Industry and Government step onboard for New Zealand cruise focus

April 24, 2025 – Cruise leaders and industry stakeholders today joined New Zealand Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston for an on-board discussion on the direction of New Zealand’s cruise industry, putting a focus on close collaboration to achieve future prosperity.

As the summer cruise season draws to a close, the Minister was welcomed aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Edge, part of Royal Caribbean Group’s fleet, during the ship’s latest visit to Auckland. The Minister was joined by Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), and cruise line representatives.

The forum also included more than 30 tourism leaders and other port and destination stakeholders, who were given insights into the global cruise sector and its current outlook.

CLIA Managing Director in Australasia Joel Katz said the meeting was an opportunity to highlight the cruise community’s commitment to New Zealand and address some of the challenges faced in the region.

“New Zealand is a jewel among cruise destinations and consistently rates highly among international cruise passengers, which presents huge opportunities for New Zealand communities,” Mr Katz said. “Cruise tourism generates many millions of dollars for local businesses in New Zealand and supports thousands of Kiwi jobs, so we want to create an environment where cruising can prosper responsibly.”

NZCA CEO Jacqui Lloyd said cruise tourism brought hundreds of thousands of international visitors each year, but warned numbers were declining in New Zealand in contrast to strong growth in the rest of the world.

“Creating a successful cruise economy means achieving the right regulatory settings and encouraging close collaboration, so we can thrive in a well-managed way,” Ms Lloyd said. “We welcome the opportunity to discuss how New Zealand can attract more ships to our waters and reverse the decline, so we can strengthen the economic benefits for local communities around the country,” Ms Lloyd said.

Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston said the meeting had provided valuable insights.

“Our Government has a clear priority to unleash economic growth. Tourism and hospitality – including the cruise industry – will be key contributors as we get back to 2019 visitor numbers. We know cruises bring big economic benefits with passengers spending money in our businesses and communities.

“I look forward to further work with the cruise industry and across government agencies, as we jointly explore opportunities and address challenges.”

While New Zealand has welcomed more than 40 international cruise ships over the past summer season, the NZCA calculates there has been a 20% reduction in cruise visitors due to reduced cruise ship deployment. Cruise lines have attributed the reduction to rising costs, government charges and regulatory complexities.