Sydney Harbour reopens, Carnival Spirit sails tonight

As previously reported, it is mandatory for a harbour pilot to be on board a cruise ship before it enters Sydney Harbour and the pilot was prevented from boarding Carnival Spirit for her scheduled arrival at 6am yesterday because of the extreme weather conditions.

Passengers who were booked to sail last night were told that Carnival Spirit will now leave Sydney this evening on a revised itinerary that drops Mare and calls only at Isle of Pines and Noumea.

Passengers were offered a one-day refund and A$50 onboard credit.

A company spokeswoman said ‘only a handful’ of passengers opted to cancel and get a full refund.

Carnival Cruise Line’s vp Australia and New Zealand, Jennifer Vandekreeke, thanked passengers for their patience.

‘While this delay was unavoidable given the Harbour’s closure, we greatly appreciate the good cheer and understanding our guests have shown,’ Vandekreeke said.