The announcement comes as the Royal Caribbean's other large vessel Celebrity Solstice departed from Auckland yesterday marking the end of its 2013/14 cruise season.
While the overall industry numbers have remained stable on last season at about 200,000 passengers, Royal Caribbean said its numbers had increased by about 16 per cent to 71,000 helped by a surge in passengers from Europe and the United States.
"New Zealand tourism has enjoyed a boost in profile within the global cruise tourism industry," said Gavin Smith, regional vice-president, Asia-Pacific for the cruise line.
"It is set to bring even more tourists to the country as well as drive competition and quality of services in the region," he said.
Peter McCormack, Royal Caribbean's national sales manager for Australia-New Zealand said the new ship meant the line had more capacity without using another vessel.
Explorer of the Seas was now based in New York and cruised throughout the Caribbean.
Voyager will go into dry dock in October and Explorer next year for multimillion-dollar revitalisation which will include "virtual balconies" that bring live ocean and destination views into interior staterooms on LED screens.
"You get the feeling you're on the outside but really you're on the inside."
McCormack said the 2014-15 season looked like a strong one.
"It looks like a positive and solid season. Booking started off gangbusters in January so we're setting up for another strong season."
Cruise New Zealand expects voyages to be up slightly to 125, port calls down slightly at 705 and passenger numbers to remain steady at 200,000.
Theatre onboard the Explorer of the Seas.
Explorer of the Seas
• Maiden voyage October 28, 2000.
• 137,308 tonnes.
• 310m long.
• 3840 guests in 1557 staterooms.
• 1185 crew members.
• 15 decks.
• Onboard ice-skating rink.
• 10 pools and whirlpools.
• 15 bars, clubs and lounges.
• Rock climbing wall, basketball court, a jogging path, an inline skating track.
• 9-hole mini-golf course and golf simulator.
