Saturday, March 8, 2025
Tropical Cyclone Alfred has caused significant disruptions in the cruise industry, leaving travelers from major cruise lines stranded at sea. Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are among those most affected, as their vessels are delayed due to the storm heading toward Queensland, Australia.
The port of Brisbane is closed, forcing both lines to adjust itineraries and extend voyages. Carnival’s Carnival Luminosa, initially set to return on March 6, and Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas are among the ships affected, with passengers unable to disembark until it is safe. Other major cruise lines, including Silversea Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Cunard Line, Oceania, Seabourn, and Disney, are also facing challenges as the storm’s path impacts travel plans. With Cyclone Alfred expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and high winds, the ripple effect is causing widespread travel chaos across the region.
In a rare and unexpected turn of events, Carnival Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean are facing disruptions in their cruise schedules due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is currently headed towards Queensland, Australia. Both cruise lines are making necessary adjustments as they prepare for the storm’s impact, leaving travelers stranded at sea and forcing ships to sail longer distances to avoid the cyclone’s direct path.
The tropical storm, which has been classified as an intense weather event, is expected to make landfall near Brisbane, one of Australia’s largest and most populous cities. As of Thursday, the storm’s trajectory suggests it will strike the area by Saturday morning, with high winds, torrential rain, and the possibility of flooding. The region is bracing for the worst as Cyclone Alfred is predicted to stretch across the Queensland-New South Wales border, intensifying the damage along the way.

Carnival Cruise Line, one of the most prominent operators in the region, has already made significant changes to its schedule. The Carnival Luminosa, a ship that departed Brisbane on February 23 for a scheduled voyage, was expected to return on Thursday, March 6. However, the storm has delayed the vessel’s return, and passengers on board will not be able to disembark until it is safe to do so. In a statement issued to the press, Carnival assured guests that the ship’s captain is taking every measure to steer the vessel away from the worst of the storm to minimize discomfort, though a delay in the return is unavoidable.
To further mitigate the impact on travelers, Carnival also canceled another cruise trip that was due to set sail on March 6. Passengers affected by the cancellation will receive full refunds for their trip, including reimbursements for any pre-purchased excursions or items. This move is part of the company’s commitment to ensuring guest safety and minimizing disruptions despite the challenging weather conditions.
On the other side of the spectrum, Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas, which left Brisbane on February 28, is also facing an extended stay at sea. The ship was originally scheduled to return on Friday, but as Cyclone Alfred approaches, the cruise line has made the decision to extend the voyage by an additional three days. This gives passengers more time at sea as the ship stays clear of the cyclone’s path. The company is taking similar precautions to those of Carnival, with the captain navigating the ship as far as necessary to keep passengers safe and comfortable.
For both cruise lines, the tropical storm presents an especially rare event. As reported by Australian officials, the last time a cyclone directly impacted Brisbane was in 1974 — more than half a century ago. Local authorities have noted that Cyclone Alfred is a highly unusual event for the region, which typically does not experience such intense storms. This rarity underscores the magnitude of the situation, with both the Australian government and cruise lines working in tandem to address the crisis.
Local government officials in Queensland and New South Wales have also been preparing for the storm’s arrival. The states have activated emergency protocols to help mitigate potential damage, and as of Thursday, more than 5,000 properties in the region were without power due to high winds. The situation is being closely monitored, with local authorities urging residents to prepare for possible flooding, dangerous surf, and significant rainfall.
Cyclone Alfred’s unpredictable path has posed a major challenge for both the local population and the cruise industry. Royal Caribbean and Carnival are continuing to adjust their itineraries as needed, with safety being the top priority for both companies. Travelers who are stranded at sea are being reassured that the companies are doing everything possible to ensure their comfort and safety while dealing with the impacts of the storm.
In terms of its broader impact, the storm is expected to affect tourism and travel in the region. With Brisbane’s port closed, it’s unclear when normal operations will resume for cruises departing from the city. Experts suggest that the storm could have a lasting effect on both the cruise sector and the local economy, particularly in Queensland, where tourism plays a crucial role.
As the storm moves closer, officials are urging residents and travelers alike to stay informed and heed safety warnings. While the effects of the storm are still unfolding, the severity of Cyclone Alfred’s impact is already being felt across the region.
For those in the affected areas, it’s important to remain vigilant as authorities work to address the situation. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean have assured the public that they will continue to update travelers on the status of their voyages and provide support where needed. The cruise lines’ swift response in the face of this “very rare” event is a testament to the level of commitment they have to ensuring passenger safety during unexpected weather events.