The largest cruise ship to ever visit the Bay of Plenty has returned to Tauranga Harbour today.
The Ovation of the Seas has come into the Port of Tauranga about 9.30am after its initial visit to Tauranga on Boxing Day. The cruise ship was welcomed and farewelled by thousands of people who packed the shoreline and Mauao.
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This morning crowds gathered again, albeit fewer than before.
Ovation of the Seas is longer than three rugby fields, weighs 168,660 gross registered tonnes and carries 4762 passengers, 1600 crew, and is the fourth-largest cruise ship in the world.