A captain's call saved Dunedin tourism operators potentially thousands of dollars in lost revenue after fog delayed the arrival of a cruise ship by three hours yesterday morning.
Thick fog covering the entrance to Otago Harbour delayed the arrival of Noordam, which has capacity for nearly 2000 passengers and 820 crew, until 11.30am.
It was due to arrive in Port Chalmers at 8am and depart at 6pm but the ship's captain extended the departure time until 9pm, because of the early morning delay.
However, that changed again last night as fog once again disrupted its scheduled departure time.
It was rescheduled to leave for Akaroa at noon today.
Port Otago commercial manager Peter Brown said last night there was a possibility it may leave slightly earlier.
The fog also disrupted other shipping movements in the harbour yesterday.
Dunedin i-Site manager Louise van de Vlierd said the day started out on a negative note but quickly turned positive once the ship was able to enter the harbour.
Because of the delayed departure time, tour operators were able to accommodate all of their bookings yesterday, she said.
''It's a win for the passengers, who spent three hours going around and around outside the harbour this morning, and it's a win for all the operators who didn't have to cancel any trips.
''It's what can happen when you have a very understanding captain,'' she said.
Passengers from the ship had a ''fantastic day'' in Dunedin.
Dunedin Railways chief executive Craig Osborne said the company had no cancelled bookings yesterday.
The decision to leave later was great for Dunedin Railways and great for the city, Mr Osborne said.
''The alternative is the ship doesn't get in, we have a total loss of revenue for the day and those visitors miss out on an experience of Dunedin.''
The extended day meant there were some operational challenges, particularly for the staff, but they would be worked though, he said.
Revenue would be slightly down compared to if the ship had arrived on time, but overall it had been a great decision by the captain, he said.
Tourism operators spoken to while waiting in Port Chalmers yesterday morning were happy to wait for the ship to dock, as long as it made it in.
Back to Nature Tours managing director Chris Roberts said while a delay was not ideal, it was part of the cruise ship business.
He had seven staff waiting for the ship to arrive yesterday morning, but as long as the ship made it in he would be happy.
''We plan for two to three cancellations each year, so delays like this aren't unexpected - but you don't like to see too many of them.''
MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said the sea fog was caused by an area of high pressure to the east of the South Island bringing warm air over the cooler sea water.
