The scheduled arrival of Carnival Spirit in Sydney, which was set for early the morning of April 21, has been delayed due to severe weather which has led to the closure of Sydney port and prevented the Harbour Pilot from boarding the ship, Carnival Cruise Line said in a statement.
High winds have caused minor damage to some external features, such as an equipment cover and some partitioning, while heavy rains have dampened some doorway carpets, Carnival said. This damage is superficial and has not affected the ship’s operation in any way. Guests and crew are safe and the Captain is ensuring guests are as comfortable as possible while the ship waits for the Harbour to reopen.
The ship is now sailing off the Sydney coast until the port is reopened and the Harbour Pilot is able to board, Carnival said. It is a mandatory maritime requirement for a Harbour Pilot to board any cruise ship before it enters Sydney Harbour.
Carnival Cruise Line is in close contact with the Port Authority of NSW regarding when the port will reopen. The Port Authority has advised that Sydney port will not reopen tonight.
Carnival Spirit is returning from a 12-night cruise to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji and is carrying 2500 guests.
The ship is continuing to offer a full program of onboard activities and entertainment.
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