More than 56,000 New
Zealanders took a cruise holiday
in 2011 – a huge increase of
thirty-two percent.
ACCORDING to a new report released this
morning, New Zealand experienced the
second strongest cruise passenger growth rate
in the world last year, second only to
Australia, which was up 34% (CW, 01 May).
Launched in Auckland by the International
Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA), the 2011
New Zealand Cruise Industry Report found
that New Zealand cruise passenger numbers
grew by 32% to 56,479.
This is more than double the number five
years ago, when only 26,510 Kiwis cruised in
2006.
River-cruising passenger numbers also grew,
by 12% to 2,651, accounting for 5% of total
New Zealand cruise market.
The report uncovered a massive rise in the
number of people cruising local waters, which
soared nearly 220%, reflecting an increase in
short break cruises from Auckland.
But the South Pacific remained the most
popular destination, attracting nearly half of
passengers.
ICCA General Manager Brett Jardine said the
latest figures underlined the strength of the
New Zealand cruise market.
“While other industries have wavered in
these tough economic times, cruising has
continued to expand, with its popularity in
New Zealand growing significantly,” Jardine said.
“Every year we are seeing more cruise ships
sailing New Zealand waters, taking the profile
of cruising to new heights and prompting an
unprecedented number of Kiwis to take to the
seas for their holidays,” he added.
They are also sailing for longer, with the
research finding a 24% rise in estimated sea
days.
In terms of market penetration, 1.3% of the
New Zealand population took a cruise in 2011.
Almost three-quarters lived on the North
Island with the 27% per cent living on the
South Island.
Jardine said the New Zealand cruise industry
was on target to reach 100,000 passengers by
2020.
