The 5-star cruise ship Volendam is set to depart from Auckland Harbour this afternoon with almost 1,400 gay men on board - and about half a dozen lesbians. All aboard: The Volendam in Auckland Harbour today Setting sail at 4pm today, the cruise will visit Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Melbourne on its way to Sydney's Mardi Gras celebrations. It's the first time an all-gay cruise ship has come to New Zealand. The ship boasts two large swimming pools, a casino, health spa facilities, a fitness centre, jogging track and art collection. Guests will enjoy drag shows and other live entertainers each night of their ten-day cruise. Many American, European and Australian tourists have been seen around K' Road's bars this week sampling Auckland's gay nightlife ahead of their cruise. Family bar, Urge, and the Naval
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News Staff
First published: Wednesday, 17th February 2010 - 3:04pm