P&O cruise ship forced to anchor in Jervis Bay on NSW south coast

A cruise ship carrying over 3000 passengers has been forced to anchor for two days on the NSW south coast due to “rough coastal conditions.”

A P and O Cruise ship hastake refuge and has been anchored in Jervis Bay due to strong winds. Picture: Maree Clout/Facebook

A cruise ship carrying over 3000 passengers has been forced to anchor for two days on the NSW south coast due to “rough coastal conditions.”

The P & O Pacific Adventure dropped its anchor at the north end of Jervis Bay on Saturday afternoon - according to local marine rescue, after braving rough six metre swells and strong winds over the weekend.

A spokeswoman for the cruising giant confirmed their ship had been moored at the bay due to rough weather, with 3,000 guests and crew on-board.

“Pacific Adventure is currently on a three-night sea cruise, returning to Sydney (Tuesday) morning,” she said.

“The forecasted weather for this voyage showed strong winds and high seas, so to avoid any uncomfortable conditions for guests on-board, the ship anchored inside the sheltered harbour of Jervis Bay on Sunday and will depart this evening.”

A cruise ship carrying over 3000 passengers has been forced to anchor for two days on the NSW south coast due to “rough coastal conditions.” Picture: Maree Clout/Facebook

On Sunday, Marine Rescue Jervis Bay released a statement confirming the ship was forced to stop, with wild winds forecast for Monday.

“As of 1pm (Sunday), westerly-southwest winds were blowing at 30 knots, combined with a strong southerly swell of 1.5m, increasing to 2-3m by late afternoon. And it’s expected to get even wilder overnight, with winds predicted to reach 40-45 knots,” the statement said.

The P & O Pacific Adventure dropped its anchor at the north end of Jervis Bay on Saturday afternoon, after braving rough six metre swells and strong winds over the weekend.Picture: Facebook/Emmas Coffee Spot

“But don’t worry, the ship is safe and sound.”

On Monday afternoon, passengers took to social media to let their friends and loved ones know they were safe but still on board and unsure of when they would be departing.

“Still anchored here in Jervis Bay and who knows when we are leaving,” Pam Parker wrote on Facebook.

“At least we are having a lovely time.”

Confused locals too shared images of the cruise ship on social media saying it is “not every day you see a cruise ship in Jervis Bay.”

“Why is there a massive P & O cruise ship in the Bay? I didn’t think they were allowed to do that,” Hannah Jane Boyd wrote in the Jervis Bay and Basin community Facebook group on Monday afternoon.

“We’ve got a big visitor. Welcome P & O Pacific Adventure,” Lee Harro wrote also.