About 166,000 cruise passengers poured US$59 million into Wellington NZ during the past 7 months.
The departure of Royal Caribbean's Radiance of the Seas on Saturday, April 21, marked the end of 2017-2018 cruise season in the capital. The same ship kicked off the cruise season in October.
New Zealand Cruise Association estimated the season will contribute US$59 million to Wellington's economy, up from US$55 million last season.
Chief executive Kevin O'Sullivan shared that passengers spent money in shops along Lambton Quay, at museums and attractions around the city.
In February, figures showed cruise visitors spent US$25 million with Wellington CBD retailers last season. That is the equivalent of each traveller spending between US$150-US$230.
O'Sullivan added Wellington was one of the primary cruise ship destinations in New Zealand and was "very important to the country's cruise industry".
The port's biggest day was February 11 (Sunday), with about 7000 people visited the capital onboard Ovation of the Seas and Pacific Jewel. According to O'Sullivan, 2018-2019 cruise season is shaping up to be "bigger than ever", featuring 110 cruise ship calls booked.