Arrival of the biggest cruise ship to visit NZ

Arrival of the biggest cruise ship to visit New Zealand

P&O Cruises has released the full calendar of New Zealand visits this summer for the biggest cruise ship ever to sail here - the 109,000-ton Star Princess.

Part of the US-based Princess Cruises' fleet, the capacious Star Princess will make 6 first-time calls and 23 ensuing visits at New Zealand ports during the season of November 2003 - February 2004.

She will visit Auckland, Tauranga, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.

Towering 18 storeys and carrying 2,600 passengers and 1,100 crew, the two-year-old Star Princess is twice the size of the legendary Titanic and is as high as the Auckland Harbour Bridge.

She has all the standard features expected of a ship of her class and special features include a wedding chapel, Star Trek-like bridge, a spectacular glass-walled nightclub, internet café, art gallery, nine-hole putting course, gym and jogging track.

Star Princess has 1,300 cabins including 710 with private balconies and a wrap-around promenade that enables passengers to visit the tip of the bow, Titanic-style.

STAR PRINCESS VISITS:

Tauranga (one visit)

Nov 22

Auckland (four visits)

Nov 23

Dec 8

Jan 3

Jan 31

Wellington (six visits)

Dec 6

Dec 10

Jan 1

Jan 5

Jan 29

Feb 2

Christchurch (six visits)

Dec 5

Dec 11

Dec 31

Jan 6

Jan 28

Feb 3

Dunedin (six visits)

Dec 4

Dec 12

Dec 30

Jan 7

Jan 27

Feb 4

Fjordland National Park, cruising only (six visits)

Dec 3

Dec 13

Dec 29

Jan 8

Jan 26

Feb 5

Bookings and cruise brochures are available from travel agents or by calling the P&O Cruises freephone on 0800 441 766 or by visiting the company's website at http://www.pocruises.co.nz/

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