Smooth cruise season

It was a smooth cruise season for the Port Otago Cruise team, with terminal improvements, returning cruise assistants and only four of 95 vessels omitting.

The Port Chalmers cruise terminal has traditionally occupied 38% of a 3800m² building, but the other occupant – our Timber team – was relocated to make the entire building available for cruise activity during the season. This has allowed significant improvements to passenger transfer processes and traffic management. A purpose-built mezzanine has also been built to accommodate cruise vessel crews while in port. 

Of our 38 seasonal cruise assistants, 26 were returnees from last season. Cruise Manager Carolyn Bennett says the return rate means overall team performance continues to improve, year on year. “As always, the kaimahi were excellent in their customer service. Returning team members means the knowledge and competency strengthens each season.” 

Another noteworthy change was the Taieri Gorge train accessing the port site to pick up and drop off passengers, operating 44 trips over the season.

About 80 cruise vessels are booked for the 2025/26 season.

2024/25 Cruise season summary

• Port Otago welcomed 91 cruise ships over the season:
  • Port Chalmers – 80
  • Dunedin – 11
• 4 omissions:
  • 3 due to weather elsewhere in the South Island
  • 1 cancellation due to a cruise line scheduling change
• 148,531 passengers and 65,793 crew members
• 11 maiden vessels 

Successful Seatrade expo

In April, GM Customer Craig Usher and Cruise Manager Carolyn Bennett were part of the New Zealand team to attend the Seatrade Cruise Global expo in Miami.

They joined representatives from the New Zealand Cruise Association, other New Zealand ports, Tourism New Zealand and Air New Zealand, to present a single stand showcasing New Zealand as a cruise destination.

The expo is the international cruise sector’s annual opportunity to connect, pick up on emerging trends, and gather future insights from industry leaders, with 600 exhibitors, 12,000 attendees and representation from 121 countries/destinations.

Carolyn says the take-home messages reinforced the importance of addressing the issues currently facing the New Zealand cruise sector. 

“The impact of biofouling – the additional cost and itinerary management – is making New Zealand less attractive. This was an issue for all cruise lines.”

Our Dunedin town wharves now have their own cruise terminal.

“The Red Shed”, as it is known to Port Chalmers locals, was formerly part of the Port Chalmers Maritime Museum and needed to be relocated to accommodate the museum additions and Port Otago Annex build.

In the lead-up to the 2024/25 cruise season, the building was relocated – up the harbour on a pontoon – to T/U Wharf and refitted to become a cruise terminal.

Previously, passengers had to stand out in all weather, while waiting for taxis or tours.