Port Napier (New Zealand) is expecting a record-breaking cruise season with 92 cruise stops and 130,000 passengers from Nov 2023 thru April 2024.
Among the notable arrivals are two renowned ocean liners: Celebrity Cruises' liner Celebrity Edge, measuring 306 m / 1004 ft and accommodating 3521 passengers, and Virgin Voyages' liner Resilient Lady, measuring 277 m / 909 ft and carrying 2770 passengers. Both ships will make multiple visits during the summer, along with other liners, resulting in several occasions when multiple ships will be in port simultaneously.
The busiest period will be in mid-February, with 11 liners arriving in the nine days leading up to and including the Art Deco Festival from February 15th to 18th.
Although the largest liner currently visiting Napier is the 348-m / 1142-ft Ovation of the Seas, which can carry 4905 passengers, there are potential plans for even larger vessels in future seasons.
A spokesperson for the Port confirmed that Napier is capable of accommodating massive ships like Icon of the Seas, a 365-m / 1198-ft mega-ship with max capacity 7600 passengers. However, no bookings have been made for NZ seasons of the "Icon" yet.
One of the highlights is Celebrity Edge is the unique "Magic Carpet" - an outside viewing platform that can be lowered down the side of the ship to provide a sea-level experience.
The new wharf Te Whiti (6 Wharf), constructed at a cost of $175 million, was designed as a versatile facility capable of berthing the largest cruise vessels, including the Oasis-class liners like the Icon of the Seas, as well as handling container and bulk cargo ships. With the ability to dock cruise ships on five out of its six wharves, the port offers increased flexibility and availability for cruise lines.