Port Lyttelton says most cruise ships won't call there during the 2011 - 2012 cruise season because of the earthquake damage.
In most cases, the vessels will divert to Akaroa instead.
The company says the port will still cater for a few smaller cruise ships, which can berth in the inner harbour.
It still plans to build a new purpose-build cruise berth and intends to return to normal operations for cruise bookings in the 2012 - 2013 season.
