Delayed due to bad weather: Sea Princess

New Zealand’s cruise season got off to a rough start on Saturday after a storm left 712 cruise passengers and 49 crew members from the Sea Princess temporarily stranded in Canterbury.

The Sea Princess arrived in Akaroa Harbour just hours before the weather closed in, forcing passengers to stay ashore for the night, with rough conditions making it unsafe to return to the ship, New Zealand media reported.

Passengers were taken back to the ship on Sunday before the Sea Princess left the harbour at around 6pm to cruise on to Fiordland.

Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker told those stranded he was sorry but said all “had a great time" and that it was a very positive atmosphere in the town as passengers enjoyed the local hospitality.

"I think there were a couple there who were missing the fact they didn't have an en-suite bathroom last night, but I spoke to dozens of people who spoke about the generosity of the local community," the mayor added.

A spokesperson for Princess Cruises told e-Travel Blackboard they are grateful to local authorities, tourism operators and the community of Akaroa and Christchurch for the support they gave passengers.