Top End tinnies to farewell 348m 'Ovation of the Seas' supercruiser

The Northern Territory boating community has been invited to help stage a Farewell Flotilla to send off the largest cruise ship to ever visit Australia, the Ovation of the Seas, on Tuesday, February 28.

The Ovation of the Seas measures 348m long, weighs almost 170,000 gross tonnes and carries 6000 people on board (4500 passengers, 1500 crew), making it a spectacular sight for those prepared to view the ship from the water. It's the fourth largest passenger ship in the world today.

Launched in April 2016, the $1 billion Ovation of the Seas boasts the world’s first Bionic Bar (where robots prepare and deliver drinks), a 90m-glass observation-viewing capsule, surfing experiences and indoor skydiving among the activities on offer.

Minister for Tourism and Culture Lauren Moss has announced the ‘Farewell Flotilla’ to enable Territorians to jump in their boats and wave goodbye to the immense ship from the water. If anyone snaps a pic of their tinnie with the ship as a background we'd love to see it!

"Territorians love their boats, so what better way to give the Ovation of the Seas a Top End send off than with a fleet of Territory tinnies," Ms Moss said.

A traditional water canon salute will welcome the Ovation of the Seas when it is expected to arrive at Fort Hill Wharf at approximately 8:00am on February 28.

Boaties planning on joining the Farewell Flotilla have been asked to launch from the Dinah Beach Boat Ramp and gather at Stokes Hill Wharf before 5:00pm to watch the Ovation sail off into the sunset.

"The cruise ship market is of growing importance to the tourism industry — it’s helped create jobs and that is why my Government wants to show support to this industry," Ms Moss said.

"The cruise industry is a key part of our plan to build a $2.2 billion visitor economy in the Northern Territory by 2020."

More on the Royal Caribbean line's ‘supercruiser’ at Ovation of the Seas.