The 2024/2025 cruise ship season is in full swing, and Tauranga is reaping the rewards, says Tourism BOP.

As of January 7, almost 40 cruise ships have entered the Tauranga Harbour so far this season.

Another 55 cruise ships are expected to arrive between now and May 27.

These ships will be arriving in Tauranga from Australia, usually departing from Sydney or Melbourne.

“It’s been great,” said Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan. “We’ve had good weather and no ship cancellations.

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Oscar Nathan. Photo / Supplied

“It was really special welcoming the first ever Disney Cruise into Tauranga Harbour in early December and the new year got off to a great start with the Ovation of the Seas visit on January 2, which was the largest ship so far this season and its passengers generated the most one-day sales for onshore tour operations.

“We’re expecting a big day at Mount Maunganui on January 18, with two cruise ships in and the Mount Festival of Multisport happening on the same day.”

Nathan said February will be the busiest month of the 2024/2025 season with 24 cruise ships booked to dock at Tauranga over 22 days.

The last ship, The Insignia, will arrive on May 27. Photo / David Hall

“We’re expecting eight cruise ships to dock at the Port of Tauranga in the first week of February, carrying a combined capacity of up to 21,530 passengers and crew, making it the busiest week of the 2024/2025 season.”

On March 19, the biggest ship of the season, the Quantum of the Seas will dock, carrying up to 4180 passengers and up to 1300 crew.

The last day of the cruise season is April 15, which will welcome The Royal Princess which carries up to 4887 people and is the final big cruise ship booked at the Port of Tauranga this season.

The Tauranga Port has been busy with 55 cruise ships entering the harbour so far over the current season. Photo / David Hall

“However, the number of cruise ship arrivals will noticeably reduce at the end of March,” said Nathan.

“There will also be one further smaller ship, the Insignia, on May 27, carrying up to 670 passengers and 400 crew.

“These impressive vessels are a vital part of summer here and we love the way these cruise passengers contribute to the city’s vibe,” said Nathan.

The Tourism Bay of Plenty team enjoy hearing all the different accents and languages as these passengers disembark and tour operators, eateries, and retailers appreciate their patronage, Nathan said.

Almost 40 cruise ships have entered the Tauranga Harbour this season as of January 7. Photo / David Hall

Tauranga continues to rate highly as one of New Zealand’s most popular spots on cruise ship itineraries due to the ease of passenger disembarkation at the port, the relaxed coastal lifestyle, the warm welcome passengers experience, the unique foodie flavours they can savour, and local shopping options they can explore.

He explained that data shows that 86% of residents who live near the Port of Tauranga and Mount Maunganui agree or strongly agree that the cruise sector has a positive impact in the region.

“This perception is largely based on the way cruise ship visits boost the local economy, add a sense of vibrancy to the community, and enable the region to be positively showcased to the world.”