Cruising into harbour
Cruise ship visits to Taranaki will provide more opportunities to promote the region, a tourism leader says.
The Dutch-registered Maasdam berthed at Port Taranaki yesterday for a one-day visit during a two-week voyage around New Zealand.
At 220m long it is one of the biggest cruise liners to visit.
At the helm was Captain Ryan Whitaker with 18 years’ seagoing experience and on his second contract with owners Holland America Line.
The arrival went without incident on a calm morning with passengers given a full view of Mt Taranaki before the sky clouded over, Whitaker said.
The Maasdam is one of two cruise ships scheduled to dock at New Plymouth this summer, with the Caledonia of the Sea expected on New Year’s Eve.
Up to 790, mainly elderly, passengers were greeted with a kapa haka welcome at the port early in the morning before boarding shuttles and buses to visit well-known tourist attractions including Pukeiti Rhododendron Gardens, Egmont National Park, and the Len Lye Centre.
Port Taranaki customer relationship manager Chris Dillon said the international cruise liner market was growing and it presented good opportunities for New Plymouth.
‘‘There are more ships coming down to New Zealand and we have an excellent chance to grab a part of the market,’’ Dillon said.
‘‘We’ve have proved we can host cruises with our first class assets and we can welcome passengers efficiently without compromising the operations of the port.
‘‘It is a sign the region was becoming a recognised stop on the cruise ship itinerary.’’
Taranaki has not been a regular stopover for cruise ship visits and the port company has been working with the industry to promote the city as a destination.
Three cruise ships each visited Taranaki in 2017 and 2016.
For retired Sydney couple, Leo and Jean Ireland, the trip is their fourth to New Zealand, but the first time on a ship.
Both in their early 80s, the Cronulla couple have had a relaxing voyage, Leo Ireland said.
Previously they rented a car or took a bus while visiting New Zealand. Now it’s time to try out a cruise, he said.
‘‘The price, $1700 for 14 days, was right.
‘‘We’ve been on the ship for the last six days after flying over from Sydney.
‘‘We’ve been very happy with the way it has gone so far, the staff have been great and the food is good.
Before arriving in New Plymouth the Maasdam had sailed from North America and the Carribean to Auckland, Tauranga, Napier and Wellington.
It will continue its voyage to the South Island, stopping off at Kaikoura, Akaroa, Dunedin, and Fiordland before sailing back to Sydney, followed by stopovers in Fremantle, Asia, San Francisco and eventually the Baring Sea, near the Arctic Circle.
The Maasdam has a maximum capacity of 1270 passengers and 580 crew and is fully serviced with an array of restaurants, bars, theatres, conference rooms, sports deck, heated sea water pools, spa and gym.
Identities including Oprah Winfrey and former prime minister Helen Clark have provided entertainment for passengers on some voyages, cruise director Jonathan McNally said.
McNally said the each port visited had provided something different.
‘‘This could be a massive opportunity for the region if you want it to be,’’ he said.
‘‘New Zealand is becoming known as an exotic location, and with the number of European ports becoming off limits, you will see a growth in cruise ships visiting here.’’
Cruises contribute $434 million annually to the economy.