<p>Passengers on a cruise ship hit by severe stormy weather are to be offered reduced tickets for a future trip in the wake of their South Pacific ordeal. </p><p>The <em>Pacific Sun</em>, which was carrying 1732 passengers and 671 crew, docked in Auckland today on its return from an eight-night cruise. </p><p>On Wednesday, as it was making its way from Vanuatu and was about 600km north of Auckland, the ship struck 50-knot winds and seven-metre swells. </p><p>It rolled sharply and items were sent flying. </p><p>P &amp; O Cruises said 42 passengers needed medical treatment, with three remaining under medical supervision for the rest of the journey. </p><p>Company spokeswoman Sandy Olsen said the ship docked in Auckland about 1pm. </p><p>She said arrangements that P &amp; O had made for the ship's arrival included ensuring smooth onward travel for passengers. </p><p>Counselling was also being offered for passengers and crew who were shaken by their experience. </p><p>On the issue of compensation, Ms Olsen said passengers would be offered a goodwill gesture of a 25 percent reduction in the value of a future cruise. </p><p>She said the course between Vanuatu and Auckland had been planned to avoid as much of the poor weather in the region as possible. </p><p>But conditions took a turn from the worst on Friday night. </p><p>Ms Olsen said most of the passengers injured had suffered cuts, bruises and sprains. </p><p>She did not have details of the three who were under medical supervision but doctors and nurses on board had assessed them as stable and comfortable. </p><p>On disembarking, the three were transferred to hospital for further checks. </p><p>Ms Olsen said there was understood to have been no structural damage to the <em>Pacific Sun</em>. </p><p>&quot;There was obviously some superficial damage internally from items that moved around as it took a sudden movement,&quot; she said. </p><p>&quot;But we have a team of technical people assessing the ship and public safety is our absolute priority.&quot; </p><p>She said P &amp; O would work closely with any Maritime New Zealand investigation. </p><p>The ship was to have departed last night on its next cruise. It was now expected to leave tomorrow night on an eight-night New Caledonian trip. </p>