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The Carnival Spirit has finally docked at Circular Quay after being allowed to enter Sydney Harbour on Wednesday morning.
A Sydney Harbour pilot boarded the vessel on Wednesday morning to bring the ship in.
The cruise ship, carrying 2500 passengers and 1500 crew members, was due to arrive on Tuesday morning.
It was forced to stay outside the Sydney Heads overnight in rough conditions. Waves reached 15 metres at the peak of the storm, and passengers on board were feeling "very queasy".
As passengers wait to disembark the ship, they are lining the balcony decks, many waving and cheering to be just moments away from land.
One terminal staff member said it could be up to four hours before passengers disembarked, as there would be a staggered departure.
Fairfax reporter Rachel Browne was on board the ship with family members, and said that she had never before seen so many people wanting their holiday to end.
"I have never been so excited to see Sydney Heads in my life," she said.
"Most people have just been vomiting for the last two days. I did a load of laundry last night and there were people coming through just washing vomit out of their clothes.
"I had dinner with my daughter last night and the room was only one-third full.
"There was a hardcore group in the bar, just rolling with the 10-metre waves. It probably settled down about 4am."
Carnival Cruise Line's vice-president Australia, Jennifer Vandekreeke, thanked the cruise line's passengers for their patience over the past day.
"While this delay was unavoidable given the harbour's closure, we greatly appreciate the good cheer and understanding our guests have shown," Ms Vandekreeke said.
Carnival Spirit continued to sail off the coast near Sydney on Tuesday and overnight as weather conditions eased.
Carnival Spirit is returning from a 12-night cruise to New Caledonia, Vanuatu and Fiji.
Passengers travelling on the ship's next cruise - a seven-night voyage to Noumea and Isle of Pines - will embark later on Wednesday for the ship's departure at 7pm.
Fairfax Media
