A powerful tropical cyclone is disrupting multiple cruises near Brisbane, Australia, as the local port shuts down due to severe weather conditions. Cyclone Alfred, bringing wind speeds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, has forced several vessels to delay their return, reroute, or seek alternative ports.
Authorities from the Port of Brisbane warned the public of extreme conditions on Wednesday. “Today, wind speeds have increased significantly across the region, including at the Port of Brisbane. Current estimates suggest those winds are likely to exceed 120 km/h, and possibly reach as high as 155 km/h, in the days ahead,” the port stated.
Cruise Ships Affected by Cyclone Alfred
Below is a breakdown of how individual vessels have been affected. (This list may not be complete, as other ships may have also been impacted by the storm.)
Carnival Luminosa
Carnival Luminosa, which departed Brisbane on February 23 for an 11-day South Pacific voyage, was originally scheduled to return on March 6. However, with the storm intensifying, its arrival has been pushed back to March 8 at the earliest as the ship remains in calmer waters. The three-day weekend cruise following its return has been canceled.
One passenger praised the crew’s handling of the situation, sharing on Facebook, “We are on Lumi at the moment, couldn’t thank the captain and staff enough. We are being kept safe and out of harm’s way… Given free WiFi to contact our families and make travel arrangements for when we finally get off.”
Quantum of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas has also been impacted, postponing its March 7 return to Brisbane. The ship, which left the city on February 28, will extend its sailing with three additional sea days while making an unexpected second stop in Nouméa, New Caledonia.
Norwegian Sun
Norwegian Sun, originally set to visit Brisbane on March 5, bypassed the port entirely, sailing directly to Cairns and adding an extra sea day to its itinerary.
Queen Anne
Cunard’s Queen Anne, currently on its inaugural world cruise, followed a similar course adjustment, skipping Brisbane on March 1 and heading straight to Airlie Beach. The ship visited Cairns on March 6 and will spend a night in Darwin on March 10 before heading to Indonesia.
Cyclones have disrupted cruise itineraries in the past, sometimes leading to extreme conditions and unexpected itinerary changes. In a previous case, a lawsuit was settled after a Carnival cruise turned into a “cruise from hell” due to extreme weather conditions.
Additionally, a tropical depression last year forced a Florida-based Carnival ship to cut its voyage short, demonstrating how unpredictable weather systems can significantly impact cruise schedules.
As the storm continues to impact travel, cruise lines are working to ensure passenger safety while adjusting itineraries accordingly. Travelers are advised to stay updated on schedule changes and make necessary arrangements for their return.
