Radiance of the Seas starts a busy season

Radiance of the Seas Royal Caribbean Cruise Ship.

The cruise ship season started yesterday with the Radiance of the Seas arriving in Wellington.

The 90,090-tonne Royal Caribbean ship is mid-size by global standards, can carry more than 2100 passengers and has a crew of 858.

An economic report from Cruise New Zealand shows cruise ships are expected to make 124 voyages around New Zealand in 2014-15, spending 712 days at ports.

The main cruise ports and emerging cruise destinations like Nelson, Kaikoura and Stewart Island are all expected to reap the benefit of spending by passengers and crew, said Cruise NZ general manager Raewyn Tan.

The sector has been forecast to contribute $373.4 million to the New Zealand economy in 2014-15 and support almost 7000 jobs. Half of the voyages will take place in January and February, and regions like Auckland, Tauranga, Akaroa and Fiordland will have three ships in a day calling on some occasions.

Tan said the economic effects throughout New Zealand should not be underestimated.

"Places like Whangarei have dry-docking facilities for small vessels such as the Oceanic Discoverer. Luxury cruise lines organise world events here, like the one taking place at Hobbiton in Matamata in February. The economy also benefits from ships reprovisioning ... Overland excursions and overnight stays ... also generate wealth into regional economies."

The summer cruise season ends on May 25 with the visit to Auckland of Oceania Cruises' Insignia.

Winter cruises out of Auckland to the Pacific Islands will extend the season into early June.

For a full schedule: cruisenewzealand.org.nz/schedule