The American couple, who hail from Vashon Island, "just outside of Seattle", have been passengers on the Seabourn Quest.
The luxury cruise ship is known for its intimate size (about 460 guests), all-suite accommodations and inclusive fine-dining from Michelin-star chefs.
The ship stopped in Dunedin yesterday and the couple were "really impressed" by what they saw.
They even had a Dunedin connection — Otago rowing coach Richard Parr taught their children about a decade ago.
"When I saw [Dunedin] on the map, I went, oh, this is Richard’s town," Mrs Kicinski said.
The couple had no firm plans during their stay in Dunedin, although they would be partly guided by their love of geocaching and a need to purchase possum yarn for their daughter.
It had been a huge pleasure travelling with the Seabourn Quest, which was bound for Lyttelton today, they said.
"On these ships, you really get to know the people a lot better, there’s more of a community.
"And it’s a really nice way to travel; where you don’t have to unpack every day and move and figure out how you’re getting where you’re going."
They did not mind the cold weather of Dunedin.
"This is what we expect at home," Mrs Kicinski said.
Seabourn Quest was one of two cruise ships which arrived in Dunedin yesterday, the other being the larger Discovery Princess, which hosts up to 3650 guests.
