Perfect day for a cruise

The biggest cruise ship to call here this summer, the Noordam, spent the afternoon and evening yesterday at anchor in the Bay. Picture by Liam Clayton

The cruise ship Noordam made an impressive sight out on Turanganui-a-Kiwa/Poverty Bay yesterday and the city centre was busy with passengers who came ashore for the afternoon and evening.

Noordam became the third cruise ship to visit Gisborne so far this season, going to anchor late in the morning.

She had 1800 passengers on board and most came ashore.

The first tender arrived at the inner harbour from the Holland America Line’s Vista Class ship at around 12.40pm and they kept coming and going all afternoon.

A spokesman for the ship’s agents said there was a bit of chop on the water but that did not stop them.

“There was a degree of concern about storm debris in the Bay but the tender operators were all made aware of it, and it was not an issue.

“It was a very successful visit, with great weather and lots of excursions.”

Many passengers went on tours to the wineries, there was a farm tour and a visit to the stingrays at Tatapouri. The steam train Wa165 was operating, and other bus tours took the visitors around town.

Many of the passengers simply chose to walk around the central city, sightseeing and shopping.

“They were a mixture of Americans, Europeans, Australians, some Chinese and some Kiwis,” the ship’s agents`’ spokesman said.

The big ship has called here several times before.

Eastland Port operations manager Andy Kinsella said it was great to see the return of the Noordam.

“She’s the largest cruise ship we will see this season, and will visit our city three more times over the next few months.”

Noordam arrived here from Kaikoura and sailed at around 11pm last night for Napier.