The vessel was originally due to leave Otago Harbour at 6pm on Monday, but because fog delayed the cruise ship's arrival, its captain decided to delay its departure until 9pm.
Fog then rolled into the harbour again at departure time and the ship, carrying up to
2000 passengers and 820 crew, had to stay overnight.
It was finally able to leave for Akaroa about 12.30pm yesterday.
Despite the disruption, the fog proved to be an unexpected tourist attraction.
Many passengers made the most of the opportunity to take photos of the fog rolling into the harbour at sunset on Monday and sunrise yesterday.
Dunedin's tourism operators were delighted the ship ventured into the harbour on Monday, saying it possibly saved them thousands of dollars in lost revenue.
i-Site manager Louise van de Vlierd said passengers were able to disembark again yesterday morning and spend much of the morning back in the city.
``Apparently, there were a few shuttles going back and forth to town.
``Passengers were doing some shopping in town and around port, so it was great for the local retailers.''
The fog also continued to disrupt other shipping movements in the harbour yesterday.
The next cruise ship to arrive will be Celebrity Solstice on Sunday, carrying up to 2852 passengers and 1250 crew.
It is less likely to strike delays because the MetService forecasts the present fog-causing weather system will move eastward.
