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Bay of Islands Cruise Bookings Plummet Amid Stricter Regulations

6/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's Bay of Islands cruise industry is reeling from a dramatic decline, with bookings plummeting from 92 ships in 2023/2024 to just 47 for the 2025/2026 season. Stricter biofouling regulations, soaring costs, and a growing perception of New Zealand as unwelcoming have left industry leaders anxious about the future.

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Story summary

New Zealand's Bay of Islands cruise industry is reeling from a dramatic decline, with bookings plummeting from 92 ships in 2023/2024 to just 47 for the 2025/2026 season. Stricter biofouling regulations, soaring costs, and a growing perception of New Zealand as unwelcoming have left industry leaders anxious about the future.