New Zealand strikes a new cruise record

Saturday, January 7, 2023

New Zealand is set to break its record this Saturday, January 7, at the port of Napier, with the arrival of three cruise ships: the Viking Mars, Silver Muse, and Star Breeze. The three ships are expected to bring around 1,700 passengers to the city.

The quaint city of Napier has cruise ships sailing to New Zealand and proudly becoming an increasingly popular destination.

New Zealand as a cruise destination receives popularity that has increased significantly over the last ten years. Building a new $175 million pier, Te Whiti, has gone as far as to facilitate the influx of cruise ships to the region.

A Napier Port spokesperson significantly stated that previously, they had double cruise days where two cruise vessels visited, but this is the first time three are berthing the same day.

Moreover, with Te Whiti wharf, they could now have three cruise vessels and still accommodate container, log, and bulk cargo vessels.

The Viking Mars, Silver Muse, and Star Breeze cruise ships would arrive at the port on January 7. The inflow of visitors is expected to provide a boost to local businesses and further enhance the area’s reputation as a top destination for Cruise ship travelers.

Viking Mars is sailing a 14 Night Australia and New Zealand cruise which departed Sydney, Australia, on December 27.

Silver Muse is sailing a 12 Night Auckland, New Zealand to Melbourne, Australia cruise, which departed Auckland on Jan 4. Star Breeze is operating an 11 – Night Wildlife & Wines of New Zealand Cruise.

Another consideration is that the summer cruise season in Napier runs from October to April, and so far. There have been 22 cruises visiting the port. Another 65 cruises would dock during the rest of the season, including eight cruises in the coming week.

One of the essential reasons that cruise ships visit the Napier area is for the famous wineries in the region, particularly in the Hawke’s Bay area.

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