Cruise passengers sailing on Carnival Luminosa are getting a longer vacation than they had planned on as Tropical Cyclone Alfred shuts down operations at the Port of Brisbane.
The cruise ship, currently navigating the waters near Australia in a waiting game, is safely sheltering from the storm, but its return to port has been delayed.
John Heald, Brand Ambassador for Carnival Cruise Line, shared an update on the situation on his Facebook page, relaying a message directly from the captain of the ship, Captain Marchi.
“The storm continues its path towards Brisbane and, as we shared yesterday, the port is closed as officials prepare for landfall,” Captain Marchi stated. “Alfred has slowed and is now expected to make landfall Friday afternoon, 7 March. We remain very optimistic that the post-storm assessment will be successfully completed sometime Saturday, 8 March, but given current forecasts, it seems more likely that we will not be able to head into port until Sunday, 9 March. Forecasts can change, however, and we are hopeful for a more positive outcome.”
The captain reassured passengers that “We are in a safe position from the storm, but we will continue to monitor it and keep you updated.”
Several of the replies to the Facebook post were from passengers currently on Carnival Luminosa, and they show that spirits are still positive on board.
“I’m on board – nothing we can do except enjoy extended drink package. Thinking of those at home in Brisbane,” wrote Mandy.
Belinda added what most cruise lovers are probably thinking, “Hey John, this being stuck on the ship a few more days is just terrible. I mean I was really looking forward to going home and doing my own dishes and laundry again. But hey… we will suffer through the fun.”
Many passengers praised the crew’s professionalism and the Captain’s communication.
“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,” shared Cindy.
Another had a lot off positive things to say about the crew and stated, “I am onboard and have to say that the crew has been fabulous throughout the changes. The captain has been as forthcoming with information as possible, and we are grateful to be safe, well fed, and have open lines of communication to use to rebook flights and stay in touch with our families.”
Some passengers emphasized the unique position of being on a cruise ship during such an event. For some it’s like a dream come true.
“At least these people get free food, entertainment, and activities while waiting! Best way to wait out a storm!” noted Denise. Others, pointed out the added perks: “Not only is everyone being kept safe, John, the passengers get a free extra day of good food and Fun Day at Sea activities! I would love this, Mate!”
While passengers on board are making the most of the situation, those on land are also facing the storm’s impact.
“John, I’m at home on the Gold Coast Qld, waiting for Cyclone Alfred to pay a visit. Weather is deteriorating. Damage and flooding are kept to a minimum,” shared Wendy.
Another comment expressed concern about the port’s strength, stating, “Who are you kidding[?] The port may not with stand the cyclone in Brisbane. We will see how well it was built. This is its first cyclone.”
Carnival Cruise Line continues to prioritize the safety of its passengers and crew, providing regular updates and ensuring a comfortable experience during the extended voyage.
As we reported yesterday, Royal Caribbean has also canceled a Quantum of the Seas’ scheduled 3-night sailing, set to depart on March 7th, 2025. The cancellation is due to Cyclone Alfred’s forecast and the closure of the Port of Brisbane. The next scheduled Quantum of the Seas sailing, a 14-day New Zealand cruise, is set for March 14th, followed by a repositioning to Seattle for the Alaskan cruise season in early May.
Carnival Luminosa, a Vista-class cruise ship, joined the Carnival Cruise Line fleet in 2022. Originally built for Costa Cruises as Costa Luminosa, the vessel went through a significant transformation before its Carnival debut. The ship has a gross tonnage of 92,720 and a capacity to accommodate about 2,260 guests. Luminosa has recently been deployed in the Australian market and is currently scheduled to move to Seattle for the Alaska sailing season in early May.
