The Wellington region's economy will receive a Christmas shot in the arm with the arrival of an estimated 8,500 passengers and crew from no less than three cruise ships calling at CentrePort this week.

The Dawn Princess, Diamond Princess and Volendam will all call at the port over the next few days as the cruise season moves into full swing.

CentrePort CEO Blair O'Keeffe says 10 cruise vessels have already called at Wellington this cruise season and a further 36 are scheduled to visit before the end of May. He said a new port-to-city bus service had been introduced, offering a frequent shuttle to the 'Golden Mile' and other city attractions.

CentrePort estimates that the cruise industry injects more than $30 million annually into the regional economy.