Calm and chaos: thousands face Cyclone Alfred chaos as six cruises impacted but passengers heap praise on the lines

• As Cyclone Alfred nears Brisbane, the cruise port has shut done and sent the cruise industry into a spin.
• Some cruisers have had the good fortune of an extended cruise free of charge, meanwhile others have seen their holiday cancelled.
• A total of six cruises have been affected, we update you on each of these.

With Cyclone Alfred already triggering power outages and evacuations along the East Coast, the Cyclone has thrown the cruise industry into disarray. From passengers stuck on shore wondering if their cruise is going to happen, to others calmly circling the seas after being told their cruise has been extended without cost, it’s chaos from all angles.

In total, there are six cruises that have had their schedules affected by the looming cyclone, two on Carnival Luminosa, two on Quantum of the Seas, and two on Pacific Encounter.

Also notable is that the very final sailing of Pacific Encounter, set to marked with a special farewell cocktail party onboard is in jeopardy of not going ahead, or is at least facing a delayed schedule.

Currently, cruises who will are booked to board the final Pacific Encounter have been offered a refund if they want to cancel now. However, they also have the option of waiting out the cyclone and hopefully sailing on a reduced days voyage, in which case they’d get a pro-rata refund for the days missed, as well as extra onboard credit.

Cruise lines have been scrambling to sort everything out, with customers confused and trying to reschedule their plans, but Cyclone Alfred of course being very unforgiving in offering any certainty.

Major cruise lines have done a magnificent job of trying to remain calm in the face of the chaos and uncertainty, and many passengers have priased them for it on social media posts.

But there are winners and losers. Those currently onboard Quantum of the Seas and Carnival Luminosa are in the bizarre situation of being told they’ll be cruising for extra days for free.

This is because the ships can’t get back to dock in Brisbane port, meaning Quantum of the Seas has continued onto Vanuatu, and Luminosa is circling the coast, waiting for safe conditions to return.

Cruisers on Quantum have reported “sitting happily with an aperol spritz in hand” as they enjoyed their extended cruise, free of charge and even with some extra compensation and promos.

However, the unfortunate other side of this is that both Quantum and Luminosa have had to cancel their next sailings out of Brisbane, that were scheduled to depart the 7th and 6th of March respectively.

Refunds or future cruise credits have been offered for both of these cruises.

While some cruisers are calmly enjoying free days at sea, others are on the phone to their travel insurance companies, scrambling to reorganise their travel plans.

What are those onboard saying

All reports from those onboard the effected cruises are saying that they feel safe and the crew has gone above and beyond to cater for them.

Maddie Gurr said: “I am currently on luminosa. I can’t stress enough what a wonderful captain and crew. They have been exceptional. Captain Marchi has made regular updates, came down talk to us in the theatre and answered questions as did the Chief engineer and hotel manager.

“Guest services had worked flat to assist with calls home, calls to rebook flights and insurance extensions. The other crew are keeping us entertained and well cared for.”

Cindy Bliss also on Luminosa said: “I’m on board with my husband. The Captain and crew have been absolutely wonderful. Very nervous at first, but we are staying outside of the danger zone and the Captain and Zach are keeping us well informed.”

Nicole Donnelly onboard Quantum says its all smiles from here.

“They have been very generous ! We are sitting happily with an aperol spritz in hand.

“Just some flights to change and feeling sad about our pups in the kennel longer. Other than that, work can wait!”

Felicity Faithful onboard Encounter says it’s all good news onboard there as well.

“Currently on board Encounter anchored off Airlie Beach. The weather is stunning. We will just have to wait & see what happens with Alfred & the Port of Brisbane reopening, but right now we’re having a blast.”

As far as those dealing with their cancellations, many cruisers are unfortunately in the process of reorganising their plans, but those with travel insurance will be thankful for their purchase, as all changes of flights and extra accomodation should be covered.