At least six cruise ships for next season
The second of three cruise ships destined to visit Timaru this summer berthed at the port yesterday morning bringing hundreds of passengers keen to explore the area.
The return of cruise ships to Timaru began on January 14 after a three-year hiatus after the Seabourn Encore lost its moorings in high winds and collided with the Milburn Carrier II causing damage to the hull in February 2017.
Cruise industry bosses say there could be many more cruise ships for the town next year.
Cruise New Zealand executive officer Kevin O’Sullivan said there were six confirmed cruise ship listings for next season but more could definitely visit.
‘‘It’s a moving thing. All deployment changes as we get closer. But there’s certainly a reasonable number coming through next year.
‘‘We’re concentrating on getting through this year first and we’ll have a review and know what’s happening.’’
O’Sullivan said good weather and other attractions would always keep cruise ships coming back.
‘‘It looked like the passengers of the Seabourn Encore had a great time in Timaru and I’m sure the
Silver Muse people will do as well. ‘‘Long may it continue."
The vessel had about 550 mostly American passengers on board and they did not let the inclement weather stop them touring the town.
Jasna Logar, of Slovenia, said her first visit to Timaru had been a pleasant one.
‘‘I have been excited with every part of New Zealand that I’ve visited so far.
‘‘Timaru is my second favourite place in New Zealand behind Christchurch.’’
Stephen Hillier, of London, said Timaru was a ‘‘very positive, nice little town’’.
‘‘It has a very nice museum and beautiful botanical gardens.’’
Hillier said he especially enjoyed his visit to Rangitata MP Andrew Falloon’s offices.
‘‘He doesn’t need our vote but still had time to chat with us.’’
Andrew and Kaye Gordon, of London, said they were very impressed with their first visit to New Zealand.
‘‘What a lovely country but it could do with a little sunshine,’’ Andrew Gordon said.
The Silver Muse’s first ever visit to Timaru was greeted by dull grey weather, but passengers were thrilled with a special memento – the gift of a traditionally woven harakeke rose handed to them upon disembarking.
Aoraki Development operations manager Di Hay said the gifts were something by which passengers could remember the town.
‘‘They are always pleased to get the flaxen roses. They say it is a nice gesture that sets Timaru apart from the other ports.’’
Hay said the roses are a tribute to the world famous Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden and an acknowledgement of local Ma¯ori culture.
She said she had spent some time on board the vessel and there was a constant flow of people leaving the ship to spend time in town.
‘‘The weather is the weather, but one of the unexpected silver linings of the weather was passengers asking where they could buy jackets and merino clothing.’’
The Silver Muse’s visit yesterday will be followed by two more cruise ship berthings in February – Seabourn Encore returns on February 14 and Europa 2 a day later.