# Wellington cruise bookings point to recovery in coming seasons

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/wellington-cruise-bookings-point-to-recovery-in-coming-seasons/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** pelavox. Newsroom
- **Published:** 2026-10-12T12:56:38+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-10-12T13:02:15+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** CentrePort, Cruise Tourism, Heritage Adventurer, Wellington, WellingtonNZ

Wellington is preparing for a smaller cruise season in 2026–27, although forward bookings indicate an increase in vessel calls and potential passenger numbers over the following two years.

According to WellingtonNZ and CentrePort, the New Zealand capital is scheduled to receive 54 cruise ship calls between October 2026 and March 2027, representing a maximum of approximately 76,500 passengers if vessels operate at full capacity.

While the number of scheduled calls is lower than in the previous season, current bookings suggest a recovery in cruise activity. The outlook includes 72 vessel calls in 2028–29, with potential passenger numbers reaching 154,000.

The organisations said the projected increase reflects a gradual recovery in cruise tourism following challenges affecting the industry in recent years.

## Forward bookings indicate stronger cruise activity

For the 2027–28 season, WellingtonNZ and CentrePort reported forward bookings representing a potential 122,000 passengers, based on full vessel occupancy.

The following season is currently expected to bring 72 cruise calls and a maximum of 154,000 passengers, indicating further growth in scheduled activity.

Mark Oldershaw, Chief Executive of WellingtonNZ, said the forward bookings provide an encouraging outlook despite the reduction in calls during the upcoming season.

“Cruise remains an important contributor to Wellington’s visitor economy, and while we’ll welcome fewer ships this season, we’re encouraged by the strong growth already booked for the next two years,” said Oldershaw.

The 2026–27 schedule includes 33 ships carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers and 10 vessels with capacities exceeding 2,500 passengers.

## CentrePort to trial new inner harbour cruise berth

Alongside the seasonal cruise programme, CentrePort plans to trial an additional berth within Wellington’s inner harbour, adjacent to the existing Bluebridge ferry facilities.

The trial will accommodate selected expedition-sized cruise vessels, beginning with Heritage Adventurer, which is scheduled to arrive on 15 November 2026.

The initiative is intended to assess whether the inner harbour can provide additional operational flexibility for smaller cruise ships while allowing passengers and crew to disembark directly onto Wellington’s waterfront.

CentrePort has coordinated with StraitNZ Bluebridge to maintain normal ferry operations during the trial.

Anthony Delaney, Chief Executive of CentrePort, said the initiative would help inform future cruise infrastructure and operational planning.

“The trial is an opportunity to test additional operational flexibility for suitable vessels while maintaining a positive experience for passengers, cruise lines and the city,” said Delaney.

Wellington is also introducing a permanent cruise shuttle hub on Wakefield Street, opposite the Amora Hotel, as part of changes to passenger arrival arrangements.

The combination of forward cruise bookings and planned operational improvements forms part of Wellington’s efforts to strengthen its position as a cruise destination over the coming seasons.

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Cite as: "Wellington cruise bookings point to recovery in coming seasons", pelavox., 12 October 2026, https://pelavox.com/wellington-cruise-bookings-point-to-recovery-in-coming-seasons/