Cruise visits to Gisborne back on track after weather cancellations

Turanganaui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay was perfect for the visit of the Silver Muse, with near calm conditions for the tendering ashore of the passengers. Photo / Murray Robertson

The cruise ship season rolled along without a hitch this time when the Silver Muse went to anchor on Friday in Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay.

A number of cruise visits were called off before New Year due to weather and sea conditions.

But conditions were said to be “manageable” for the tendering ashore of the Silver Muse passengers.

Most of the ship’s 500-plus guests came ashore. Many of them went for a trip on popular steam train Wa165 while others enjoyed a range of other excursions around the district.

The first of the 500-plus passengers on cruise ship Silver Muse arrived ashore in the inner harbour by tender at around 9.30am. Photo / Murray Robertson

Some chose to simply walk and shop in the city.

Many of the visitors enjoyed a trip to Muriwai and back on steam train Wa165.

“Overhead weather conditions could hardly have been better for the visit,” a ship’s agent told the Herald.

“It was another very successful visit. The passengers I’ve spoken to said it was a great day.”

Silver Muse sailed for Tauranga at around 6pm.

“The next cab on to the cruise ship rank this summer is the Norwegian Sun, making her maiden visit to Gisborne on Monday,” the agent said. “That’s marginal at this stage due to forecast sea conditions. We will not know for sure until closer to the day.”

The 78,000-gross tonne ship carries up to 1976 passengers and 906 crew.

At 258 metres in length, she will go to anchor in the Bay weather and sea conditions permitting.

Norwegian Sun is what’s described as a Sun-Class ship, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line.

She entered service in 2001.