Scenic Cruise of Fiordland Cancelled

20^thOctober 2019

The calm conditions travelling down the east coast from Dunedin changed dramatically as we reached the bottom of the South Island. Seas became rougher, the rain returned and by breakfast time the wind was blowing at 50 knots. All outside decks were closed and pools emptied. The Captain soon after announced that we would not be going to Fiordland, but steaming at full power in a NW direction to escape from the low pressure system causing this weather. 

Sitting at breakfast the ship was rolling around and the plates at our end of the buffet became airborne and scatted all over the floor, breaking a few of the “unbreakable” plates. 

Soon after there were more announcements about the cancellation of a matinee production show that was planned for the Princess Theatre as it was too rough to erect the set, and there was a concern that the dancers would be unable to stay on their feet. 

Once again, it rained for most of the day, but by around 3 pm, the wind  had abated to around 20 knots and seas were moderating down to around 4m.  There is a fair bit of disappointment amongst passengers as scenic cruising in Fiordland was supposedly the highlight of the NZ part of the cruise.

Our position at 3pm

I don’t think there is much enthusiasm on this ship for a repeat cruise to NZ.