Cruise Volunteers Celebrate Successful First Season

To help welcome a near 50 percent increase in passengers and crew, Wellington harnessed the passion and skills of a small army of volunteers to assist the record number of cruise visitors to the city.

The Wellington City Ambassadors gathered at the Museum of Wellington City and Sea on Monday to celebrate the end of their successful first cruise season.

Positively Wellington Tourism Chief Executive David Perks said "their knowledge and love of all things Wellington have ensured visitors have a great time while docked in the coolest little capital in the world."
Mr Perks believes the passion and dedication of the city’s cruise volunteers could help Wellington lay claim to a new title.

"Some of our ambassadors volunteered during both the Rugby World Cup and Sevens tournament, while our youngest ambassador, at just 16, volunteered at Homegrown, the Contact Tri-Series and Bats Theatre. One cruise volunteer was so helpful she was invited aboard the luxury cruise ship, The World, for lunch!

"You could say Wellington has the coolest little cruise volunteers in the world.

"Cruise visitors may just stop by for a day to two, but they're a vital piece of the tourism puzzle - not just through the immediate economic impact, but in the ambassadors the sector creates. Often we have people comment that they love getting a taste, and are planning to come back for the full course soon."