Lyttelton has welcomed the first cruise ships of the 2026/27 season, marking the start of another busy summer of cruise visits to the Port.
LPC Chief Executive Graeme Sumner says seeing the cruise ships back to Lyttelton is important for the Port and the wider region, bringing thousands of visitors to Lyttelton, Christchurch and Canterbury and creating opportunities for local businesses and the visitor economy.
“It’s great to welcome our first cruise ship of the season and to see visitors arriving in Lyttelton again. Cruise is now an important part of what we do at the Port, and it’s a real team effort to make these visits happen safely and efficiently.”
Months of planning and preparation
The start of the season follows months of preparation across LPC, with teams working together to get the cruise berth ready and ensure visiting ships and passengers can be welcomed safely and smoothly.
This is the first season with cruise operations managed by Multi Cargo. Port Services, Security, Civil Maintenance, Marine and Customer Relationships are also playing a part in delivering each visit.
Head of Multi Cargo Operations and Planning Ana Marie Tanerau Love says getting ready for the season has been a team effort.
“Each team has a role to play, and working together helps make sure cruise operations run safely and smoothly,” says Ana Marie.
Fifty-eight bookings
Preparations have included cleaning the cruise berth, confirming gangway placements and working with cruise agents on the requirements of individual ships. Security has prepared access and vehicle movements around the cruise berth, while Civil Maintenance has checked infrastructure and prepared the gangways.
Head of Customer Relations Andrew Todd says delivering a smooth cruise visit begins well before a ship reaches Lyttelton.
“From a passenger experience, it’s about making sure things are done on time so they can get on with their day without any unforeseen challenges,” says Andrew.
Boost for local economy
LPC is part of a much wider visitor experience, working alongside cruise lines, ground operators, ChristchurchNZ, transport providers and the tourism sector throughout the season.
Four ships are expected to make their first visits to Lyttelton this season, with 57 cruise ship calls scheduled in total. The season is scheduled to conclude with Carnival Splendor on 3 April 2027.
For more of the Cruise Ship schedule see here at PortControl.