Centreport Welcomes Another Inaugural Cruise Ship Visit

Tomorrow morning the MS Maasdam will be welcomed to Wellington for the first time, as post-earthquake repairs allow the cruise season to continue.
The 220-metre vessel will bring 1840 passengers and crew to the Capital – a welcome sight for retailers and tourism operators, says Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency chief executive Chris Whelan.

“After the inaugural visit of the Pacific Aria last week, this latest new arrival shows that passengers are eager to visit Wellington, despite the recent earthquake. We’re looking forward to a bumper cruise season.”

CentrePort Chief Executive Derek Nind says the Port’s second cruise berth has enabled the Capital to keep the cruise season going, while the company assessed the status of the cruise terminal building, which remained closed. He said shuttle buses would be provided to transport passengers to the city, as the walkway from the cruise terminal was also closed.

“We always enjoy having cruise ships visit Wellington, and their contribution to the regional economy is particularly welcome at this time. We look forward to receiving further cruise ships over the summer, as more services resume at the Port.

“Tomorrow we’ll also be recommencing limited container shipping at the Port, although we’ll have to use the ship’s cranes because our two gantry cranes are out of action. We’re now looking at alternative options to get containers moving through the Port.

“We remain committed to our customers and the Wellington region. This latest cruise ship visit shows we’re making good progress in resuming services at the Port.” says Mr Nind.

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