The arrival of Sapphire Princess yesterday marked the beginning of Dunedin's biggest cruise-ship season, and provided a welcome boost for retailers.
Bars, cafes and shops reported a bumper day as the more than 3000 passengers and crew went on a buying frenzy on their last New Zealand stopover.
The Scottish Shop owner Erin Hogan said "it was a very positive start to the season."
Tartan scarves were in hot demand as temperatures dropped, with passengers using up the last of their New Zealand currency, she said.
Clutching a bag of shopping while waiting for her husband was American cruise-ship passenger Penny Wise (62), of Montana.
With Dunedin the last stopover before the vessel ended its voyage in Sydney later this week, it was an ideal opportunity to "wander around and do some shopping", Mrs Wise said.
The month-long cruise was a retirement present from the couple's three children, she said.
New Zealand had been the highlight of the trip, with yesterday's rain failing to dampen her enthusiasm for Dunedin.
"I can tell you this, the weather is a whole lot better than Wellington."
Texan couple Robert (74) and Sharon (70) Steele, on their 18th cruise, were on their first visit to New Zealand, and vowed to return.
Mr Steele, who uses a walking stick, said the highlight for him was when a good samaritan in Christchurch offered the couple a lift after he experienced problems with his leg.
"That was very special."
