Cruise Ship Forced to a Halt in Extreme Weather

Severe weather in New Zealand halted Princess Cruises' ship, the Sea Princess, in the country’s South Island Saturday. Fortunately, all passengers are safe.

Strong winds and heavy rain forced crew members to take passengers to the shore at Akaroa, which is about 50 miles from South Island’s biggest city of Christchurch.

While some passengers spent the night at the village with local families and some found accommodation in hotels, others were taken by a bus to Christchurch, said the city’s mayor to the Wall Street Journal.

The mayor went on to say that the experience may have been an added bonus because passengers were able to experience the picturesque French village and meet the locals.

Reports said the arrival of the vessel at Akaroa Harbor signals the beginning of a busy cruise season. About 90 passenger ships are expected to arrive between now and April.

After improving weather conditions, the ship went on to sail again.