More than 40,000 New Zealanders took a cruise last year.
International Cruise Council Australasia figures showed New Zealand cruise passenger numbers rose 36 percent last year, to 42,886, when compared to 2009.
Over the past five years, New Zealand cruise numbers swelled by 62 percent from 26,510 in 2006.
The 2010 numbers reflected growing interest in cruising worldwide, council general manager Brett Jardine said.
NZPA