Record numbers of tourists cruise into the city

As the last ship of Wellington’s record-breaking cruise season docks in the capital, next year’s numbers are expected to rise even higher.

More than 220,000 passengers from 110 ships poured into the region during the 2018/19 cruise ship season, worth an estimated $56 million to the local economy.

The season’s first ship to arrive was also the last to visit, with the berthing on Easter Monday of the Radiance Of The Seas drawing the season to a close.

More than 120 cruise ships are expected for the next season, which kicks off in October.

The record-breaking season was predicted last year with an extra 50,000 passengers expected to arrive in the city, beating the previous record of 90 cruise ship visits set in 2012/13.

Mid-January was the busiest period of the season, with 10 ships visiting in a single week, delivering 17,500 passengers into the city.

The bumper season presented a logistical challenge for Wellington’s port which saw 24 ‘‘double days’’ – when two cruise ships berthed at once – CentrePort Limited chief executive Derek Nind said.

‘‘Significant planning, efficient processes and hard work meant we were able to handle the busiest cruise ship season in the city’s history.

‘‘From our pilots and tugboat crews, lines teams through to the cruise team – they all did a great job. Given the port is still managing

the impacts of the 2016 earthquake, including reduced berth capacity, it has been a remarkable effort,’’ Nind said.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency (Wreda) manager David Perks said the season contributed to a wonderful summer of tourism for the city.

‘‘One of Wreda’s most important cruise season functions is making sure visitors are wellinformed, so they can make the most of their time in the city. That’s done through 150 volunteer cruise ship ambassadors and our iSite staff, who have been busier than ever in their cramped facility.

‘‘Following the departure of Radiance Of The Seas – which marks the start of the slower winter tourism season – the iSite will close so it can be reconfigured to triple the space for visitors in plenty of time for next summer.’’

‘‘Given the port is still managing the impacts of the 2016 earthquake . . . it has been a remarkable effort.’’ CentrePort’s Derek Nind