Just days after welcoming its first big, international cruise ships in more than a decade, Christchurch’s Lyttelton Harbour could host its biggest one ever – if the weather plays ball.

But uncertainty and concern remains when it comes to what environmental impacts they will have.

Local businesses celebrated last week when the Celebrity Eclipse and the Grand Princess docked at Lyttelton’s new $67 million berth on Thursday and Friday respectively.

Their arrival marked a new beginning after the February 2011 earthquake destroyed the city’s cruise terminal. In the years since, cruise ships had been rerouted to Akaroa – a 90-minute drive away.

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The Ovation of the Seas is scheduled to arrive at the port on Thursday, carrying about 4180 passengers.

Lyttelton Port Company (LPC) says it will be the largest cruise ship to ever visit the port.

However, strong wind forecast for Thursday meant there was “a strong chance” the vessel would not be able to berth in Lyttelton, an LPC spokesperson said.

“If that’s the case, the Ovation of the Seas will be back in Lyttelton another five other times this season.”