Update: 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.

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.

The cruises that still carry some uncertainty are those of Pacific Encounter. The ship was set to return to Brisbane on Saturday morning, but weather conditions have all but confirmed that this will be impossible.

This means Pacific Encounter will likely see at least one or two days of an extended sailing itself.

However, the larger question remains over what will happen with its final sailing. Scheduled to depart on Saturday to Pacific Islands, this will no longer go ahead.

Permitting weather conditions, it’s possible a shortened cruise could be offered, which would give the ship the send-off it deserves, but nothing is certain yet as Alfred wages on.

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.

An extended cruise?

While many cruisers are familiar with the not-so-great feeling of being told their cruise is cancelled or re-routed, not many cruisers can say they’ve been told their cruise will be going on for longer than they paid.

That’s the current case for cruisers onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas and Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Luminosa. Due to Cyclone Alfred being set to pass by Brisbane, it’s been deemed unsafe for both ships to return on their planned return dates, March 7 and 6 respectively. 

Royal Caribbean wrote in an email to guests: “As previously announced by our Captain, along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we have been monitoring the progression of Tropical Cyclone Alfred as it slowly moves toward Brisbane. Due to the development of the storm, and the closure of the Port of Brisbane, we have decided to remain at sea and safely away from the storm until it moves ashore by week’s end.

“We will return to Brisbane on Monday, March 10, instead of Friday. Additionally, we will now re-visit Noumea on Friday, before making our return to our homeport.

“We’re terribly sorry for the last-minute change caused by the weather – your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather. Please see our updated itinerary and additional details below.”

Many passengers have reported they feel Royal Caribbean has been “very generous” with compensation. 

Royal Caribbean will cover flight changes for those that require them, as well as significantly reduce drinks package prices for those that wish to extend them for the extra days of the cruise.

Furthermore, 60 minutes of complimentary internet has been made available to all passengers to allow them to contact friends and family, or they can also contact guest services for assistance in making a call to friends or family or to update travel arrangements.

Passengers onboard such as Nicole Donnelly are taking it all in-stride and enjoying the hospitality of Royal Caribbean.

“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!”

Angela Dick said: “We are onboard and feel they have been very generous!”
In fact, if anything, those who aren’t onboard are feeling a tinge of envy.

Jo Bailey wrote: “I was going to go on this cruise and changed plans last minute. I could have scored an extra three days. Damn it!”

Meanwhile, Carnival Luminosa was scheduled to return to Brisbane on March 6, but the cruise line has confirmed the earliest possible return will be on Saturday, March 8.

“We are continuing to closely monitor Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Given its current track, the storm is expected to directly impact the Brisbane area in the coming days and the port is now closed.

“Regrettably, we have no option but to cancel Carnival Luminosa’s 3-day cruise departing tomorrow, 6 March. Guests will receive a full refund for their cruise fare and all pre-purchased items.

“As the safety of our guests and crew is the priority, Carnival Luminosa’s current voyage will be delayed coming back from the South Pacific until it is safe to return to Brisbane, the earliest being Saturday morning. The Captain is sailing a safe distance from the storm to minimise discomfort for our guests.”

Once again, it appears to be all smiles from passengers who are happy with the cruise line and the crews work in accommodating them.

Ian Rice wrote: “We are currently on the Luminosa and have and still enjoying a fantastic cruise. A huge thank you to the Captain and his awesome crew for looking after us so well. The flow of information and updates has been 1st class. Hats off to you all.

“Feel sad for those who have had their cruise cancelled.”

Carnival hasn’t publicly released what compensation guests have received, but guests are reporting free internet and onboard credit.

Peter Willis wrote: “Captain Vittorio and his team are doing an amazing job. He’s kept us informed all the way, given us free internet for the rest of the cruise, additional on board credit. Carnival has done and is doing a wonderful job. Congratulations to the captain and all the crew. Thankyou for looking after us.”

Pacific Encounter is also sailing in the region, and is due back on Saturday, it will be weather-dependent on whether this can go ahead. The ship is set to sail it’s final ever sailing as part of P&O on March 8.

Full Quantum of the Seas compensation

The cruise line will do the following to help passengers with flights, as well offer compensation and loyalty bonuses. 

Flights

“If you purchased your flights with our Air2Sea Team, they’ll automatically adjust your flights and send you a confirmation via email.

If you purchased independently, please contact your air carrier directly.

• We’ll cover any air change fee up to $200 USD for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel, per person.
• Please upload your receipts at rcg.questionpro.com/travel for review and reimbursement.
• For U.S. guests, you can submit your reimbursement request by texting 1-800-256-6649 and selecting Option 3. Please include the ship name, your name, booking number and receipts”

Compensation Details

“To make-up for this last-minute change and because we’re extending our sailing by three (3) days, we’ll provide you with:

• The option to extend your Beverage and VOOM internet packages by three (3) days.
• Your package will automatically be extended. However, if you prefer to be charged à la carte for drinks, please let us know, and we will apply a 50% discount to those purchases.
• Drink Package Extension:Deluxe Package – $35 per person, per day.
  Refreshment Package – $14 per person, per day.
  Soda Package – Free extension.”

Loyalty

“You’ll receive loyalty points for the originally planned number of nights sailed, plus an additional three (3) nights’ worth of loyal points for a total of 10 points.

We thank you for your understanding and look forward to enjoying the remainder of our time together.”