A new schedule on Port Otago’s website shows levels down 20% on the last cruise ship season before Covid-19 put a two-year stop to the industry.
Port Otago chief executive Kevin Winders warned the schedule was indicative only.
"The cruise lines now are just finalising itineraries and some of those cruises that you’ve got in that list haven’t been marketed yet," Mr Winders said.
"It’s encouraging that it’s a good list, but you can’t take it as a gospel."
He expected the list to change, but did not know to what extent.
The situation would be more certain in a month or so, he said.
Pent-up demand for sea-faring holidays meant he thought people were likely to book cruises.
"We’re talking around about 100 cruise vessels booked for the season ahead, between Dunedin and Port Chalmers, which is a good start.
"We always expected it to be a slower restart of cruises as everyone adapts to the new climate, but we’re encouraged to see the on-paper bookings at about 80% of pre-Covid levels."
He was looking forward to welcoming the first cruise ship, which would benefit the local economy.
Before the pandemic, cruise ships were estimated to be worth more than $60 million to the Otago economy.
Mr Winders said a maritime order on medical requirements for Covid received this week shed light on how the issue would be managed.
He believed cruise passengers would be required to be fully vaccinated and boosted, but would not be required to take Covid tests before coming ashore.
"It will be well managed by the cruise lines — they’ve done it all over the world, and New Zealand’s opened up late," he said.
"The great thing about that is all the cruise lines have worked out what works."
