The world’s second largest cruise company, Royal Caribbean Cruises, is expanding into the New Zealand market by opening an Auckland-based office.

The move is part of a wider push to regionalise its operations.

Royal Caribbean Australia general manager Gavin Smith said the company had identified 12 markets in the global industry where it could capitalise on the growth of the cruising market by having wholly owned businesses, including Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand.

The move was trade-related rather than a commercial decision, he said.