Children affected by cancer had a whale of a time with their families yesterday on Ovation of the Seas, in an annual day of activities organised by Royal Caribbean Cruises and Camp Quality.  

About 20 children and their families participated in activities including rock climbing, swimming, and a turn on the North Star gondola, which takes passengers 92m above sea level and gives them panoramic views of the ocean.  

The ship played host to the children in the morning and early afternoon at Port Otago yesterday, before departing about 4.30 p.m.  

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd New Zealand general manager Mark Kinchley, who took parents on a tour of the boat, said the cruise line was all about family cruises, and it was ''a day where we could give back''.  

''They are so brave, they are so courageous and they give us strength.''

Otago Daily Post, 26 January 2019 - article by Elena McPhee  

https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/cancer-cast-aside-fun-day