Weather forces change of plans for Pacific Aria

Weather conditions have forced a change of plans for P&O cruise ship Pacific Aria that was scheduled to make its maiden visit to the Sunshine Coast tomorrow.

Forecast sea conditions have been deemed too rough to operate a safe tendering process for Pacific Aria’s passengers to come ashore, forcing the cancellation of their bookings and activities.

Mayor Mark Jamieson said the safety of cruise ship passengers who are ferried ashore during stopovers to the Sunshine Coast was the paramount consideration.

“We were very excited to welcome the Pacific Aria and its 1,500 passengers and crew to our region for the first time tomorrow but unfortunately we can’t control the weather and the safety of people on board the ship must come first,” Mayor Jamieson said.

“The good news is we have another cruise ship due to visit us on June 27 when the Pacific Jewel returns for the third time and it is one of 17 cruise ship stopovers planned for the Sunshine Coast between now and the end of next year.

“We know that P&O and a number of cruise ship companies are very impressed by what the Sunshine Coast has to offer as a stopover destination and our community is very much looking forward to showing their passengers and crew who visit over the next 18 months a great time.

“Given our usually favourable weather conditions and the terrific efforts of our local businesses and tourism operators in embracing these visits, I’m very confident we can continue to improve on the great ratings we’ve received from passengers in the past and build on our reputation as an excellent stopover destination for cruise ships.

“In light of this cancellation I encourage Sunshine Coast residents to support our local businesses wherever possible tomorrow and this weekend.”

Cruise ship arrivals 2016/17:

• Pacific Jewel – 27th June 2016
• Pacific Jewel – 10th August 2016
• Carnival Spirit – 16th August 2016
• Pacific Pearl – 4th September 2016
• Pacific Jewel – 24 October 2016
• Pacific Pearl – 26 November 2016

Next year:

• Pacific Jewel – 6 January 2017
• Seaborn Encore – 30 January 2017
• Pacific Jewel -22 February 2017
• Seaborn Encore – 8 March 2017
• Carnival Spirit – 7 May 2017
• Pacific Jewel 28th May 2017
• Pacific Jewel – 1 August 2017
• Pacific Explorer – 2 August 2017
• Pacific Explorer – 21 August 2017
• Pacific Explorer – 28 August 2017
• Pacific Eden – 22 December 2017