The expected widespread impact of Cyclone Gabrielle has forced the cancellation of cruise ship Island Princess’ visit to Port Taranaki on Wednesday.
“We were informed at the weekend that, following an assessment of the likely effects of Cyclone Gabrielle, the vessel had made the decision to cancel her port call here on Wednesday and also the calls at Picton today and Wellington tomorrow. The vessel is instead heading directly to Melbourne from her last stop at Tauranga,” Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said.
“Although it is extremely disappointing, safety is the key concern – safety of the vessel and her passengers. Cyclone Gabrielle is forecast to impact weather and sea conditions throughout the North Island, so it is understandable that the master and cruise line have made this decision.”
At 294m-long and 62m-tall, Island Princess was to be the largest cruise ship to ever visit Port Taranaki.
“We were very much looking forward to this visit, so it’s very disappointing for everyone involved – the port, tour operators, the retail and hospitality businesses in Taranaki, and our organisational partners,” Mr Craddock said.
“We hope we have the opportunity to host Island Princess again in the future and her passengers are able to experience all the great things our region has to offer.”
It is the second time this summer a cruise ship visit has been cancelled because of weather.
In November, weather and associated swell conditions forced the cancellation of cruise vessel Seabourn Odyssey’s visit to Taranaki.
“The nature of shipping is dynamic and schedules can change quickly because of a number of factors, including weather. Unfortunately, this summer New Zealand has experienced several extreme weather events and on two of those occasions we have been scheduled to welcome a cruise ship to port,” Mr Craddock said.
Port Taranaki hosted Europa 2 and her 500 passengers late last month, and the smaller 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey is scheduled to visit on Saturday, 4 March.
