Cruise Liner is still bumping in economy nowadays. Auckland is the new territory for this growth.

P&O Cruises would launch its 1800-passenger super liner, Pacific Pearl, in Auckland in December 2010 and use it as a base for a six-cruise summer season announced by Prime Minister John Key. Moreover, that is a worthy investment in the tourism industry that will contribute around $500, 000. He also said that having the PacificPearl based out of Auckland can enhance and industry that is already worth $174million annually.

Furthermore, Ann Sherry, Chief Executive of P&O Cruises parent company, Carnival Australia and New Zealand, said that New Zealand was driving its growth, so it was fitting to launch the company's fourth ship in Auckland.

Carnival Australia said it would bring a record 52,000 passengers to New Zealand on 11 ships sailing for five of its brands P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, P&O World Voyages and Yachts of Seabourn. Between them the ships will make a total of 158 port visits, 50 percent up on last season and three times the number of visits made just five years ago.

In addition, over the 2010 summer season the said new cruise liner will bring in an additional $3 million to Auckland. [via nbr.co.nz]