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Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland is set to welcome the first international cruise ship of the 2025/26 season, with Crown Princess arriving on Monday, September 22, 2025, marking the return of a key economic driver for the region.
“Cruise ships are more than just vessels arriving at our waterfront,” says Tātaki Auckland Unlimited head of tourism Karen Thompson-Smith. “They support jobs and spending across tourism, retail, hospitality and logistics sectors. Each ship brings thousands of people into the city centre, injecting life and supporting local businesses.”
Despite a nationwide decline in cruise bookings this season, Auckland businesses are well prepared and eager to welcome visitors, recognising the significant role cruise plays in activating the city. In the 2023/24 season, cruise passengers and crew spent about $200 million in Auckland — around 39 per cent of national cruise spend — with downtown businesses experiencing an uplift in spending of 27 per cent on days when a ship was in port.
The Big Foody Tour founder Elle Armon-Jones highlights how cruise visitors contribute directly to local businesses and neighbourhood economies.
“When cruise ships are in port, we welcome guests who are eager to taste the flavours of Auckland. They purchase directly from local producers through our tours, spreading the benefits of cruise well beyond the waterfront into neighbourhoods and regions,” says Elle.
New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd says cruise season opening calls are always a milestone for the sector.
“The arrival of Crown Princess in Auckland on Monday, September 22, 2025, signals the start of another cruise season,” says Jacqui. “While ship numbers to New Zealand are significantly lower this year, every visit brings people who contribute strongly to the city’s atmosphere and summer economy.”
Karen says Auckland is ready to welcome visitors and capture value from every ship call.
“Looking ahead, the fast-tracked expansion of Ports of Auckland’s wharf and the development of the new cruise terminal underscores the city’s commitment to supporting cruise tourism and its economic benefits in the long term,” says Karen.
Season snapshot
First ship: Crown Princess, Monday, September 22, 2025
Season highlight: Anthem of the Seas first visit to Aotearoa New Zealand on Sunday, December 7, 2025
Christmas Day call: Discovery Princess
