Dunedin City Council business development adviser Sophie Barker said it was difficult to quantify the benefits of the cruise ship season to Dunedin so far, but larger ships, such as Celebrity Solstice which visited on Saturday, were worth more than six-figure sums to the local economy.
''It's been really positive and hasn't the weather been amazing? That affects how people feel and how much they spend,'' Ms Barker said, of the start of the season.
''We have had one ship come in early and several overnight stays.
''It's a huge boon to the city's economy.''
The weather gods again smiled on the city as passengers from Celebrity Solstice enjoyed the sights in perfect conditions.
The temperature reached 23degC by about 10am and clear skies and little wind greeted those venturing from tour buses.
''It's fantastic given that last year we had three weeks of rain at this time of year,'' Ms Barker said.
Swedish couple Dennis and Lena Karlsson agreed.
''This is similar to Sweden's climate in summer,'' Mr Karlsson said.
''It's an amazing town and very green,'' he said.
Mrs Karlsson said the people in the city also made her feel at home.
''They are very nice people, very friendly,'' she said.
Celebrity Solstice berthed at the Beach St wharf in Port Chalmers about 6.30am on Saturday.
The 2850-passenger capacity ship sailed in the late afternoon.
Also on board were Florida residents William and Marguerite Moody and Lucille and Jackie Fraser.
''We just love New Zealand,'' Mr Fraser said.
''It's just an absolutely fabulous country. We are so impressed by everything we have seen so far.''
Mr Moody added: ''If I never returned to Florida I would still be happy''.
The group visited Baldwin St and were amazed by its height and gradient.
''In Florida, this would be the highest point in the state,'' Mr Moody said.
They were looking forward to finding out what else the ''marvellous'' city had to offer.
