Colossal cruise ship makes dock in Bay waters

Explorer of the Seas on its maiden voyage to Tauranga yesterday.

Explorer of the Seas became the largest cruise ship to dock in Tauranga, on its maiden voyage to the city yesterday.

The ship's visit drew crowds of people to Pilot Bay last night, braving strong winds to see the liner depart.

Among these were Lucy Marwick, who brought her mother and two girls to the beach for a picnic dinner and dessert.

The family feasted on fried rice and frittata while waiting for the Explorer of the Seas to depart.

"I was leaving work and thought it would be nice to bring my mum, who is visiting from England, down to check it out," she said.

"We come down throughout the cruise ship season, probably about once a week, to see the ships off."

Her mother Liz Eveleigh said seeing the ship was an amazing sight and it was a great boost for the economy.

"I've never been on a cruise but I've seen a few ships around the place.

"There are no ports near my home that are suitable for a cruise ship."

Tourism Bay of Plenty general manager Rhys Arrowsmith said the visit of the Explorer of the Seas was the start of the next big growth for cruise ships into the Bay.

"It's the vanguard for the Ovation of the Seas next year with over 7000 aboard."

Mr Arrowsmith said 79 cruise ships were due to visit Tauranga this season.

This would grow to 100 next year and 112 the following year.

Explorer of the Seas

* 312m, 138,194 tonnes

* The Royal Caribbean's newest and largest megaliner based in this region

* During the 2015/16 cruise ship season Explorer of the Seas will make nine visits to Tauranga, with the last being on March 1 next year.

* The ship, which has just had a $122 million refurbishment in Spain, features 15 bars and restaurants, a surf simulator, rock-climbing wall, three swimming pools, and nine-hole mini golf course.