The number of cruise ship passengers visiting the Bay this year has decreased slightly from the year before.
Due to weather conditions 79 of 83 scheduled ships visited Port of Tauranga this season.
Tourism Bay of Plenty figures show these 79 ships bought 144,721 passengers and a further 61,862 crew.
This is compared to the 147,139 passengers and 64,214 crew the year before, with a 1.6 per cent decrease.
Read more: NZ's biggest cruise ship to make maiden voyage to Bay
Tourism Bay of Plenty CEO Rhys Arrowsmith said overall he was very happy with the season and have had good feedback from Cruise Operators.
"Bookings through the I-PORT were up 10 per cent however the full season numbers are yet to be finalised as we are awaiting the final ship," said Mr Arrowsmith.
"We are always looking at new ways to improve the cruise visitor experience with our partners - the Port of Tauranga, Tauranga City Council and the Transport Association. The key focus is ensuring we have a sustainable model going forward to support the major growth forecast."
It is estimated 35 per cent of passengers book a ship tour.
The remaining 65 per cent of passengers either book a tour through our i-PORT or explore the local area independently.
This meant at least 55 per cent of passengers remain in the local area.
This might include shopping around the Mount Mainstreet area or taking the bus to Tauranga CBD.
Tauranga sells the highest number of ship port tours in the country due to the many and varied tour options available within an hours drive of the port.
It is also estimated the spend from Cruise passengers is $40 to $45m per season.
The Ovation of the Seas mega cruise ship will bring changes to the Harbour will open up more opportunities.
Cruise lines are also eyeing the Bay which will bring newer and larger ships into the New Zealand itineraries resulting in more passenger and crew visitors.
80 ships are tentatively scheduled for 2015/16 and will commence with the Diamond Princess on the 7th of October 2015 and finish with the Insignia on the 18th of May 2016.
There will be 8 double ship days.