Like neighbouring Australia, the Kiwi cruise market is on a roll, growing 10.6% in 2014.
A total of 65,609 New Zealanders took a cruise last year, and although the number is small on a global scale, it still represents the third fastest growing market in the world.
The latest figures from CLIA’s New Zealand Cruise Industry Source Market Report show the market has doubled in size in the last five years.
CLIA Australasia General Manager Brett Jardine said: "While New Zealand is still an emerging source market for cruise passengers with a relatively small population, it outperformed most markets around the world last year in terms of growth."
"These figures show us that more and more New Zealanders are recognising cruising as a great value and relaxing way to travel and are responding to the expanding range of cruises on offer."
Key findings from the report showed a 46% jump in the number of Kiwis taking a cruise in the Caribbean region, including the Bahamas and Panama Canal, while there was a 31% increase in the number of New Zealanders opting for a river cruise in 2014.
