Thousands of Australian passengers headed for a two-week New Zealand cruise had their itinerary flipped after the ship was rejected by border control, sending them for a trip to Tasmania.
P&O Cruises Australia confirmed to 9News the 13-day Kiwi Adventure voyage onboard the Pacific Adventure had its itinerary changed as the ship was set to arrive in New Zealand waters.
The cruise ship left Sydney on Monday and was headed for a hull cleaning off the Bay of Plenty but the weather didn’t allow it to happen, a spokesperson said.
”We apologise that the itinerary has had to be amended,” the spokesperson said.
New Zealand’s strict border control meant the ship wasn’t allowed into the country’s waters without the hull being cleaned.
“A change in the forecast conditions made it too dangerous for divers, and therefore we are unable to gain clearance to enter New Zealand,” the spokesperson said.
This sparked a major change to the itinerary.
“In lieu of sailing around New Zealand, Pacific Adventure is on her way to Tasmania, and we hope guests will enjoy their time in Hobart, Port Arthur and Eden,” the spokesperson said.
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P&O Cruises Australia also claimed guests were notified before embarking on the cruise that there could be “significant changes to the itinerary” due to New Zealand’s biosecurity requirements.
“Guests have been offered additional compensation in light of this change to their itinerary,” the spokesperson said.
People on board the cruise ship are furious at the change, taking to social media to lament their frustrations.
“This is just a turd covered in gold glitter. My husband has requested ET bring him home,” one person wrote.
“Get me off this boat and give me a full refund,” another guest said.
“I honestly just want to go back home. Take me to Sydney,” a guest added.
