"I was a guest on the Ovation of the Seas and docked at your lovely city last week, and wanted to drop the newspaper a short letter to thank all the lovely residents who came down to the dock to farewell the ship.
"There appeared to be thousands, we joked perhaps the entire population of the city, and it was so very special, and almost humbling, to see so many people genuinely enjoying waving us goodbye and enjoying a glimpse of the ship.
"Many of us were at dinner, (and if you miss your spot, it is a disaster as there are another 4000 people waiting to take your place) and we were unable to wave back! My darling husband was waving madly from the restaurant and I had to gently explain with the tinted windows he would not be seen.
"I did want to let yourself and your readers know how very touched we all were, and how special you made it for us on board! It was a magnificent send-off for us, and next day and evening, it was the talk of the ship. Thank you good folk of Tauranga, we salute you!"
Diane Steed
Cruise ship passenger