A "momentous occasion" will be marked tomorrow when the largest cruise ship to sail Australasian waters arrives in Napier.
After visiting the ports of Auckland, Tauranga, and Dunedin, the Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas will make its first and only stop in Napier this season.
Eighteen decks high, weighing in at 168,666 tonnes, with capacity for 6500 guests and crew, the ship is the fourth largest cruise ship in the world - at 348m long it is said to be longer than Auckland's Sky Tower is tall.
With its immense size, Royal Caribbean Australia and New Zealand managing director Adam Armstrong said the ship came with an "unprecedented variety" of activities for passengers.
This included more space for relaxation, 18 different dining options, and more of the "unique amenities that Royal Caribbean is famous for" - including an onboard surfing simulator, and rock climbing wall.