The New Zealand Government has dealt a financial blow to cruise ship operators - and they are not happy about it.
New Zealand has revealed a hike in border processing fees for cruise ship guests of 88% - scheduled to take effect from December 1.
The Cruise Lines International Association Australasia and the New Zealand Cruise Association both hit out at both the cruise fee hike and the lack of notice, news portal Travel Mole reported.
The say cruise lines won’t be able to pass on the increase to passengers, who have already booked and paid for their cruises.
The trade groups warn it could severely impact cruise traffic to New Zealand with with forecast that passenger numbers are down around 22% this year.
They say New Zealand is one of the most expensive markets for cruise operation costs.
NZ Cruise Association CEO Jacqui Lloyd said: “Cruise lines carefully plan and budget their operations two to three seasons ahead, leaving no room to pass unexpected cost increases to passengers.
“These financial burdens fall squarely on the cruise lines.”
It is not clear why cruise lines would not build such contingencies into their forward planning.
The processing cost for travellers arriving by cruise ship will increase from $11.48 to $21.54, an increase of $10.06 per passenger. This represents an extra $30,000 in costs for a ship carrying 3000 passengers.
The CLIA and the NZCA are pushing for urgent meetings with the New Zealand Customs Service and government officials.
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