Nelson city will welcome the 198 metre luxury cruise ship MV Seabourn Sojourn on Tuesday 4th February. The ship which carries 450 passengers and 330 crew will berth for the day at Port Nelson, with over 100 passengers taking tours of the region including wine and art experiences, Happy Valley Adventures and the highlights of the Abel Tasman National Park. The remaining 350 passengers are expected to take use of the free shuttle bus provided by Port Nelson and Nelson Coachlines, and head into Nelson city to shop and explore.

Nelson Tasman Tourism International Marketing Manager Loren Heaphy has indicated that there will be opportunities for Nelson City retailers and asks that the city welcomes passengers with open arms. Mrs Heaphy suggests retailers might offer cruise passenger discounts, write welcome messages on shop windows or sandwich boards and ask confused looking visitors if they need help finding something.

Mrs Heaphy said “It is really important that cruise passengers have a wonderful experience in Nelson Tasman so we create a lasting impression which will encourage more cruise ships to visit the region. We are eager to develop this important sector and the easiest way to attract more cruise ships is by providing a first class experience for those we already have visiting”.

For those wanting to watch the luxury liner arrive and depart, it will pass through the cut and into Port Nelson at around7.30am on Tuesday the 4th February and depart at around 6.30pm the same day.

The cruise visit comes following significant joint marketing effort by Nelson Tasman Tourism and Port Nelson and Nelson Tasman Tourism Chief Executive Lynda Keene is delighted by the progress the team has made in attracting cruise ships to the region. “To go from zero cruise ships two years ago, to a record 7 in the 2014/2015 season is a huge success, and we look forward to seeing even more in the future”.

Both Port Nelson and Port Tarakohe have seen unprecedented growth in cruise ship visits due to the considerable work by Nelson Tasman Tourism and Port Nelson.

ENDS

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