“Prices have doubled and all we get are the same itineraries” – cruisers on why they aren’t visiting New Zealand

Cruise Passenger readers always have plenty to say about what’s going on in Australian cruise, and in the broader cruise community. In Your Say, Cruise Passenger looks at the issues our readers are writing to us about on our blogs, posts and newsletters. 

Last week, the new Cruise Lines International Association figures revealed a massive drop in cruise visitors from Australia to New Zealand. The prime culprit for this drop is a lack of supply, with fewer cruise ships overall sailing between the two countries. Cruise passengers still had plenty to say on what they believe would get them travelling to New Zealand more, or why they haven’t been over in recent years.

A look over cruisers comments does suggest that destination fatigue could be playing a role as well.

Some cruisers called for more variety within New Zealand cruises, such as different ports or combining New Zealand with other destinations.

Angela Kate said: “You can only do a NZ cruise so many times. I’ve done it four times, no desire to do it again. We need more itinerary variety out of Australia.

“I’m now flying overseas to cruise to get variety.”

Trina Lynn added: “I’ve done two cruises to NZ, both from Sydney. What about a Brisbane departure – why not do something different?

“Have also been to South Island NZ on a driving holiday. If I go back, it won’t be on a cruise, it will be driving and exploring. Have seen all the ports, need to see something else.

“Cruising out of Australia has become boring, same itineraries on repeat. I prefer to fly somewhere different and cruise from there.”

Kyle Crawley has booked a cruise on a less preferred ship for her just because it offers some variety.

“Would be good to have more sailings for more than the standard nine or 10 days doing North and South Island. 

I’ve actually just booked Carnival Adventure leaving from Auckland and going Norfolk Island up to Vanuatu. Not in love with the ship but going somewhere different is why we chose it. Different itineraries are definitely needed.”

Mark Beasley is another cruiser who’s been to New Zealand, but now looks to other destinations.

“I have done five New Zealand cruises over the years and the boring islands ones as well and of course the Australian ones up to Airlie beach etc.

“Unfortunately we don’t have many options here so I go to the USA and other places which surprise surprise they are cheaper and better quality cruises.”

Other cruisers commented on the price increases for New Zealand cruises, which have come as a result of lessened demand.

Sandra Burrows said: “We’ve been twice, with two different lines, visiting some different ports. I looked recently for 2027 and price have exploded. Royal Caribbean offers less days and less ports, and Princess offers more variety but higher prices. “

Lise Willard said: “Royal Caribbean has dropped the number of cruises going to NZ and increased the price of cruises.

“NZ is a beautiful country with so much to see and do so it’s a shame they did that. I usually go twice a season but did none last season and have none planned for the next season, so I’m planning a land trip.instead “

David Bowker added: “Prices have doubled and all we get are the same itineraries. Maybe this is the wake-up call that the cruise lines need – you can’t keep selling us the same stuff and marking it up year after year.”

Repeat cruisers unsure if they’d go again was definitely a common theme.

Karen Ryan said: “We’ve done three NZ cruises, definitely would go again if we are not going to the same ports over and over again.”

Joe Faith added: “You can only really do it so many times and with increasing costs it isn’t as justifiable.”

Please keep those comments coming!

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