Ships Ahoy! Cruise season launches

Close to 200,000 cruise ship passengers are expected to arrive to New Zealand this season, a welcome boost for regional tourism, jobs, businesses and communities, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says. “I was buoyed to welcome the passengers aboard the Crown Princess as she docked in Auckland today, heralding the beginning of a new cruise season,” Louise Upston says. “After a challenging few years for the sector, there are encouraging signs of renewed confidence. Cruise lines recognise the practical steps Government has taken to make it easier to visit New Zealand, and the stronger coordination between government and industry. “This Government has taken a new approach – to work closely with the cruise sector to improve their ability to do business in New Zealand. We’ve worked hard to ensure New Zealand is positioned as a must-dock destination for cruise lines and passengers this season, and for many seasons to come. “In April this year I attended Seatrade in the US - the world's largest cruise conference, and in May I brought government and industry together through the second Cruise Forum to help strengthen New Zealand's position on the global cruise map. “Building a