sturdee. Turn right into the left lane of Sturdee and at the 2nd street on the left turn in to Lower Hobson Str. Stay in the left lane and continue to the next set of traffic lights to the cruise terminal.

• Airbus Express leaves from the bus stop at Downtown Ferry Terminal. It takes ~ 45-60 min in each direction.
• Bus and train services are provided via Britomart Transport Centre, located across the street from Queens Wharf, and it's at ~ 5 min walking distance from Princes Wharf.
• Both cruise terminals have dedicated taxi ranks.
• Downtown Ferry Terminal (between both cruise ship wharves) is for ferry services to Devonport, West Harbour, Half Moon Bay, Pine Harbour, and Waiheke Island, plus various tour destinations.
• Queens Wharf and Princes Wharf are both public accessible. On-site traffic control gives directions for pick up / drop off zones. Both wharves don't offer public and long-term parking. Nearby located public parking facilities are the car parks Downtown, Viaduct and Britomart.
• The Red LINK bus line runs around Downtown and links Britomart Transport Centre, Queen Str, Karangahape Road and Wynyard Quarter. The bus is every 15 min (between 6.30 am - 11.30 pm).
• Green LINK bus line runs around the inner suburbs and major shopping areas. Among those are Parnell, Auckland Museum, Newmarket, Karangahape Road. The bus runs every 10 min (between 6.30 am - 8 pm).
• Orange LINK bus line runs the Green LINK routes plus Mt Eden, St Lukes Mall, MOTAT, Herne Bay. The bus runs every 15 min (between 6.30 am - 8 pm).
• Auckland Explorer Bus (hop on - hop off the bus stopping at Queens Wharf) circles around 14 of the city's main attractions.

Auckland port beside its passenger (cruise ship) terminal also has facilities to handle oil tankers and cargo ships (vehicle carriers, bulk carriers, and container vessels) and dry dock facilities for marine vessel refurbishments and repairs.

• UN-LOCODE (United Nations location code) - NZAKL
• supported by excellent road, rail, and air infrastructure
• deep channel water and berths - channel draft (41 ft / 12,5 m), berths draft (33 ft /10 m)
• sheltered harbor area
• access unrestricted by tides
• capability to accommodate 4 vessels at a time

The Auckland cruise ship terminal doesn't provide shore-to-ship power (shore-side electricity supply) which could reduce significantly the levels of emissions, noise, and vibration in port. The port is accessible the whole year round - 24/7, 365 days a tear.

Cruise ships usually arrive in Auckland in the early morning (at 5, 5:30, 6, 6:30 or 7:30 am) and depart from Auckland in the late afternoon or in the evening (at 4, 5, 6 or 7 pm).

The cruise terminal is at approx 14 mi / 22 km from Auckland International Airport, which is ~ 30-40 min drive distance.

The best vantage points to see ship arrivals/departures are public areas on both docking wharves, along with Quay Street (near Ferry Terminal), Fred Ambler Lookout, Gladstone Road, Mt Victoria, North Head, the Devonport Wharf, the East Coast Bay beaches.

• Auckland War Memorial Museum: the largest museum in Auckland, dates from 1852. You will find different exhibitions.
• Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World: see the vision of the ocean by Kelly Tarlton, great inventor, explorer, famous Kiwi adventurer, and diver.
• Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT): 40 acres interactive journey through great achievements in the technology at the largest museum for transport and technology in New Zealand.
• Waiwera Thermal Spa Resort: it is located 40 minutes away from the Auckland’s center, direction North. The best place to relax not only your body but your mind too.
• Waiheke Island: catch a ferry and after 35 minutes you will reach this charming island. Explore the historical Stony Batter, beautiful vineyards, relax at the beach or have a picnic.
• SKYCITY: this casino and entertainment complex is located in the city center. It has stunning architecture. It offers a wide range of entertainments and a lot of places for dining.
• Auckland Zoo: the largest animal collection in New Zealand. It is next to Western Springs Park, just 5 min away by car from the central part of the city. You will see more than 750 animals and 120 different species.
• Vineyards: you can just visit a vineyard or join a tour for wine tasting. Try the Turanga Estate in Whitford, the Soljans in Kumeu, the Stoneyridge on Waiheke Island and the Babich Wines in Henderson.
• Beaches: the most popular is Takapuna and Eastern Beach at Mission Bay. If you prefer the quiet and peaceful place, visit Cockle Bay or Maraetai Beach.
• Cafes, bars, and restaurants: this city has to offer “something for everyone.”

Auckland tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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The Best Way to Cruise New Zealand

The island nation of New Zealand, with endless bays, fjords and coastline, is perfectly suited to exploration by small ship. See more of this unforgettable land than the average traveler while aboard a New Zealand small ship cruise. Expedition ships and yachts, carrying just 16 to 130 guests, include your guides, gear and activities. Flexible routes allow for optimal wildlife encounters, and naturalist guides ensure you’re getting the most of every minute. Can’t decide which island to see? Cruise them both. It’s efficient & you’ll unpack just once as your captain sails you efficiently to each location.

We offer the largest selection of New Zealand small ship cruises available. Find popular routes such as Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Doubtful Sound, Bay of Islands and Napier, all done with the special twist of ease and adventure that’s a hallmark of adventure cruising. Look for our New Zealand cruises aboard everything from high-tech expedition ships to smaller, more intimate yachts that are off the radar of most travelers. Soak up vast scenery, legendary hospitality and unique Maori culture while exploring the adventure capital of the world on a small ship cruise around New Zealand.

On a 13-day cruise aboard 120-guest Coral Adventurer, explore New Zealand's eastern and southern coastline, accessing remote sounds, volcanic islands and marine reserves, including Stewart Island.

Cruise New Zealand's verdant coastline on 102-guest Nat Geo Orion for Maori history and culture, celebrated wines, pristine beaches, ancient rainforest and jaw-dropping fjords.

Follow in the wake of Captain Cook on this cruise between New Zealand and the Solomon Islands. Board 102-guest Nat Geo Orion for an itinerary full of native cultures, historic sites and stunning nature.

New Zealand Small Ship Cruises

Sail aboard a ship and you’ll see why the local Maori called New Zealand the “land of the long white cloud.” White clouds often hang over the dramatic mountain ranges in the center of the North and South Islands, and there’s no better view than at being at sea. Diverse landscapes ranging from alpine mountains and sandy beaches to subtropical forests mean travelers never tire of views from the ship’s bow. Local New Zealanders, or Kiwis, named after the endearing flightless bird, are renowned for their hospitality, charm and sense of adventure. A diverse array of environmental features and 4,350 miles of coastline create plenty of opportunities for adventure and nature exploration while small ship cruising New Zealand. Take advantage of unique opportunities to visit uncommonly explored islands like Stewart Island with its diverse bird watching, White Island’s active volcano and all the way down to the sub-Antarctic islands. Sail up close to roaring waterfalls and walk in primal forests that bring Tolkien’s Middle Earth to life.

Cruises to New Zealand with AdventureSmith

Ready to experience the near-tangible magic of these incredible islands? AdventureSmith Explorations offers the largest selection of New Zealand small ship cruises. Let our experienced team guide you to best plan, book and enjoy your cruise to New Zealand. Why book with us?

Personalized

Work with one dedicated U.S.-based specialist to purchase & prepare for your New Zealand cruise.

Truly small ship cruise New Zealand. All our ships are under 130 guests.

Our relationships with reputable operators result in tried & trusted New Zealand cruises.

Our New Zealand cruises include guided hiking, skiff rides & even flightseeing.

New Zealand Cruises 2024 & 2025

With New Zealand boasting some of the world’s strictest health regulations that closed its borders to tourism for years, New Zealand cruises in 2024 & 2025 are like stepping back in time to a less-visited Aoteoroa. Local Kiwis love welcoming travelers to their unique islands, and passengers will be rewarded with enthusiastic hosts and pristine landscapes.

Aboard small ship New Zealand cruises, small group sizes and onboard guides ensure personalized attention, while flexible schedules enhance opportunities for wildlife viewing and natural interaction with locals. You’ll hike along famous tracks, kayak in calm scenic fjords and reach remote offshore islands full of wildlife.

It’s time to return to New Zealand, and there’s no better way than by small ship.

Cruises Around New Zealand Only

Focus just on this island nation with our selection of New Zealand only cruises. A New Zealand South Island cruise with AdventureSmith visits not only the iconic Milford Sound, but the more remote reaches of the greater Fiordland National Park. Quickly leave the day boats behind to explore New Zealand fjords and coastlines in true AdventureSmith style—away from ports and into the wilderness.

To go farther on a New Zealand South Island cruise, look for Stewart Island, Dunedin and even Abel Tasman on your route. On the North Island, highlights include the Bay of Islands, Auckland, Gisborne and Napier, among many other lesser-known coastline gems. Many of our islands combine both islands into comprehensive east coast explorations. And luxury New Zealand cruises can offer exclusive experiences like helicopter flightseeing.

Include Antarctica

Another unique way of cruising New Zealand is to embark or disembark here on an Antarctica cruise itinerary. You’ll explore a far less visited region of Antarctica including the Ross Sea and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic Islands like the Auckland Islands and Campbell Island. On these routes you’ll spend way more time below the Polar Circle than an average Antarctica itinerary as well as be able to continue your travels in New Zealand. New Zealand Antarctica cruises embark from either Dunedin or Bluff, the country’s “most southerly” town. 

Planning Your New Zealand Cruise

Our Adventure Specialists have spent weeks and even months in New Zealand, and have decades of experience in the small ship cruise industry to bring you valuable insight, travel tips and the latest New Zealand cruise information. Let us be your guide to planning the best New Zealand cruise for your travel style, budget and timing.

New Zealand Cruise Deals

For budget-conscious travelers, sticking to cruises around New Zealand only will keep costs lower due to shorter itineraries. But value can be found on longer routes as well. We can help you find the latest discounts, explain the ins-and-outs of the landscape and help you secure a cruise to Zealand at the best rate. We recommend that you plan ahead to take advantage of early-booking discounts, but we’re here to help those researching last-minute New Zealand cruises save as well. Our team can help you narrow down all the New Zealand cruise deals and identify which itinerary is the best fit for you. Let us help you plan right from the start so that you get the best discount to fit your ideal cruise.

“Quickly leave the day boats behind to explore in true AdventureSmith style—into the wilderness.”

Temperature & Rainfall

Cruise New Zealand Year-Round

The most popular time to cruise New Zealand is during November through April, when temperatures are warmer and rainfall is less. Since New Zealand is an island in the South Pacific, with miles of ocean in every direction, a maritime climate prevails bringing warm summer months (Dec-March) and mild winters. Weather patterns are strongly affected by the prevailing westerly breezes. These bring moisture from the Tasman Sea to the western side of both islands, so you’ll find the longest New Zealand small ship cruise routes along the sheltered eastern shore. Note that the climate data referenced above is for South Island’s Queenstown, a common gateway for accessing Milford Sound cruises and other South Island cruises to New Zealand. 

When Should You Cruise to New Zealand?

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Small Ships Cruising Around New Zealand

New Zealand small ship cruises provide travelers an expedition that is simply incomparable to travel by land or on larger vessels. AdventureSmith has New Zealand’s largest selection of small ships offering cruises to New Zealand. From intimate yachts to family-friendly or educational and activity focused ships, there is something for everyone, it just depends on how you want to experience New Zealand by ship.

We reserve only the best ships, providing unparalleled access to remote wilderness areas as well as the highest level of safety and comfort. Enjoy active exploration on naturalist-led shore hikes, skiff excursions, glass-bottom boat rides, sea kayaking and even snorkeling and fishing on select small ship cruises around New Zealand. Our New Zealand cruise experts will work with you to find the perfect boat for your interests.

The 120-guest Coral Geographer Australian expedition ship offers six balcony suites, a showcase galley, a passenger elevator and advanced navigation and propulsion systems.

102-guest National Geographic Orion is one of the most sophisticated vessel in its class. Small ship cruises aboard the Orion offer a luxurious exploration of Chile, Tahiti, Australia, New Zealand and beyond.

The 120-guest Coral Adventurer Australian expedition ship offers a wine cellar, open galley, private balconies and efficient ship-to-shore operations.

With an extensive background in small ship cruises around New Zealand, our experienced team can help you find the latest discounts, explain the ins-and-outs of the landscape and help you secure your dream New Zealand cruise at the best rate. AdventureSmith recommends that you plan ahead to take advantage of early-booking discounts, but we’re here to help those planning last-minute travel save as well. Don’t worry, our team can help you narrow down all the New Zealand cruise deals and identify which itinerary is the best fit for you. Our team of specialists will help you plan right from the start so that you get the best discount to fit your ideal cruise

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Save $500 per kid under 18 when you book your 2024 or 2025 departure from a variety of National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions.

Offer valid on new bookings only, for a limited time upon availability and may be combined with other select offers. Applicable on voyage fares only, not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from the standard policy. See all  cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness
• Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia
• Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure
• Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of the Spirit Bear
• A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
• Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau & Ketchikan
• Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau
• Northwest Passage: Greenland to Alaska
• High Arctic Archipelago: Canada & Greenland
• Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands & Iceland
• Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard
• Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords Cruise
• National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears
• Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast Cruise
• A Circumnavigation of Iceland
• Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic Cruise
• Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise
• Baja California: Among The Great Whales
• Baja California: A Remarkable Journey
• A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California
• Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park
• Baja California Holiday Voyage: A Living Sea & Desert Isles
• The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland
• Fabled Lands of the North: Greenland to Newfoundland
• Panama & Colombia: Exploring The Caribbean Coast
• Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud
• National Geographic Endeavour II Galapagos Cruises
• National Geographic Wild Galapagos Escape Cruise
• Best of Chilean Patagonia: From Torres del Paine to Cape Horn
• Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Argentina’s Staten Island
• Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife Cruise
• Costa Rica & The Panama Canal
• Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy & Sicily Aboard Sea Cloud
• Sailing the Greek Isles Aboard Sea Cloud
• Isles of Antiquity: Malta, Sardinia & the Balearic Sea Aboard Sea Cloud
• Corsica & Sardinia Aboard Sea Cloud
• Sailing The Ancient Shores of Sicily & Malta
• Under Sail: Greece & The Dalmatian Coast Aboard Sea Cloud
• Scotland’s Highlands & Islands
• Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands
• Rites & Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes & Beyond
• Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History
• Columbia & Snake Rivers Journey
• Exploring British Columbia & The San Juan Islands
• National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise
• Vietnam & Cambodia: Along the Mekong River, Including Angkor & Saigon
• Wild Costa Rica Escape: Guanacaste Cruise
• National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands
• National Geographic The White Continent
• National Geographic South Georgia & The Falklands
• Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords
• Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History & Abundant Wildlife
• Southern Odyssey: New Zealand & The Sub-Antarctic Islands
• Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand & Melanesia
• Kimberley Expedition: Northwest Australia & Indonesia
• Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea
• Jewels of The Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali & Singapore

Save $500 per kid under the age of 18 on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. See all  cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Wild Iceland Escape
• Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake

Cruises to New Zealand & Its Neighbors

Need assistance narrowing down the New Zealand cruises? Want to explore more of the Pacific Islands or neighboring Australia and Antarctica by small ship? Seeking a luxury cruise to New Zealand fjords? Or New Zealand cruise packages that do it all? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist. Contact us to receive a personalized recommendation on the best New Zealand cruises for your travel style, budget and timing needs. Still want to research yourself? Filter through all the itineraries by region or destination on our Trip Finder .

Contact Us - New Zealand Small Ship Cruises

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

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NEW ZEALAND

On a New Zealand cruise, you can experience two spectacular islands that form one unique country. Because of its remote location and millennia of isolation, New Zealand boasts an incredible biodiversity of flora and fauna, many that are found nowhere else on Earth. Cruise New Zealand's Milford Sound in magnificent Fjordlands National Park. Learn about  “mana,” or “honor,” from a Maori elder. Sip a prize-winning Syrah from an Auckland winery. Visit Hobbiton, the Hobbit village where key scenes of “Lord of the Rings” were filmed and more when you cruise to New Zealand.

Auckland, New Zealand

Timaru, New Zealand

Strolling along Timaru's hilly streets and past its historic buildings, you might not guess that the city was built on the lava flows of a now-extinct volcano with the evocative name Mount Horrible. Timaru's own name comes from the Maori  Te Maru , which means "place of shelter." Chief among its charms are its parks and gardens. As if the backdrop of the Southern Alps wasn't enough, a rose garden, boardwalk and beach enliven the waterfront. Up the hill, Centennial Park offers picnic spots and walking trails. The stellar Aigantighe Art Gallery and South Canterbury Museum showcase New Zealand and Maori art.

Tauranga (Rotorua), New Zealand

Featured shore excursions, recommended for you.

The Spinoff

Business August 28, 2022

Cruise ships are coming back to nz. but do we really want them.

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When the Pacific Explorer sailed into Auckland’s harbour, it was taken as read that its arrival was a cause for jubilation after two years without cruise ship visitors to New Zealand. But the evidence suggests otherwise, writes Auckland University’s Timothy Welch.

The return this month of the first cruise liner to Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour was accompanied by the sort of fanfare normally reserved for visiting foreign dignitaries: a tug boat decked out in bunting, a circling helicopter, even the mayor on hand to welcome the ship.

Coming after a two year hiatus due to the pandemic and border closures, it was undoubtedly a momentous occasion. But it’s also an opportunity to examine the environmental and economic impacts of these massive ships, and to ask how welcome they really are.

Criticism of the cruise industry is not new, and there have been calls for global monitoring and effective legislation because of its impact on environmental and human health. Climate change has only amplified this.

Individual cruise liners emit more CO 2 than any other kind of ship. Per passenger mile, they produce at least twice the CO 2 emissions of a long-haul flight.

A single ship can use up to 150 tonnes of low-grade heavy fuel oil (HFO) every day of its voyage. Combusted in a ship’s huge engines, this produces particulate matter (PM) – microscopic particles that can be inhaled and lodge in lung tissue or be carried in a bloodstream.

PM is linked to various environmental harms and health problems, including reduced lung function and worsening asthma and heart disease. A single cruise ship can produce the same daily PM emissions as a million cars , with the global cruise fleet producing the emission equivalent of 323 million cars (but with passenger capacity of only about 581,200 single-occupancy cars).

Environmental impact

And it’s not just the oceans the ships cross or the ports where the vessels dock that are affected. A recent study found that standing on the deck of a cruise ship exposed passengers to air quality equivalent to a city like Beijing .

Cruise ship fuel also contains sulphur. When combusted it creates sulphur oxide, a direct contributor to smog at ground level, acid rain at the atmospheric level, and a host of health impacts for those who breathe in the pollutant.

Pressure from environmentalists and modern technology eventually led to the installation of “scrubbers” on cruise liner smokestacks which remove most sulphur from the ship’s exhaust.

However, some or all of the collected sulphur is often later disposed of into the ocean , potentially harming reefs and marine life, and contributing to ocean acidification.

Cruise ships are also allowed to dump untreated sewage and heavily contaminated grey water. Billions of litres of this wastewater is discharged into the oceans each year.

Industry under scrutiny

There will always be the argument that fuel can be made cleaner, engines more efficient, or older ships replaced with battery and solar-powered vessels. However, even moderate attempts at curbing ship emissions have reportedly been opposed by industry lobbyists.

Meanwhile, the ability to re-flag a vessel to countries with lower environmental standards, access to an abundance of cheap fuel, and the cost of replacing a single ship (upwards of NZ$2.6 billion), all mean the current fleet is probably around for some time.

Environmental impact isn’t the only reason the cruise industry has come under scrutiny in the past. It has been cited for poor labour practices , including low wages and bad conditions, and contributing to over-tourism .

But despite having been responsible for higher rates of disease transmission at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic, the industry appears to be bouncing back after reducing vaccination requirements for passengers.

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Economic doubts.

The common argument, particularly in the case of a port city like Auckland, is that cruise ships bring valuable tourist dollars to a struggling CBD. But past studies of tourist spending behaviour show cruise tourists contribute little to local economies .

Cruise ships typically spend between five and nine hours in a port, giving tourists little time to shop or dine. Rather, they are often whisked away by bus to major tourist destinations. They don’t hire hotel rooms or eat at restaurants.

According to the NZ Cruise Association, 321,590 tourists spent around $368 million nationwide (about $1,144 each) during the last pre-pandemic season from 2018 to 2019. Overall, cruise passengers contributed about 2% of the total $17.5 billion spent that season by international tourists.

Timothy Welch is senior lecturer in urban planning at the University of Auckland

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons licence. Read the original article .

This story was made possible thanks to the generous support of our members . If you value what we do and believe in the importance of independent and freely accessible journalism – tautoko mai, donate today .

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New Zealand

Land of the long white cloud, Aotearoa

The last land mass to be inhabited, the isolated country of New Zealand truly is a remarkable place, from the sub tropical north to the soaring alpine ranges of the South Island, you will definitely want to return to see more of this stunning country.

• New Zealand - Cruise Ports

• Akaroa-Christchurch

The small enchanting settlement of Akaroa is a 90 minute drive from Christchurch and is still a port of call for some ships. Please note that tour places are very limited so you should book your activity as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

A bustling city of 1.4 million people, Auckland offers many things to see and do. Cruise Ships berth in the centre of town so its easy to get around, by foot or taking one of the tourist buses. Join a tour to see more of the area or explore the harbour on one of the many ferries or sailing trips.

• Bay of Islands

An internationally renowned destination is a mecca for boating enthusiasts as well as tourists. Explore the many bays and islands, take the ferry to historic Russell, walk to the Waitangi Treaty Grounds. For a little more adventure, take a trip out to the Hole in the Rock. Or join a tour to historic Kerikeri, wineries, Kauri forests or glow worm caves.

Settled in the 1840s by Scottish immigrants, Dunedin retains its Gaelic character, with impressive stone buildings and is home to Otago University. The cruise ships berth at Port Chalmers, a short distance from the city centre. Wildlife sanctuaries on the Otago Peninsula and New Zealands only castle - Larnach Castle - are popular tour destinations.

Gisborne is located at the northern end of Poverty Bay on the east coast of New Zealands North Island. Cliffs at the southern end of the bay were the first part of New Zealand sighted by the crew of Captain Cooks ship Endeavour and were named Young Nicks Head after the crew member who saw them. A memorial to Captain Cook stands on the foreshore, where he stepped ashore in 1769.

Few places in the world can boast of such natural wonders as those offered by land and sea in Kaikoura. The seaside settlement is the most northern district in the Canterbury region located on the east coast of the South Island. Now famous for its whale watching operations.

• Lyttelton-Christchurch

Lyttelton, the oldest settlement on Banks Peninsula has a variety of shops and cafs to discover and is just a 20 minutes drive from Christchurch. On cruise ship days there will be dedicated shuttles from the cruise berth to both Lyttelton and Christchurch. There is no walk off access from the cruise berth.

Famous for its Art Deco architecture, Napier sits at the heart of the Hawkes Bay wine region. Devastated in 1931 by Earthquake and a subsequent fire, the city was rebuilt in the architectural style of the day, Art Deco. Try some of New Zealands best wines at the numerous wineries surrounding the city, or take a tour to the Gannet Colony at Cape Kidnappers.

Located in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds, this small town at the top of the South Island, is the port for the Inter Island ferry, as well as a few visiting cruise ships. Take a local small boat cruise to some of the more inaccessible bays or by road to the famous wineries of Marlborough just an hours drive away.

Always one of the most popular stops on any cruise, Tauranga has a great climate, golden sand beaches, an extensive harbour and an amazing outdoors lifestyle. Cruise ships berth in Mount Maunganui, a popular beach suburb with shops and cafes only a short walk from the ship. Rotorua and Hobbiton Movie Set are both only an hours drive away!

• Tauranga-Rotorua

Always one of the most popular stops on any cruise, Tauranga has a great climate, golden sand beaches, an extensive harbour and an amazing outdoors lifestyle. Cruise ships berth in Mount Maunganui, a popular beach suburb with shops and cafes only a short walk from the ship. Rotorua and Hobbiton are both only an hours drive away!

Capital of New Zealand and one of its first major settlements, Wellington is now a bustling commercial centre being the seat of the Government and many other institutions. Its dramatic location, clinging to steep hillsides along the harbour edge, gives it a unique character, often referred to as the Windy City. The Cruise Ships berth a short distance from the city.

    Which side of the road do you drive on?

New Zealand drives on the left side of the road, just like England.

    What currency is accepted in New Zealand

The local currency is New Zealand dollars. Some tourism destinations accept other currencies [usually just US dollars or Australian dollars, but this is rare. Credit cards can be used for all transactions though. Local currency can be bought at the local banks or ATM machines.

    Are there any things i should know when taking a taxi?

All passengers services are heavily regulated in New Zealand for the benefit of the client. A taxi can only charge you the rate as shown on his taxi meter, this is for the whole trip, not per person. They can charge extra for airport collection or drop off, payment with credit cards, or service on public holiday. If you have any issues take a note of the drivers ID card [which must be on display] and also the cab number, your complaint can then be taken up with the New Zealand Transport Agency. All tour and shuttle vehicles also have similar rules to follow.

    I see that some companies display a Qualmark logo, what is this?

Qualmark is the official organisation in New Zealand that monitors the quality of any business involved in the tourism or accommodation industry. It is not compulsory but companies can apply for this and will only be issued with the certification if they pass an annual assessment which covers all aspects of their business. So its a good idae to use a Qualmarked business if you can as you should be assured of good service.

    The cruise lines are always saying not to use independant tour providers, why?

The cruise lines want to dissuade their passengers from booking with other tour providers as they are obviously loosing business, they say that there is no guarantee the ship will wait if you get back late. More and more passengers are now finding smaller independent Tour providers who can provide great tours in smaller groups and usually at much lower cost. Its down to you to find a reputable company, in our case we have runs tours for 18 years and never missed a boat.

    Are we expected to give gratuities to guides or in restaurants?

Its not expected in New Zealand to offer gratuities, but if you feel the person has offered exceptional service it is fine to offer a gesture of thanks. If you do or don't, nobody will be offended either way.

We have just been awarded a "Certificate of Excellence award for 2019 by Trip Advisor , confirming our position as a quality provider here in Tauranga and Mount Maunganui.

If you are looking for a place to store your luggage before or after you cruise while you take one of our tours or have a look around the city, then check out The Luggage Hotel link we have at the bottom of our Standard tour options.

New Zealand, our 100% Pure Tourism campaign says it all!

© 2024 Mount Classic Tours Ltd, PO Box 4678, Mount Maunganui, New Zealand Tel: +64 7 574 1779 Fax: +64 7 574 1775 Email: [email protected]

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Cruise schedule

CentrePort is proud to play its role in the cruise industry, which provides a valuable boost to local businesses, and other economic benefits to the Wellington region. Ministry of Health and Maritime New Zealand Covid-19 protocols are in place for Cruise ship visits. 

Cruise Schedule - 2023

Please note that the PDF above is not updated daily. Please check the live shipping schedule using the link below for changes.

How to check the shipping schedule for changes

Live shipping schedule

Under ‘ Vessel Type ’ select ‘ Cruise ’ from the drop down menu, and the date range you want to search within, and then click 'Apply Filters'.

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Welcome to Wellington, Te Whanganui-a-Tara

Welcome to our cool little capital. The Wellington Cruise berth is approximately 1.5 kms (or 1 mile) north of the city CBD.

If you are a cruise passenger, you can not walk into the city from the wharf and can not be picked up at the port by a private car or taxi . Please make sure you factor this into your plans. You can only get into the city by booking a shore excursion through your cruise provider, by booking an independent accredited tour, or by catching a cruise shuttle.

The Cruise shuttle stop for 2023/24 is located on Lambton Quay in front of the Old Government Buildings

Please note that since the 2016 Kaik ō ura earthquake, our port has changed dramatically and now has a wider operational area, so passengers only have pedestrian access to designated cruise zones on the wharf.  

You can only pick up friends or family in the city

If you're a local and want to pick up a cruise passenger, please arrange to collect them from a cruise shuttle stop, or at a safe collection point in the city. 

No taxi access on port

Taxis are not permitted to pick up or drop of passengers at the wharf. If you need to catch a taxi, please arrange to be picked up somewhere safe in the city or from a cruise shuttle stop.  

Getting back to the ship

If your tour company is not dropping you off directly back at the wharf, please ensure you catch a cruise shuttle in time to get back to the ship. The cruise shuttle bus stops at the Old Government Building on Lambton Quay. Shuttle stop maps will be available on the wharf when you arrive.  

Tour companies

We have limited capacity for tourism operators to pick passengers up from the cruise berth. If you are a tourism operator, you will need to go through an approval process to gain access.

Passenger collection is not available in the city so it is preferred that you are an approved operator and collect passengers directly from port.

All official tourism providers including cruise ambassadors, cruise volunteers, and cruise shuttles must complete the cruise-specific online induction.

To access this induction, in the first instance please contact your managing organisation (e.g Tranzit). If you are unsure please get in touch with our cruise team. 

Cruise Contact

Online inductions must be read and completed by the person intending to access the port. The induction must not be completed by another person on their behalf under any circumstances.

Identification on port

Once you’ve successfully completed the cruise induction, you’ll be issued a CentrePort identification card within 5 days. This can be picked up from the Inwards Goods office on port.

Visiting us 

You must carry your identification card with you at all times when on port.

Cruise ship servicing contractors

If you need to be on port to provide a maintenance, delivery or other service to a cruise ship, you’ll need to complete our general induction. Examples of this include truck drivers, divers, painters, and maintenance contractors. 

CentrePort induction

If you fulfil a role such as tour guide, ambassador, or bus driver, please read the section above on Tour Companies. 

Cruise Ships

Port Nelson welcome’s Cruise Ships to Whakatū Nelson, the sunniest region in New Zealand and the best little city in the top of the South Island. 

Nelson City is renowned for its cuisine, arts, culture and outstanding scenery that surrounds the city. Everything is within easy walking distance. The port provides regular free city shuttles from shipside to the Nelson i-SITE or passengers can stretch their legs with a 2km (20 minute) walk from the Port to the city centre. 

Nelson has something for everyone, whether you are a foodie, shopaholic, art collector or outdoor adventurer. Start your day with a locally roasted coffee, take a stroll through the weekend or Wednesday markets, then head to one of the many cafés to taste their locally sourced menus with one of Nelson’s many fine wines or craft beers. 

Nelson’s boutiques and galleries are not to be missed, offering a range of products from clothing through to the ultimate Kiwi memento. 

View the Nelson Experience brochure in the document tab.  

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Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Unveils Bold New Vision for the Future with Strategic Long Term Fleet Expansion and Enhanced Private Island Development

Plan includes next generation vessels for Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises to be built by Fincantieri, along with infrastructure enhancements for Great Stirrup Cay, all while continuing its disciplined multi-year de-leveraging plan.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: NCLH) (together with NCL Corporation Ltd., "Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings", "Norwegian", "NCLH" or the "Company") today unveiled the most comprehensive new build order in its history-a total of eight state-of-the-art vessels, representing nearly 25,000 additional berths, with new classes of ships for each of its three award-winning brands-and the construction of a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the Company's private island destination in the Bahamas and its top-rated Caribbean port of call. This unprecedented decade-long strategy enhances its product offering, guest experiences, and operational infrastructure, supporting the Company's sustained leadership in delivering innovative cruise vacations.

The new ship orders across all three brands are scheduled for delivery over a ten-year period, between 2026 and 2036. Following the delivery of four Prima-Plus class ships from 2025 through 2028, Norwegian Cruise Line is expected to take delivery of four approximately 200,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of nearly 5,000 guests, in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, which are subject to financing [1] . Building on the success of its Allura Class ships, the last one being delivered in 2025, Oceania Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 86,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 1,400 guests in 2027 and 2029. Lastly, following the award-winning Explorer Class ships, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is scheduled to take delivery of two 77,000-gross-ton ships, each with a capacity of 850 guests, in 2026 and 2029. Details regarding the ships’ amenities, staterooms, dining, recreational, efficiency, sustainability and other features will be announced in the coming months.

"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet," said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. "We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round."

In partnership with the Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri, each brand will design their new ship class and focus on creating the largest, most efficient, and innovative vessels of their respective fleet. Aligning with the Company’s sustainability efforts, the new ship designs are expected to advance the journey towards decarbonization.

This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth. It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet. We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round.

"Over the years, our long-standing relationship with Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has been rooted in a shared vision for the future of maritime travel, consistently setting new standards for innovation, luxury, sustainability, and guest satisfaction in the cruise industry,” said Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director at Fincantieri . “We are thrilled to work on these new build orders and deliver emblematic cruise ships that will embody our shared legacy of excellence for generations to come.”

The Company has obtained export credit financing with favorable terms to fund 80 percent of the contract price of each of the two Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships, subject to certain conditions. The ship orders for Norwegian Cruise Line remain subject to financing, currently underway. 

Mark A. Kempa, chief financial officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, commented, "we expect that these strategic investments will secure our growth trajectory, significantly boost our earnings profile, and enhance shareholder value well into the future. With a favorable payment structure that includes pre-delivery financing and modest initial installment payments for these ship orders, we still anticipate strong Net Leverage reduction of 1.5 turns by the end of 2024, relative to 2023, and expect the Company to continue reducing Net Leverage each year for the foreseeable future."

New Pier Development at Great Stirrup Cay

The new pier development at the Company's private island in the Bahamas, Great Stirrup Cay, is slated to break ground in summer 2024 and be completed by late 2025 with an investment of approximately $150 million. The new pier will be constructed to simultaneously accommodate two large vessels of the Company's current and future ship classes. The pier development will enhance the guest experience on Great Stirrup Cay, and along with Harvest Caye, the Company's private island in Belize, continue to provide guests with world-class destinations in the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

Conference Call

The Company has scheduled a conference call for Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time to discuss this announcement. A link to the live webcast along with a slide presentation can be found on the Company's Investor Relations website at https://www.nclhltd.com/investors. A replay of the conference call will also be available on the website for 30 days after the call.

[1]  Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. expects a four-ship Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) order to replace a separate, effective, two-ship order for Oceania Cruises initially placed to secure availability with the shipyard. The four-ship order for NCL is still being finalized and is subject to financing. Delivery for the second Oceania Cruises ship is contractually scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2028, but may be delayed to 2029. All expected delivery dates are preliminary and subject to change.

Here’s the Updated Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Orderbook

• April 9, 2024

With the news that Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings has ordered eight new ships for all three of its brands, here’s the updated NCLH orderbook by company:

• Aqua: 142,500 tons, Built in 2025, 3,571 passengers.
• Unnamed: 142,500 tons, Built in 2026, 3,571 passengers.
• Unnamed: 169,000 tons, Built in 2027, 3,650 passengers.
• Unnamed: 169,000 tons, Built in 2028, 3,650 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2030, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2032, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2034, 5,000 passengers.
• Unnamed: 200,000 tons; Built in 2036, 5,000 passengers.
• Allura: 67,000 tons, Built in 2025, 1,200 passengers.
• Unnamed: 86,000 tons, Built in 2027, 1,450 passengers.
• Unnamed: 86,000 tons, Built in 2029, 1,450 passengers.
• Unnamed: 77,000 tons, Built in 2026, 850 passengers.
• Unnamed: 77,000 tons, Built in 2029, 850 passengers.

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Subscriber only, travel | 8 new ships coming to norwegian cruise line, sister brands plus dock at great stirrup cay.

The parent company to Norwegian Cruise Line announced Monday a major order for eight new ships among its three brands as well as the construction of a pier to allow its cruise ships to dock instead of tender to its private Bahamas island for the first time.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said it was planning to bring on four new ships for NCL, two new ships for upper premium brand Oceania Cruises and two ships for luxury brand Regent Seven Seas, all to be built at Fincantieri shipyard in Italy and debut during a 10-year run from 2026-2036.

The NCL ships would be the largest ever built for the line at around 200,000 gross tons and capacity of about 5,000 guests. They won’t arrive until after the final delivery of its Prima-Plus class ships expected between 2025-2028, the larger sister ships to the Norwegian Prima and Viva that debuted in the last couple of years. The four ships from the unnamed class of vessel would arrive in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036.

The new class for Oceania Cruises, which in 2023 debuted its first new ship in more than a decade — the Oceania Allura — will also be the largest ever built for the line at 86,000 gross tons and a capacity of 1,450 guests. They’re expected in 2027 and 2029.

And the Regent Seven Seas fleet’s new vessels will also be larger coming in at 77,000 gross tons with a capacity of 850 guests. They’re expected in 2026 and 2029. Regent just debuted the third of its Explorer class ships in December 2023.

“This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” said NCLH president and CEO Harry Sommer in a press release. “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

No other details about the ships were released. Financing is already in place to fund 80% of the cost for the four ships among the Oceania and Regent orders, but financing for the four NCL ships is not finalized.

The eight ships expects to add 25,000 more to the three cruise lines’ passenger capacity.

In addition, the line is set to construct a multi-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, the popular Bahamas private destination visited by all three brands. The move follows the introduction of a dock that can support two Oasis-class vessels at neighboring Perfect Day at Coco Cay for Royal Caribbean while other private Bahamas destinations including Disney’s Castaway Cay and its new Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point feature tenderless docks for easy access.

“We are likewise excited with the addition of a new pier at Great Stirrup Cay to support our increased capacity in the Caribbean and multiple ships to call on the island, enhancing our guest experience and bringing seamless and reliable access to our private island year-round,” Sommer said.

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This major cruise line operator just announced its biggest ship order ever

One of the world’s leading cruise operators unveiled its biggest ship order ever on Monday.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will take delivery of eight ships between 2026 and 2036 across its three brands. 

Norwegian Cruise Line will welcome four ships in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036, each with a capacity of close to 5,000 guests. The additions are subject to financing.

The vessels will follow the line’s previously announced Prima-Plus class vessels.

The upscale Oceania Cruises will take delivery of two 1,450-guest ships in 2027 and 2029, and luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises will add two ships in 2026 and 2029, each accommodating 850 passengers.

"This strategic new-ship order across all three of our award-winning brands provides for the steady introduction of cutting-edge vessels into our fleet and solidifies our long-term growth,” Harry Sommer, the company’s president and CEO, said in a news release . “It also allows us to significantly leverage our operating scale, strengthen our commitment to innovation and enhance our ability to offer our guests new products and experiences, all while providing opportunities to enhance the efficiency of our fleet.”

Specifics about the ships’ accommodations and amenities will be announced “in the coming months,” according to the release.

The company will also add a new multi-ship pier at its private Bahamas island, Great Stirrup Cay, scheduled for completion by late 2025. The pier will be able to accommodate two large ships at once.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

This cruise company just ordered 8 new ships — and thinks other lines will, too

Despite a recent surge in cruise popularity , the number of new cruise ships under construction is set to taper off after 2024. However, one company plans to keep building them and has indicated lines will likely follow suit.

Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings — which operates Norwegian Cruise Line , Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises — has placed an order for eight new vessels across its three brands, all scheduled to begin sailing between 2026 and 2036. The ships will be part of brand-new ship classes for each of their respective lines. The ships will be built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy.

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A competitive advantage

During a special call to announce the new ships, NCLH executives said they placed the orders early because it gives them plenty of time to plan and because they believe other cruise companies are also considering new ships.

"We see the future, we think this is the right strategic direction to go in, the spots are available, and obviously, we want to secure them before the competition does," Harry Sommer, president and CEO of NCLH, said during the call. "We certainly believe that the competitive set will be ordering ships as well."

"Our friends at the other four companies that are regularly ordering ships, they are, to the best of our knowledge, all in advanced talks with shipyards to get ships," Sommer said.

He expressed the importance of being at "the front of the line" to provide the advantage of more time to design a quality product for cruise guests.

"There are only four shipyards in the world that can build ships of any consequential size," Mark Kempa, NCLH's executive vice president and chief financial officer, said. "As the industry continues to build, we have to be more strategic in nature and make sure we have the opportunity to build. It also gives us the time and ability to really design something that is new and innovative for the brand."

Larger ships mean larger profits — and more expenses

Norwegian Cruise Line will see four new ships, set to debut in 2030, 2032, 2034 and 2036. Each will carry about 5,000 passengers, making them the largest vessels in the line's fleet by nearly 20%. Details about onboard features have not yet been released. However, Sommer said the vessels will combine the best offerings from the line's Breakaway and Prima Class ships .

Ship sizes will also increase for upscale lines Regent and Oceania, which will see two new ships each. Regent will welcome two 850-passenger vessels in 2026 and 2029. Oceania will add two ships that can carry around 1,450 cruisers in 2027 and 2029. Oceania will continue to focus on serving excellent food, while Regent will focus on a higher level of luxury and even more onboard space per passenger.

The reason for NCLH's increase in ship sizes is simple: The larger the ship, the more cabin types it can offer and the more revenue it will generate.

"New ships always garner a premium," Kempa said. "A lot of it is dependent upon ... the premium cabin mix. As the ships get larger and technology improves, we are able to have a better overall cabin mix on each of the new vessels."

With larger ships also come larger costs, especially with the increase in the price of raw materials. Executives aren't worried, though; they cited being operationally strategic and optimistic that cruisers will continue to shell out for extras when they sail.

"It's not just about the cost of the ship; it's also about how we're operating it," Kempa said. "Yes, the cost of steel is more, but we can build the ship at a better cost in terms of value engineering, not necessarily having everything as fancy as maybe it needs to be but putting the value into the ship where it matters — where the customer is willing to pay and what the customer values."

Sommer shared the company's positivity about American consumers. "They value what we offer," Sommer said. "Our product is made to suit their needs and tastes, and they spend a lot of money on board the ships."

Norwegian Cruise Line's next decade in ships

Presently, Norwegian Cruise Line sails 19 ships. Nearly half of them — Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel, Pride of America, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star, Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Sky and Norwegian Spirit — will reach their 30th year in service within the decade it will take to debut the four newly ordered NCL vessels.

It may be easy to assume NCLH is simply looking ahead to what it might need in 10 years when several of its current vessels will be what is considered old for cruise ships. However, the company's executives said there are no current plans for vessels to leave the fleet. In fact, Kempa noted that they expect their vessels to have an operating life of up to 40 years.

"We're fortunate in the fact that we have a very young fleet, especially for the Norwegian brand," Kempa said. "As our fleets continue to age, we invest in them in a rational, disciplined manner to make sure that they stay relevant. As they age down the road, we will look at opportunities for redeploying those vessels to either other markets or other alternative players throughout the globe, but we have no near-term plans for any sort of disposals or any sort of retirements on that front."

Sommer shared his optimism about the path ahead. "We believe we are very well poised for continued growth in the next decade and beyond," he said.

Private island plans

In addition to building new ships, NCLH announced a $150 million plan to add a two-ship pier at Great Stirrup Cay, one of two private island destinations it operates. Construction is slated to begin this summer, with an estimated completion date of late 2025. The new facility would accommodate ships as large as NCL's aforementioned 5,000-passenger vessels.

Because the port doesn't currently have a pier, passengers must ferry ashore via tender boats. As such, calls on Great Stirrup Cay are often weather-dependent, and they're subject to cancellation if the wind is too strong or the waves too rough.

"We already have quite a bit built out — zip lines, cabanas, spa, private beach, all types of water sport activities ... people really enjoy that," Sommer shared. "I think when they have the confidence that we're going to go there 100% of the time, we will see a further improvement in the incremental yields that we get today."

Sommer said there are no immediate plans to add amenities to Great Stirrup Cay. Instead, the focus is on building the docking facilities, which are expected to increase the number of visitors to the island by 50% in the first year (from 400,000 passengers annually to 600,000). However, when additions are made, they will likely be amenities or experiences that will cost visitors extra.

"I don't think we're looking at substantial investments over the next few years," Sommer said. "I think there are things we can do that are very cost-effective and would be supported by guests paying additional money for them."

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