Carnival and Royal Caribbean Scramble to Cancel Voyages as Ships Remain Stranded at Sea

A rare Category 2 tropical cyclone, named Tropical Cyclone Alfred, is currently impacting the southeastern coast of Australia, leading to the cancellation of weekend cruises from Brisbane. Both Carnival Luminosa and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas are unable to dock at the Port of Brisbane due to severe weather conditions, with the port expected to remain closed until at least March 8, 2025.

The cyclone is bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and potential flooding to the region, prompting the closure of trains, buses, and the port itself. Passengers aboard the affected cruise ships will remain at sea until conditions improve and officials can assess the port’s safety for reopening. Carnival Luminosa was scheduled to return on March 6, and Quantum of the Seas on March 7, but both voyages have been canceled due to the storm.

Passengers will receive full refunds for their cruise fares and any pre-purchased items. Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, expressed regret for the cancellations and emphasized the importance of safety for passengers and crew. He encouraged those in the Brisbane area to stay safe during the storm.

Despite the situation, some passengers currently on Carnival Luminosa have shared positive experiences, noting the crew’s efforts to keep them informed and safe while at sea. The cruise line is committed to prioritizing passenger safety amid the severe weather threats.

The impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred highlights the challenges faced by cruise lines during severe weather conditions. As the storm approaches, both Carnival and Royal Caribbean are taking necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their passengers and crew.