The Norwegian Star was adrift off the Victorian coast on Friday. was bound for New Zealand. It is the second round of engine trouble to strike the ship after it departed from Hong Kong on January 16 for Sydney. A man phoning from the ship, who did not wish to be named, told Fairfax Media passengers were devastated and crying. "It's a bloody nightmare," he said.

The Norwegian Star was docked at Station Pier, Port Melbourne on Thursday morning. Credit:Leigh Henningham "We're stuck in the middle of the ocean. It's scary. Especially with Melbourne's weather being quite changeable." A woman, who also didn't wish to be named, said her friend was on board the ship and had phoned to tell her about the situation. A passenger on the stranded ship on Friday. Credit:Courtesy of Seven News "The mood on board is dire," she said.

Steve T. Raney posted on Facebook: "WE have NO engines for propulsion!!! WE are afloat in the ocean!!!" The Norwegian Star, drifting in the middle of the ocean. Credit:Courtesy of Seven News He wrote that passengers were safe and comfortable. A spokeswoman for Norwegian Cruise Lines said the ship's azipod propulsion system had experienced a technical malfunction early Friday morning.

The stricken cruise ship, the Norwegian Star Credit:Courtesy of Seven News "The ship has full power and all on board services are fully operational," she said. "All guest amenities remain open and available and the weather conditions are favourable. The Norwegian Star as it cleared Point Gellibrand at Williamstown about 1845 hours on Thursday. "The ship is in no danger whatsoever and the comfort and safety of our guests and crew are unaffected by this situation."

The spokeswoman said authorities had been notified and arrangements made to tow the ship to shore for repair. She said all guests would receive a full refund, as well as a 50 per cent future cruise credit. "Norwegian Cruise Line sincerely extends its deepest apologies to guests for the inconveniences that they have encountered," she said. The Australia Maritime Safety Authority is monitoring the ship, which was about 20 kilometres south of Inverloch on Friday.

"Diesel generators on board are working, meaning the ship has power to its passenger facilities and bow thrusters, but the main propulsion engines are not working," a spokesman said. "This means the master has some limited ability to manoeuvre the ship, but will need the assistance of tugs to reach port." The ship was on a voyage from Melbourne to New Zealand. The spokeswoman said those passengers wishing to disembark at Melbourne would be given a credit of up to $350 each for a flight to Auckland, or up to $300 each to change their flight if they wanted to leave immediately. She said the Auckland itinerary, starting February 18, was expected to continue according to schedule.

The ship, which departed Hong Kong on January 16, also had problems in another part of the engine about nine days into the voyage. The spokeswoman said attempts were made to repair the fault, but the cruise liner could not travel at speed. The ship skipped up to five ports in order to reach Sydney, its final destination, on time. One passenger was forced to disembark at Cairns after he reportedly raised concerns about the ship's safety. The spokeswoman confirmed the man was asked to leave the ship in Cairns, because his behaviour was distressing other passengers.