RHAPSODY OF THE SEAS DOCKS AT SHAKESPEARE BAY
29 December, 2009

Port Marlborough’s Waimahara Wharf in Shakespeare Bay today accommodated the biggest cruise ship ever to visit Picton, the Royal Caribbean International vessel Rhapsody of the Seas.

The 78,491 ton vessel, carrying 2,200 passengers was welcomed by Port Marlborough  general manager operations, Carmen Gimpl, who exchanged plaques with Norwegian Captain Stein Bjorheim in a ceremony conducted to recognise the inaugural visit of a ship to the port.

At 279 metres Rhapsody of the Seas was too big for Port Marlborough’s usual cruise ship berth at Waitohi Wharf in Picton harbour.

Waimahara Wharf, normally used for log ships, proved an excellent alternative with all arrangements going according to plan.

Many of the passengers took advantage of the local tours on offer while others spent time exploring the Picton township and taking in the Cruise Ship Art and Craft Market on the foreshore.