The Scenic Eclipse II arrived at Port Taranaki on Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, starting the region’s six-visit cruise season.
The vessel, which has capacity for 228 guests, arrived at 8:00 a.m. from Wellington and departed for Norfolk Island at 2:00 p.m., the post announced in a press release.
Port Taranaki General Manager Commercial Ross Dingle said: “We’re really excited about the season getting underway.”
This season marks the second year of the five-year Taranaki Cruise Strategy, which aims to sustainably increase cruise visits to have 28 cruise ship visits by2028.
To ensure the 2024-25 season gets off on a successful footing, a Taranaki-wide cruise operational team has ensured that the region is “cruise ready.”
According to the press release, they have brought together representatives from Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, Port Taranaki, New Plymouth District Council, iwi and hapū, retail and hospitality and tourism operators.
“The Scenic Eclipse II is a smaller vessel, and attraction of these smaller, luxury, expedition-type vessels is a key part of our strategy as we look to grow tourism in a high value, sustainable way for the region,” added Brylee Flutey, GM Destination, Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki.
Flutey added that with about 5,000 passengers set to visit the region this season, the Team Taranaki approach was crucial to ensuring coordination across all aspects of a vessel’s visit.
“We want our visitors to have an exceptional experience. These positive passenger experiences also help to encourage cruise lines to retain Taranaki on future schedules, with passenger feedback playing a key role in future destination decisions.”
On Friday, passengers were greeted by Ngāti Te Whiti hapū. The Visitor Information Centre team was at the Wharfside to assist with regional information. A group of volunteer city ambassadors will be on hand for general assistance to the visitors.
The second cruise ship of the season, the Silver Nova, is scheduled to arrive on Sunday, Dec. 15. It is the first of two visits for the Silver Nova this season, with the other on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025.
