Weather stops cruise ship

Adverse tidal and weather conditions forecast for tomorrow have forced the cancellation of cruise ship Seabourn Odyssey’s visit to Taranaki.

In an emailed statement, Port Taranaki chief executive Simon Craddock said a low pressure system was expected to produce wind and swell conditions that would make it impossible for ships to remain safely in the harbour.

The Metservice forecast for New Plymouth tomorrow is for showers, with possible thunderstorms and hail and strong westerlies. Waves of up to 3.6 metres are also expected.

The 198-metre-long vessel carries 450 passengers and was to be the first cruise ship to visit Taranaki since the Azamara Journey in February 2020.

It was due to arrive at 8am, with buses to take passengers into New Plymouth, before departing at 6pm.

The vessel is scheduled to make another visit to Taranaki in early March.