Christchurch quake deters cruise ships in peak season
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Date: February 25, 2011
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Prudence McKendry
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The Christchurch earthquake has forced three major cruise ships to rethink their journeys. Cunard’s the Queen Mary 2, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Sun and Princess Cruises’ Sun Princess have had to alter their routes. As well as resulting in significant casualties, the 6.3 magnitude earthquake considerably damaged Christchurch Central Business District and the coastal suburb of Lyttelton on Tuesday February 22. Activity at Christchurch’s Lyttelton Port is currently suspended and the port’s infrastructure and facilities have suffered extensive damage. Engineers and civil maintenance staff are continuing to carry out thorough structural checks. The port is expected to start receiving fuel and essential supplies from Saturday 26 February. All cruise ships will alter their routes to locations within New Zealand. A fourth liner, Princess Cruises’ Dawn Princess, is still considering whether to alter its route. This closure comes in the midst of the area’s peak tourism season.
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