To all those on cruises to New Zealand and have upcoming cruises to New Zealand

[eddieg07410]

Been reading the forecasts as we are scheduled to leave on 2/18 from Auckland. With the impending cyclone schedule to arrive this Sunday I imagine there will be many ports canceled, flight disruptions, and perhaps ship cancelations. I would like to hear from passengers currently on ships head to/from New Zealand and those that have upcoming cruises as to what Viking is planning.

[SoCray4Cruz]

We’re scheduled to depart Auckland 2/16. I am also interested in what others have heard.  It’s apparently a tremendous storm.  A New Zealand new source for reference

 

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/act-now-kiwis-urged-to-use-today-to-prepare-for-cyclone-gabrielle-deluge/JXKHU5YK7ZESPNOY3W46TZYJAI/

Edited February 11, 2023 by SoCray4Cruz

[miller1327]

On the Orion in Christchurch today and heading north toward Auckland. The Captain just announced he plan. We will stop in Wellington as scheduled tomorrow. Napier and Tauranga are cancelled and we will now go up the west side of the country instead of East. At this point, he is suggesting arrival in Auckland, going behind the storm, on schedule on the 15th to leave the ship on the 16th. Of course all subject to change. 

[eddieg07410]

12 hours ago, miller1327 said:

On the Orion in Christchurch today and heading north toward Auckland. The Captain just announced he plan. We will stop in Wellington as scheduled tomorrow. Napier and Tauranga are cancelled and we will now go up the west side of the country instead of East. At this point, he is suggesting arrival in Auckland, going behind the storm, on schedule on the 15th to leave the ship on the 16th. Of course all subject to change. 

How rough are the waters?

[miller1327]

Not at all now. Just entering Wellington after a very smooth night. 

[Pushka]

The cyclone hit Norfolk Island off the coast of Australia a day or so ago and has left. Thankfully not as bad as predicted. It is only now heading towards NZ. 

[SoCray4Cruz]

Thanks for the update.  Happy sailing the rest of the way!

[Heidi13]

On 2/11/2023 at 8:40 AM, eddieg07410 said:

How rough are the waters?

 

At present (Sunday) the forecasts are showing 40 kt winds and seas of 20 to 30' off the East Coast.

[miller1327]

Estimating from the tracker, we are around 50 miles out to the East and approaching the perpendicular to Auckland as we continue Northwest. Nearly direct tailwind and seas maybe 15 feet. Overall, still a pretty comfortable ride. About to go to the theater to watch the Super Bowl. 

[miller1327]

Sorry, we are WEST - big difference. Still on track to scheduled arrival in Auckland Wednesday morning.