Rhapsody of the Seas really is a floating hotel of the highest order.
It has indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a day spa and fitness centre, conference rooms, two theatres, two dining options, a shopping area, casino, themed bars and different entertainers for every night of the cruise.
The ship had 36 different nationalities represented in its passenger list when it docked at Shakespeare Bay in Picton yesterday. It is the first time a ship has docked in the bay; cruise ships normally berth at Waitohi Wharf near the Cook Strait ferry terminals, but at 80,000 tons, the Rhapsody was simply too big.
The Marlborough Express was invited to be present when the ship and Port Marlborough exchanged plaques in a ceremony carried out when a ship first comes to a port.
Norwegian Captain Stein Bjorheim had plenty of positive things to say about the berth at Waimahara Wharf, Picton.
"It's a very solid, nice pier. We are always concerned about safe operation – today was good. We have a few extra ropes to the bollards at the south – it's good."
Last year Captain Bjorheim met with the Picton pilot in Christchurch to talk through the entry into the Sounds and to the berth at Waimahara.
"The first time into a new berth it's always touch and go. We had a long, slow entry with the pilot. It was flat calm [and] beautiful here [yesterday] morning and it all went to plan."
During the exchange of plaques, Port Marlborough general manager operations, Carmen Gimpl, speaking on behalf of the company and the wider Marlborough district, said they were "delighted" to have Rhapsody of the Seas at the port.
Captain Bjorheim said it would be an ongoing relationship.
"We were very impressed coming in through the Sounds this morning.
"The first time – we are explorers. This is only the second full season our ships have been down here [New Zealand]. Hopefully we can be part of this market in the future. It's good to see our guests all shooting off to take in the countryside."
Many of the 2200 passengers took advantage of the tours on offer both through the inbound tour operator and Destination Marlborough. Buses ferried passengers from the ship into Picton where more short tours were on offer while others spent time exploring the Picton township and taking in the Cruise Ship Art and Craft Market on the foreshore. The ship sailed for Wellington last night.
