Carnival welcomes Queens Wharf commitment

Carnival welcomes Queens Wharf commitment

Australasia’s biggest cruise company has welcomed the government’s commitment to a new cruise passenger terminal at Auckland’s Queens Wharf.

Chief executive of Carnival Australia and New Zealand Ann Sherry says that the government’s decision to delay any new terminal until after the rugby world cup made sense.

“While it’s important to get this facility right, the industry and New Zealand tourism cannot afford this to be a missed opportunity,” says Ms Sherry.

Cruise lines have committed to growing Auckland visits knowing that new infrastructure will be in place to serve the growing number of passengers and ship visits, she says.

On Friday (February 26, 2010), Rugby World Cup Minister Murray McCully said any new terminal would come after the rugby world cup, focusing on plans to use Queens Wharf as ‘party central’ for the event.

Ms Sherry says that while a short term focus on the rugby world cup was understandable, it was important development of a new terminal remained a priority.

“It’s pleasing that the Minister has re-confirmed the government’s commitment to this vital piece of infrastructure,” she says.

This year, the cruise industry will carry a record 118,000 passengers in New Zealand, rising by 12 per cent next year to reach 132,000, delivering millions of dollars to the country’s economy.

This summer 11 ships under Carnival Australia’s banner will make a total of 158 port visits around the country, up 50 per cent on last year’s season, and three times the number of visits made five years ago.

In December, 2010, Carnival Australia will become the first cruise company to launch a ship in New Zealand when it introduces P&O Cruises’ Pacific Pearl to its fleet. Pacific Pearl will have a season based in Auckland.

Carnival Australia and New Zealand is part of Carnival plc, one of the largest travel companies in the world, which operates 11 cruise lines including P&O Cruises Australia, Princess Cruises, Cunard and Seabourn.

ENDS

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