Asuka II arriving at Auckland (14) - 20 February 2015

The arrival of a cruise ship in port is an exciting thing to watch or be part of as a passenger. It is especially so when the surroundings are dramatic or beautiful like Auckland.

The NYK operated 'Asuka II' arrived from Sydney for a night in port before departure for Nuku'alofa, Tonga on its 2015 South Pacific Grand Cruise.

I photographed a long series of this arrival, mostly into or across the early morning sun and have posted as few as I can bear.

In the final five shots of this series I hope to convey the excitement of watching from, in this case, a hotel balcony and, in this last shot, the excitement for the passengers as their ship comes to rest before an iconic city skyline.

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