LAST Friday, on one of Auckland’s busiest days of the 2025/2026 cruise season, two Princess Cruises ships, Discovery Princess and Crown Princess, met in Waitemata Harbour. Discovery brought 3,600 guests and 1,350 crew, while Crown carried 3,090 passengers and 1,200 crew. More than half of the passengers were from Australia,...
LAST Friday, on one of Auckland’s busiest days of the 2025/2026 cruise season, two Princess Cruises ships, Discovery Princess and Crown Princess, met in Waitemata Harbour.
Discovery brought 3,600 guests and 1,350 crew, while Crown carried 3,090 passengers and 1,200 crew.
More than half of the passengers were from Australia, with others hailing from the United States and Europe.
According to Princess, passengers were expected to spend an estimated $1.5 million during the 12 hours in port.
“Bringing two of our remarkable ships to Auckland on the same day, with a third arriving the following day, underscores Princess Cruises’ strong commitment to New Zealand,” vice president Matthew Rutherford said.
New Zealand Cruise Association chief executive Jacqui Lloyd highlighted the value Princess brings to the country’s waters.
“The economic contribution goes well beyond the Auckland waterfront, with visitors supporting local tourism operators, hospitality businesses and communities in ports right around the country,” the NZCA head said. JHM
