Royal Carribbean's megaliner, Ovation of the Seas, heads into Auckland this morning. Photo / Greg Bowker
Royal Carribbean's megaliner, Ovation of the Seas, heads into Auckland this morning. Photo / Greg Bowker
The largest cruise ship to visitNew Zealandmade its debut in Auckland this morning with nearly 6500 passengers and crew on board.
The 168,666-tonne, 348mOvation of the Seas set off from Sydney on December 18 and arrived in Waitemata Harbour at 6.30am. It is owned by cruise line operator Royal Caribbean.
Its length is 20m more than the height of the 328m Sky Tower, and Ovation is anchored in the harbour off Queens Wharf as it is too big to dock at the wharf. Passengers have to be ferried about 800m on bright yellow tenders to Wynyard Wharf in the Viaduct area.
Ovation of the Seas sails past Rangitoto. Photo / Greg Bowker
Those wanting to get a closer glimpse of the luxury megaship can jump aboard two sailings, run by The New Zealand Maritime Museum, which will take passengers out onto the harbour and sail around Ovation. The first 45-minute sailing will take depart tomorrow at 2.45pm and another is scheduled for the same time on January 14.
Ports of Auckland spokesman Matt Ball said Aucklanders would get the best views of the megaship from Queens, Princes and Wynyard wharves, Devonport and Stanley Point.
"Just don't stop on the harbour bridge."
Auckland businesses can look forward to an economic boost, during a typically quiet spell, with the cruise expected to contribute more than $1.5 million to the city's economy this season.
People line Devonport's North Head to watch Ovation of the Seas enter Auckland harbour. Photo / Greg Bowker
The onboard amenities include a surfing simulator, rock-climbing wall, rollerskating rink, circus school and 18 restaurants, pubs and cafes.
Royal Caribbean Australasian managing director Adam Armstrong said the arrival of the Ovation in New Zealand was a first for the cruise industry.
"This occasion marks the first time that a cruise line has ever based a brand new ship in this market. We're so proud to share this momentous occasion with the people of New Zealand."
