Weather forces cancellation of ship visit to Wgtn

Monday, 20 December 2004, 12:09 am
Press Release: P and O Cruises

Weather forces cancellation of ship visit to Wellington

December 20, 2004

Weather forces cancellation of ship visit to Wellington

No passenger departures will be affected by the cancellation of the visit to Wellington of the biggest cruise liner ever to visit New Zealand.

The 116,000 tonne Sapphire Princess was due to dock in the capital this morning (Mon. Dec. 20) but her visit has been cancelled because of the storms lashing the country.

P&O Cruises spokesperson Shannon Currie says the ship was due to pick up no passengers in Wellington nor were any disembarking.

"Passengers aboard were in no danger. But with the weather the way it was we decided early this morning in conjunction with the captain not to proceed into Wellington.

"The vessel now goes straight on to Sydney."

Sapphire Princess carries 2,700 passengers and 1,100 crew. She is scheduled to make a further six visits to Wellington in January and February during the summer cruising season.

ENDS

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