13 October 2026 MEDIA RELEASE Marlborough Ready to Welcome Cruise Visitors Back Port Marlborough is preparing to welcome cruise visitors back to the region, with 32 ship visits scheduled for the 2026/27 season, an increase of 33 percent from the 24 calls completed last season. While the 2026/27 season represents a 33 percent increase on last year, cruise schedules can vary from season to season as global operators adjust deployment decisions. Current forecasts suggest a temporary easing in visits over the next year before stronger growth returns in future years. Port Marlborough has intentionally focused on building long-term partnerships with cruise line decision makers, both in New Zealand and internationally, to ensure Marlborough remains a compelling destination and continues to feature strongly on future itineraries. Early forward bookings beyond the 2027 season indicate that strategy is delivering results. Around 73,000 passengers and 30,000 crew are expected to visit Marlborough during the season, which runs from October 2026 to April 2027. Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn said the growth reflected the energy of Marlborough’s destination offering and the proactive work being undertaken to maintain relationships with cruise lines in an increasingly competitive international market. “Cruise lines have choices about where they deploy their vessels, and those decisions are made years in advance. We cannot assume Marlborough will automatically remain on their itineraries,” Mr Welbourn said. “We have invested significant time in building relationships with cruise line decision makers in New Zealand, Australia and internationally, understanding what they need and demonstrating the value Marlborough offers both as a destination and as a reliable port partner. “The increase in visits this season is encouraging, particularly when the national market remains challenging, but maintaining that position requires an ongoing focus on our relationships, operational performance and the complete visitor experience.” Port Marlborough’s engagement has included direct meetings with cruise line executives and itinerary planners, participation in cruise industry conferences in New Zealand and Australia, attendance at Seatrade Cruise Global in Miami, and hosting cruise line representatives and other key decision makers in Marlborough. Data shows that cruise tourism contributed approximately $36.4 million in economic output to Marlborough across the 2024-2025 season (NZCA) and supports around 246 local jobs across tourism, hospitality, retail and transport. The value extends well beyond the berth, with cruise visits generating activity for transport providers, tour operators, hospitality businesses, retailers, cellar doors and visitor attractions across the region. Mr Welbourn said the success of the season depended on the experience delivered across the whole destination. “The cruise season begins this month on 24 October with the arrival of Celebrity Solstice, and we’re looking forward to welcoming both the ship and its passengers to Marlborough. “Cruise ships do not simply visit ports, they visit destinations. The experience begins with safe and efficient marine and wharf operations, but it continues through Picton and across the wider Marlborough region. “Every successful visit is a team effort involving our port and marine teams, Destination Marlborough, Marlborough District Council, tourism operators, transport providers, volunteers, retailers, hospitality businesses and the wider community. “That collaboration, together with Marlborough’s natural environment, food and wine, marine experiences, culture and genuine hospitality, is what differentiates our region.” Cruise visitors also provide an opportunity to showcase Marlborough to an international audience, with each positive experience strengthening the region’s reputation and contributing to potential return visitation. Port Marlborough continues to invest in the marine capability and infrastructure required to support cruise visits safely and reliably, including new towage capability with the arrival of the port’s tug vessel Kaiaua in 2026, customer-requested gangways and improvements to the cruise operating environment. “We are ready for the season and looking forward to welcoming cruise passengers and crew back to Marlborough,” Mr Welbourn said. “Our priority is to deliver an experience that benefits the region, meets the needs of our cruise line customers and ensures Marlborough continues to feature strongly on future itineraries.” ENDS For Media Enquiries contact Connie Smith | GM Communications, Port Marlborough 027 404 6135 | [email protected]
