Originally due to come into port mid-morning, the massive ship was unable to pull in until 2.30pm.
However the delayed entrance saw the scheduled departure of the ship move from 6pm Tuesday to 7am on Wednesday morning, allowing passengers more time to enjoy what Fremantle had to offer.
Fremantle Ports external affairs manager Ainslie De Vos said the windy conditions caused the seven-hour delay in berthing.
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READ NOW‘Fremantle Ports harbour master, captain Allan Gray, said strong southerly winds can be an issue for very long, high-sided commercial and passenger ships as they enter the bend into the inner harbour,’ she said.
‘The port and the ship’s master had been in discussions overnight so that the vessel could be safely handled on arrival.’
Fremantle Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tim Milsom said the delay could be a blessing in disguise, with the overnight stay meaning more money coming into Fremantle’s economy through late-night commerce such as restaurants and cafes.
‘A lot of these guys were probably going to go off on day trips to Perth and such, which they would now cancel, which could have a positive effect on the city because they are more likely to stay in Fremantle,’ he said.
‘Plus, it is always welcoming for a ship like the Queen Mary II to pull into Fremantle, regardless of the length of its stay.’