After the disappointment of Seabourn Odyssey’s cancelled visit to Taranaki in November, Port Taranaki is eagerly anticipating the arrival of cruise ship Europa 2 to the region on Thursday (26 January).
The 225m vessel, which carries 500 passengers and 370 crew, will arrive from Wellington at approximately 8am and her passengers will spend the day discovering Taranaki before departing for Golden Bay at 6pm.
A luxury cruise ship, Europa 2 boasts seven passenger decks, seven restaurants, six bars, an art gallery, theatres, spa and fitness areas, a 15m long pool, and golf simulators. She was named the best cruise ship in the world in 2020 by industry bible the Berlitz Cruise Guide.
“Europa 2 becomes the first cruise ship to visit since the COVID-19 pandemic halted international travel in 2020, so her arrival holds special significance,” Port Taranaki head of commercial Ross Dingle said.
“It was extremely disappointing that the weather and swell conditions meant Seabourn Odyssey wasn’t able to come to Taranaki last year, but it’s increased our excitement and anticipation for Europa 2’s visit.
“As we’ve mentioned in the past, it’s been a tough period for the cruise industry and the wider tourism sector, so this is a positive step forward for our region and we hope Taranaki tourism, hospitality and retail businesses benefit.”
Mr Dingle said the vessel would look impressive coming into port, and he hoped plenty of locals would grab a vantage point along the Lee Breakwater or Ngāmotu Beach and give the visitors a warm Taranaki welcome.
“As the sunniest region in New Zealand, we hope the weather also plays its part and Mt Taranaki makes an appearance.
“Taranaki is a fantastic destination with wonderful natural and historical places to explore, and a great arts, retail, café and restaurant scene to experience, so we wish the passengers a memorable day in Taranaki, and hope it whets the appetite for a longer stay on a return visit in the future.”
Mr Dingle said Port Taranaki had been working with Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki, the New Plymouth District Council, Ngāti Te Whiti hapū, the Taranaki Chamber of Commerce, tour operators and the New Zealand Cruise Association to promote the port and region and ensure Taranaki was highlighted as a ‘must-visit’ destination within the cruise industry.
Te Puna Umanga/Venture Taranaki GM Destination Brylee Flutey was also looking forward to working collaboratively with partners to drive momentum as visitor cruise returns.
“Prior to the pandemic, the cruise sector was a growing aspect of regional tourism in Taranaki and contributed over $500 million to the country’s economy. With a ‘team Taranaki’ approach, we can ensure Taranaki and our destination offering are front of mind for cruise operators moving forward.”
Following Europa 2’s visit, the largest cruise ship to ever visit Port Taranaki, the Island Princess, will arrive on Wednesday, 15 February. The vessel is 294m long and 62m high, has 12 decks for her more than 2200 passengers, and boasts a 900-strong crew.
The Seabourn Odyssey will return to Taranaki on Saturday, 4 March.
