It was the hull of a cruise.
Hundreds of passengers were stranded on a Viking cruise ship off the Australian coast for a week after a potentially damaging growth was found on its hull.
The Viking Orion has been refused permission to dock in Adelaide because of “biofouls,” a build-up of microorganisms, plants, algae or small animals, the BBC reported.
Australia’s Department of Fisheries said the 745ft vessel, which can carry up to 930 passengers, needed to be cleaned to prevent “harmful marine organisms” from infiltrating the country.
“Commercial divers were contracted directly by the shipping company/agent to clean the hull while anchored outside Australian waters,” the agency said.
According to the BBC, the Orion was also reportedly denied permission to dock at Christchurch and Dunedin in New Zealand, and Hobart, Tasmania.
According to vessel tracking website VesselFinder.com, the vessel had not made a stopover since leaving Wellington, New Zealand on Boxing Day.
Passengers raged that their cruise was ruined because of the four canceled stops.
Kenn Heydrick said no one has been able to leave the ship since December 26.
The Viking Orion was denied docking permission due to “biofoul,” a buildup of microorganisms, plants, algae, or small animals. Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
“The level of frustration and anger among passengers is growing,” he said. “The majority of passengers are trying to make the best of things and enjoy a longer time at sea. But it’s the four port excursions that we’ve been looking forward to and now miss a lot.”
He criticized the company on Twitter.
“A dirty and biohazardous bottom of a ship. After 2 years of waiting, Viking disappoints. Great food but poor ship hygiene. Attention buyers”, wrote Heydrick.
On Monday, he said in another tweet that the ship had finally docked in Melbourne.
“Sorry for missing excursions. #CruiseCalamity @VikingCruises”, wrote Heydrick.
But fellow passenger Matt Roberts said passengers had been notified they were only allowed to disembark briefly to be checked by immigration officials.
The next chance for her to disembark is in Sydney on Wednesday, according to the BBC.
Roberts said the disruption was a shame “because for many travelers this could be their last chance to see this part of the world.”
The ship reportedly anchored about 17 miles offshore to clean the hull.
In a statement, the company admitted a “limited amount of standard marine growth” was cleaned after the Orion “missed several stops on this route.”
It added: “Viking is working directly with guests to seek compensation for the impact on their trip.”
In a letter, the captain apologized that “the current cruise has not met your expectations” and said passengers would be offered an “adjusted offer of compensation” for the inconvenience.