Auckland, New Zealand – The New Zealand cruise industry is facing a severe downturn, with projected port bookings plummeting by 40% for the 2025/2026 season compared to the 2023/2024 season. This alarming trend, revealed by the New Zealand Cruise Association (NZCA), stands in stark contrast to the global growth of cruise tourism, raising serious concerns about the future of the industry in the region.

NZCA Chair Tansy Tompkins expressed deep concern, stating, “The 2025/26 forecast reinforces the very real concerns NZCA has been raising since the post-covid restart. Bucking the global trend of dynamic cruise tourism growth, New Zealand’s booking momentum has slowed significantly, and while final itineraries are still being confirmed, current projections indicate a major downturn.”

The data highlights a significant drop in passenger days, vessel numbers, and unique guests, with projections for the 2025/2026 season falling below even the pre-pandemic levels of 2017/2018. The 2023/2024 season, despite being considered a “bumper” year, had not fully recovered to pre-pandemic heights.

Key Factors Contributing to the Decline:

The NZCA has identified several key factors contributing to this decline:

Biofouling Risks: Stringent environmental protection regulations have led to concerns among cruise lines about potential entry denials.
Regulatory Uncertainty: Frequent changes in New Zealand's cruise regulations and the potential ban on cruises in Milford Sound create planning challenges for cruise lines.
Executive-Level Perception: New Zealand is perceived by cruise line executives as a difficult operating environment.
Rising Costs: Increased costs across government agencies, port fees, and regional authorities have made New Zealand the “most expensive place in the world for a cruise ship to visit,” according to the NZCA.
External Factors: Geopolitical disruptions and the weak Australian and New Zealand dollars are also contributing to the decline.
Australian Cruise Market Impact: The decline in Australia's cruise capacity directly affects New Zealand, as the majority of New Zealand cruises originate from Australia. The retirement of P&O Australia’s Pacific Explorer and Carnival's focus on Sydney and Brisbane further exacerbate this issue.

NZCA's Response and Future Efforts:

In response to this crisis, the NZCA is taking decisive action. CEO Jacqui Lloyd recently traveled to Miami to promote the Port of Auckland's updated cruise terminal plans. The association will also have a large delegation at Seatrade Miami in April to engage directly with cruise lines.

The NZCA is also maintaining close contact with the Tourism and Hospitality Minister and other relevant government bodies to address the industry's concerns.

The association emphasizes the need for coordinated efforts between the Australian and New Zealand cruise industries and their respective governments to ensure the region remains an attractive destination for cruise lines.

The future of New Zealand’s cruise industry hangs in the balance, and the NZCA’s proactive measures are crucial to reversing the current downward trend.