- P&O’s Pacific Adventure was scheduled to call at several ports in New Zealand, the Guardian reported.
- However, the request was rejected due to the presence of alien species on the hull, and the cleaning was canceled due to poor diving conditions.
- Passengers suffering from seasickness are eligible for refunds and $200 onboard credits after an appeal.
P&O cruise passengers The Guardian reports that the man is stranded on board and suffering from seasickness after the ship was turned back from New Zealand.
The cruise departed from Sydney, Australia last Monday and was scheduled to call at multiple ports in New Zealand.
However, the Guardian reported that the Pacific Adventure was prevented from entering New Zealand, which has strict biosecurity laws, because of an invasive species on the ship’s hull.
Divers had planned to remove three juvenile shellfish and one lace coral, but diving conditions were worse than expected, the Guardian reported.
As a result, passengers were left stranded at sea for longer than expected. One passenger, Jake Welch, told the Guardian: “Sick bags are rapidly disappearing from the stairwell.”
According to the Guardian, the cruise has been rescheduled to only call at three Australian ports.
“My wife and I are on this boring cruise everywhere we go. It’s such a shame. We will never travel on P&O again,” one passenger wrote on a Facebook page set up for the cruise. Stated.
Mr Welch told the Guardian that P&O initially offered passengers a 50 per cent “future cruise credit” scheme, which caused a backlash.
According to the Guardian, the airline is currently offering passengers refunds and a $200 onboard credit.
A P&O spokesperson told the newspaper: “We have listened to the feedback from our guests and understand that not everyone will want to cruise again.”
“We once again apologize for the change in itinerary. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.”
P&O Australia did not immediately respond to Business Insider’s request for comment outside local business hours.