A plan for an overseas passenger terminal on Captain Cook Wharf is being proposed as new figures suggest Queens Wharf will be stretched to accommodate the booming cruise ship business.

Architect Gordon Moller has suggested extending Captain Cook Wharf, east of Queens Wharf on the Auckland waterfront, and building a double-sided overseas passenger terminal to allow two ships to berth simultaneously.

His comments coincide with better-than-expected bookings for cruise ships and a message to Auckland to expect larger ships.

Cruise New Zealand chief executive Craig Harris said about 68 cruise ships were expected to visit Auckland this season, 90 next year and more than 100 bookings had already been confirmed for 2012.

Mr Harris said he had returned from the United States, where cruise lines said Auckland should expect larger ships of 320m to 330m carrying 3000 to 3500 passengers within five to seven years.

FMI: Bold plan offers extra terminal space for more cruise ship visits - National - NZ Herald News