16 October 2009

Media advisory

Summer cruise season underway

Monday 19 October signals the start of the cruise ship season with the arrival of the Star Princess at the Lyttelton Port of Christchurch (LPC).

In all, LPC has 51 cruise ships booked for the 2009 / 2010 season, the majority of which will come from America, Australia and the UK. Last season a record 58 cruise ship called in to the port.

LPC Chief Executive Peter Davie says given the current economic environment, this season’s bookings are very positive.

“The cruise ship industry brings significant benefits to the Canterbury economy,” he says. “Lyttelton Port is a favourite destination for many visitors as they get to see a working port close up and enjoy experiencing the village atmosphere and Victorian architecture Lyttelton has to offer.

“This season we expect around 100,000 passengers and crew to inject millions of dollars in the local economy. This helps businesses to thrive and stimulates employment in the wider region.”

One of the largest cruise vessels to visit LPC will be the Diamond Princess The vessel can accommodate 2,670 passengers and more than 1,200 crew.

The best place to view the ships is from the public fishing jetty, Timeball Station and Windy Rock Point. Ships generally arrive at around 6:30am and depart at 6:30pm. The peak cruise season is between January and February.

The last cruise ship, the Crystal Symphony, will arrive on 4 April 2010, signaling the end of the cruise ship season.

For a full schedule of cruise ship visits please go to www.lpc.co.nz.

ENDS

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