Dunedin, New Zealand, has a population of 136,000, while Port Chalmers, the main port, has about 1,450 residents. The Norwegian Sun cruise ship, which was in port when I visited on Wednesday, 29 January, carries more than twice that number of passengers and crew. Around 100 cruise ships are expected to dock at Port Chalmers during the 2024–2025 season, sometimes with two arriving on the same day.
I’m not a fan of cruise ships. Their environmental impact—from emissions, waste disposal, and damage to local ecosystems—is significant and largely unaccounted for. Although cruise ships contribute to the local economy, the financial benefits are limited to a small number of tourist destinations, retailers, and cafés. Passengers typically book tours and activities in advance of the ship’s arrival. Some explore Port Chalmers during their short stay, but most take a shuttle bus into town or join a guided tour to tourist hotspots.
When a cruise ship is in town, I am often mistaken for one of the passengers as I walk around with my camera. It makes me reflect on how I explore my city and whether my photographs differ from those taken by tourists during their brief visit—as they check off another stop on their preplanned, predetermined, and prepackaged itinerary.
97a. Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/800, f/5.6, 46 mm, ISO 160
97b. Chick’s Hotel from Grey St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/160, f/9, 83 mm, ISO 125
96c. Cruise Ship Shuttle, Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/1,000, f/6.3, 60 mm, ISO 250
97d. Cruise Ship Passengers and Markets Sign, Beach St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/500, f/6.3, 88 mm, ISO 125
97e. Beach St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/1,250, f/4.5, 78 mm, ISO 100
97f. Cruise Ship Passengers Crossing Grey St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/1,000, f/6.3, 66 mm, ISO 160
97g. Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship from Beach St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/500, f/6.3, 100 mm, ISO 160
97h. Norwegian Sun Cruise Ship from George St., Port Chalmers, Ōtepoti Dunedin, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Wed. 29 Jan. 2025 (Photo by Mark McGuire), Camera: Sony A7iii, Lens: Tamron 35-150mm f/2-2.8 Di III VXD, 1/1,000, f/7.1, 150 mm, ISO 125
What’s next?
I’ve been to the beach and an A&P Show. One of these will feature next week.
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You gave me a laugh, Mark. 97d. I couldn't help but imagine the tourists climbing up the wall ladder, as the sign suggests. ...And I know I shouldn't be judgemental, but... someone had been overeating at the constant buffet. Although, it is easy to do onboard.
I think cruise ships are a terrible burden, and really, only the port fees add to the local economy. But, it is a great way to see the world, if only in microcosm for a few hours. No packing and unpacking and wonderful service between ports. Yes, guilty! 24 days in 2023, including a visit to Israel for two days shortly before the fighting started (or between fighting). That was magic. I love some of my photos from the trip - the rest are rubbish!!!
Good stuff Mark. I’m really attuned to your musing about the differences between tourists and locals, having just returned from being a tourist in Patagonia. We (humans) are so eager to grade ourselves into locals and outsiders, to judge whose presence is more welcome or authentic. The distinctions we make don’t seem very meaningful in the end.
You gave me a laugh, Mark. 97d. I couldn't help but imagine the tourists climbing up the wall ladder, as the sign suggests. ...And I know I shouldn't be judgemental, but... someone had been overeating at the constant buffet. Although, it is easy to do onboard.
I think cruise ships are a terrible burden, and really, only the port fees add to the local economy. But, it is a great way to see the world, if only in microcosm for a few hours. No packing and unpacking and wonderful service between ports. Yes, guilty! 24 days in 2023, including a visit to Israel for two days shortly before the fighting started (or between fighting). That was magic. I love some of my photos from the trip - the rest are rubbish!!!
Good stuff Mark. I’m really attuned to your musing about the differences between tourists and locals, having just returned from being a tourist in Patagonia. We (humans) are so eager to grade ourselves into locals and outsiders, to judge whose presence is more welcome or authentic. The distinctions we make don’t seem very meaningful in the end.