Cruise liner's delayed departure a bonus for AK

Media release
Newmarket Business Association
Tuesday, 10 March 2009

Cruise liner Aurora's departure further delayed - a bonus for business

P&O's luxury cruise ship Aurora will now not leave until late Wednesday night at the earliest, according to a retail district enjoying the benefits of 2,000 passengers having to extend their shopping and sightseeing around Auckland.

"They were originally meant to leave on Saturday night. Then it was Tuesday night. Passengers are now telling us it's Wednesday night at the earliest due to engine problems. So we'll have them shopping in Newmarket for yet another day which is great for our retailers," says Cameron Brewer, head of the Newmarket Business Association. 

"Buses are continuously running between the port and Newmarket, with many cruise passengers highly visible down and around Broadway. The good news is with their extended stay, our retailers are getting some of these beautiful people out of their shell suits and into some designer fashion!

"Economic reports show that the Auckland regional economy benefits on average by $1 million with every cruise ship stopover. It has been a bumper season for the city so far with a staggering 25 cruise ships visiting Auckland in February alone. The Aurora's extra four days in port is disappointing for the passengers but a bonus for the Auckland economy."

Mr Brewer says he understands the 2,000 passengers will now go straight to Honolulu. The extended stay in Auckland has meant the Aurora will not visit the Bay of Islands, Wellington, Napier, Moorea, or Papeete as was originally scheduled.

"They're frustrated they're missing out on part of their cruise but they've said our retailers and the public have been very welcoming," says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS
 
 

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