Princess Cruises to double New Zealand port calls from 2028
Princess Cruises plans to double its port calls in New Zealand by the 2028/29 season to boost tourism recovery. The government is working closely with the cruise industry to streamline operations and improve New Zealand's appeal as a destination.
Why it matters
This expansion signals a significant economic recovery effort for the New Zealand tourism sector following a prolonged post-pandemic slump.
The Crown Princess has arrived in Auckland to kick off the 2026-2027 cruise season.
Princess Cruises plans to double the number of ports it visits in New Zealand in the 2028/29 cruise season as the sector continues to rebuild after a post-Covid slump.
The cruise line announced the expansion today with the opening of the New Zealand cruise season and the arrival of its Crown Princess cruise ship in Auckland’s Waitematā Harbour.
It has been a dire few years for those in the industry, with visitation down 40% on pre-pandemic levels.
A further decline is forecast for the 2026/27 season, and modest improvement is not expected until at least 2027/28.
Tourism Minister Louise Upston said there were encouraging signs of renewed confidence in the sector.
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