Thousands of passengers aboard a P&O cruise have had their travel plans changed after their vessel was denied entry to New Zealand due to biosecurity issues.
P&O Cruises Australia confirmed to 1News that guests on the 13-day "Kiwi Adventure" voyage will now be directed to Tasmania instead.
"The ship left Sydney on Monday for hull cleaning off the Bay of Plenty, however the weather didn’t allow this to happen the itinerary has changed,” a spokesperson said.
Passengers aboard the Kiwi Adventure voyage took to social media to vent their frustration at the itinerary change. (Source: 1News)
The cruise operator apologised for the amendment, suggesting New Zealand’s "strict biosecurity requirements" were the reason behind the change.
“A change in the forecast conditions made it too dangerous for divers, and therefore we are unable to gain clearance to enter New Zealand."
In a statement, Biosecurity New Zealand’s northern regional commissioner Mike Inglis said they had been speaking with the cruise ship operator Carnival over the past few weeks about “concerning levels of biofouling” on the Pacific Adventure vessel.
“Our biosecurity rules are in place to protect us against pests such as exotic caulpera, which can impact New Zealand's environment, unique marine ecosystems, aquaculture industry, and economy,” he said.
Inglis confirmed the operator did attempt to clean the hull, specifically in the areas of concern.
“The photos they sent us showed the vessel had high risk organisms including mussel and oyster growth and could pose a risk to New Zealand if the ship cruised in our waters."
He said there has been a huge effort since the last season to alert cruise lines about their biosecurity requirements, including Biosecurity New Zealand staff meeting with Carnival to ensure they comply with New Zealand’s biofouling rules.
“To help manage the risk we've been asking cruise lines to submit all their documentation and risk management plans as early as possible so we can provide early notification of any cleaning requirements, helping avoid voyage delays," Inglis said.
"We appreciate that cleaning the hull of a cruise ship is a difficult and complex task often dictated by the weather."
A P&O spokesperson said passengers had been told before embarking on the trip that there could be "significant changes to the itinerary" due to the requirements.
They said passengers have since been offered additional compensation in light of the change.
"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."
Disappointed passengers took to social media to voice their frustration with one calling it the “worst vacation ever."
“This is going to be a long 9 days... worst vacation ever,” one person said.
Other guests said they wanted “a full refund” and called the compensation costs “petty.”
"This is just a turd covered in gold glitter. My husband has requested ET bring him home. Wish us luck," one person wrote.
Another said: "I honestly just want to go back home. Take me to Sydney."
SHARE ME