Crippled cruise ship arrives in Melbourne

The luxury cruiseliner Norgwegian Star has docked back in Melbourne after becoming stranded off the coast for two days.

Engine problems struck The Norwegian Starr on Friday morning after leaving port, forcing it to bob without direction 30km off the coast of Melbourne.

The boat was tugged into Port Philip Bay by Saturday afternoon, and is now safely alongside Station Pier at the Port of Melbourne.

A technical team will assess the ship's propulsion system and make repairs, with an expected departure date to be known within the next 24-48 hours.

"All guests are welcome to stay onboard while the ship is docked and then continue onto Auckland on the revised itinerary once the repairs are complete," the cruise line said in a statement.

"We expect the itinerary that commences in Auckland on February 18 to operate as originally scheduled."

The company has apologised for the inconvenience and given all guests a full refund and 50 per cent future cruise credit.