That is evident by the number of passenger liners set to call at Napier this season (up by 15 over the previous season) and there were already 66 arrivals confirmed for the following 2018/19 season.
"It is certainly on the increase."
Cruise New Zealand figures show that the total value added to the economy by the cruise tourism industry for the 2016/17 season was $447 million, and that economic contribution is expected to grow by 20 per cent a year over the next two seasons - reaching $640m by 2018/19.
The level of employment supported by the cruise tourism activity was around 8000 in the 2016/17 season.
Last season 235,900 passengers undertook a cruise in New Zealand and over the coming two seasons, it is expected the number of passengers could increase to more than 340,000.
Napier, which is one of 14 destinations for cruise ships throughout the country, is expected to see about 102,500 passengers step ashore.
The local economy benefited to the tune of about $19m last season and that is set to rise to more than $22m this season.
The 108,000-tonne Golden Princess is the only arrival in October, with four set to arrive in November.
There will be 13 arrivals in December and January while things really heat up in February with 17 set to tie up.
Between February 1 and 8 there will be nine arrivals and 9500 passengers stepping ashore.
"We will be ready for them," Ms Libby said.
"We bring extra staff in on cruise ship days and we have a merry band of about 25 volunteers and ambassadors we can call on."
There will be eight arrivals in March, three in April with the last, the 800-passenger Insignia, calling on May 17.
The new two-way road layout being trialled on the Marine Parade near the visitor centre would not be an issue for passenger buses or tourism operators, Ms Libby said.
"We have all been part of the consultation process and they have been encouraging feedback - I think it will be absolutely fine."