P&O Cruises is to launch a new liner in New Zealand at the end of next year, Prime Minister John Key has announced.
Mr Key, who is also the Minister of Tourism, says The Pacific Pearl has the capacity to carry 1800 passengers and will based in Auckland for the 2010-11 summer cruising season.
Mr Key says the industry is worth $174 million a year and the launch of the ship here is a big vote of confidence in the New Zealand cruise ship market.
The Prime Minister says it shows investment in a cruise ship terminal at Queens Wharf is a worthy investment in the tourism industry.
