Cruise Ship Arrivals Surge in Dunedin, but Challenges Remain

Dunedin is set to welcome a busy week as seven cruise ships arrive in port, bringing thousands of passengers to the city. Retailers express optimism that larger ships will contribute to increased foot traffic and sales. The upcoming arrivals follow a challenging season, marked by the cancellation of the Anthem of the Seas on December 24, 2023, which significantly affected local businesses.

Aiesha Goswami, a retail assistant at The Little Rock Shop, noted that the jewellery store relies heavily on cruise ship passengers for a substantial portion of its sales. She mentioned that the cancellation of the Anthem of the Seas was a major setback, stating, “That one was a real hit to us.” The ship’s final port of call would have likely encouraged passengers to spend more, as they had no further stops planned.

The current cruise season has seen a notable decline in arrivals compared to previous years. Factors influencing passenger shopping habits include the location of bus drop-off points. When buses park in the Octagon, a central shopping area, retailers typically see better sales, as tourists often prefer to shop rather than participate in excursions. Despite the challenges, Goswami remains hopeful that the upcoming week will bring more customers to her store.

Colin Lim, owner of the Octagon shops I Love Merino and For Little Kiwis, shared similar sentiments. Although seven cruise ships are scheduled to dock, he highlighted that only two—Discovery Princess and Celebrity Edge—tend to generate significant customer traffic due to their larger capacities. The Discovery Princess can accommodate approximately 3,660 passengers, while the Celebrity Edge carries around 2,918. Lim remarked that approximately 70% to 80% of his sales occur during the cruise ship season, but this year has been disappointing due to fewer arrivals. “It’s been pretty average,” he stated, noting he has not needed to hire additional staff as he did in previous years.

Katelyn Wallbank, assistant manager at Mountain Warehouse on George Street, anticipates a bustling week ahead. She expressed excitement about the incoming cruise ships and has arranged for extra staff to accommodate the anticipated influx of visitors. Wallbank commented that inclement weather often drives more customers into the store, as they seek jackets and other necessities.

The Dunedin Isite Visitor Centre, led by team leader Izumi Nakamura, has organized multiple stops around the city for cruise passengers. Buses transport visitors from the ships to various locations, including the Octagon and the Toitū Otago Settlers Museum. Passengers receive maps directing them into the city centre, with options for excursions to popular attractions such as Larnach Castle and wildlife tours by Monarch Wildlife Cruises & Tours.

While high-end cruise passengers often have their itineraries planned in advance, those on larger ships are typically offered a range of activities upon arrival. The Visitor Centre collaborates with local tourism businesses to promote excursions, setting up kiosks at cruise ship terminals and at Toitū to inform tourists about available tours.

As Dunedin prepares for a surge in cruise visitors, local businesses reflect on the impact of fluctuating ship numbers and seek strategies to maximize sales during this crucial period. The hope is that the larger vessels will stimulate economic activity and enhance the overall visitor experience in the city.