The cruise ships Ovation of the Seas and the Pacific Adventurer have a total capacity of 7000 passengers.
Ovation of the Seas was set to arrive in Dunedin today but due to a medical emergency the ship returned to Sydney and has since proceeded directly to Wellington.
Speight’s Ale House owner and Hospitality New Zealand branch president Mark Scully was disappointed, but understood the contingencies that came with the cruise season.
"Everybody looks forward to the cruise ships, so it’s always disappointing when they’re cancelled.
"We would love those customers here spending money, but of course somebody’s health comes first."
The Pacific Adventurer had been scheduled to arrive in Dunedin on Wednesday.
"Every year there are a number of cancellations that are simply out of anyone’s control.
"We just look forward to the next one that comes."
Mr Scully said Dunedin businesses still afloat since the Covid lockdowns managed to survive that period without any visits from cruise ships.
"I don’t know if any businesses rely on them as such but it’s certainly a nice bonus."
Vault 21, Deja Vu, Prohibition Smokehouse and Catacombs owner Andre Shi said the cancellations had been affecting sales for many Dunedin businesses.
"It definitely affects the day trade in the restaurant alongside with retailers and all the other cafes in town — especially on George St, the mall and the Octagon as well."
Ovation of the Seas’ next visit to Dunedin is scheduled for December 18 and the Pacific Explorer would return early next year.
