KEY POINTS:
It was the perfect day for sailing on the Hauraki Gulf today - clear blue skies, light sea breezes and a gentle swell.
But instead of sailing the sparkling waters, passengers aboard P&O's Pacific Star were being off loaded, deck by deck, after the captain announced the cruise liner was not fit to sail.
Details surrounding the cancelled cruise remain hazy, which has annoyed many of the passengers on board.
The company has said the need for repairs to a ventilation duct needed further review.
But passenger Arlene Olsen of Auckland said: "We still don't know what's wrong."
"We felt we were boarded on false pretences. As people who have paid to go somewhere they should have been up front with us a lot earlier," she said, standing outside the red customs gates on Quay St.
Mrs Olsen said passengers were told there was something wrong with the ship's certificate - it was not up to scratch - but no further information was given.
Christchurch resident Gary Woodward said he felt sorry for passengers who were unable to make other arrangements.
"We've been sitting here with no information. We still don't know what's wrong with the boat."
As Mr Woodward left the wharf, he said he was en route to Flight Centre to try and book a flight to Brisbane so he could continue with his travel plans.
Another passenger, Pam from the Coromandel, was appalled by the company's handling of the situation.
"It's absolutely disgusting," she said. "We've got plans to carry on in Brisbane but they wouldn't book flights for us because we live in New Zealand. We've got to do it ourselves."
Pam's partner Kevin said he was up until 5am waiting for the boat to set sail.
It is understood passengers were given a full refund on the cruise, plus an extra $150 each and open access to the bar.
