Port of Tauranga to host mega cruise ship

Three cruise ships docked in Tauranga earlier this year. Photo/George Novak

Port of Tauranga will host the giant cruise ship Ovation of the Seas in its maiden voyage to New Zealand in the summer of 2016/2017.

The Royal Caribbean vessel is 348 metres long, more than 50 metres high and can host nearly 5,000 passengers and 1,500 crew.

With a price tag of USD$1 billion, the vessel has onboard entertainment such as a skydiving simulator, an aerial observatory and a bar staffed by robots.

Mark Cairns, Port of Tauranga Chief Executive said in a statement the cruise ship visit will be made possible by the dredging project about to commence in Tauranga Harbour.

"We're delighted to be able to accommodate larger ships such as the Ovation of the Seas. The introduction of bigger vessels shows the confidence that cruise companies have in New Zealand as a destination," said Mr Cairns.

"The cruise industry brings a lot of economic benefit to the wider Bay of Plenty economy."

Gavin Smith, Vice President of Royal Caribbean Cruises Asia Pacific, said Ovation of the Seas will change the face of the cruising industry in New Zealand.

"Confirming Tauranga as a port of call for the region's very first new-build cruise ship demonstrates our commitment to, and belief in the New Zealand cruising market."

"Each time the ship calls in Tauranga, she will deliver an injection of around NZD$780,000 into the local economy," said Mr Smith.

"Tauranga rates time and time again as one of our most popular New Zealand destinations. We look forward to sharing this beautiful destination with our guests from around the world." Mr Smith said.