Tropical Cyclone Alfred disrupts itineraries as cruise ships are being rerouted

Tropical Cyclone Alfred has significantly impacted cruise itineraries along Australia’s Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

Several major cruise lines, including P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Cunard, have had to adjust their itineraries to ensure passenger safety and navigate the challenges posed by the storm.

Tropical Cyclone Alfred is currently classified as a Category 2 storm, prompting a state of emergency and evacuation orders. According to the Independent, the storm is expected to make landfall on Thursday or Friday.

P&O Cruises’ Pacific Encounter

The Pacific Encounter, a 108,865-gross-ton ship operated by P&O Cruises, embarked on a three-night voyage from Brisbane on March 1, 2025.

As Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensified, the ship spent several days at sea, maneuvering to avoid the worst of the storm. Despite the Port of Brisbane’s closure due to the cyclone, the Pacific Encounter received special permission to dock, allowing 2,600 passengers to disembark safely.

The vessel is scheduled to depart on its next cruise on March 4. P&O Cruises has assured guests that the upcoming four-night round-trip from Brisbane, with a stop at Airlie Beach on March 6, will proceed as planned. However, they have cautioned that there may be residual impacts from the weather system during departure.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Sun

The Norwegian Sun, operated by Norwegian Cruise Line, was also affected by Tropical Cyclone Alfred. Originally scheduled to visit Brisbane, the ship altered its course to avoid the storm, heading directly to Cairns instead.

Cunard’s Queen Anne

Cunard’s newest vessel, the Queen Anne, is currently on its 111-night inaugural world cruise. In light of the approaching cyclone, the ship adjusted its itinerary, diverting to Airlie Beach in North Queensland, where it is expected to arrive on March 4.

Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas

UPDATE (3/5): Quantum of the Seas’ three-night March 7 sailing has been canceled due to the cyclone. All passengers received a full refund of their cruise fare along with Future Cruise Credit.

Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Luminosa

UPDATE (3/5): Carnival Luminosa’s March 6 three-night cruise has been canceled. The current 11-night cruise that was supposed to end on the 6th will now end sometime around the 8th. Guests received a full refund on their cruise fare and all pre-purchased items.

Port of Brisbane: Operational challenges

The Port of Brisbane has been directly impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred, leading to its temporary closure. This closure has necessitated itinerary changes for multiple cruise ships.

The port’s closure underscores the broader logistical challenges that ports and cruise lines face during significant weather events. This requires coordinated efforts to manage ship rerouting, passenger safety, and schedule adjustments

Safety measures and passenger communication

In response to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, cruise lines have emphasized clear communication with passengers regarding itinerary changes and safety protocols.

For instance, P&O Cruises advised guests to adhere to their selected check-in times and complete boarding procedures by 2 p.m. They also informed passengers about the potential residual impacts of the cyclone on the voyage, reaffirming their commitment to safety.

Cruise lines must remain vigilant, monitoring weather patterns and making swift decisions to reroute ships or adjust schedules as necessary. These actions are crucial to maintaining passenger safety and minimizing disruptions.

Additionally, ports play a vital role in coordinating with cruise lines to manage closures and reopenings during such events, ensuring that operations resume smoothly once conditions improve.

Cruise lines can change itineraries at any moment

For passengers, understanding that itineraries may change due to weather conditions is essential. Cruise lines typically outline such possibilities in their terms and conditions, emphasizing that passenger safety is the top priority. Travelers are encouraged to remain flexible and attentive to communications from cruise operators.

This is most important during seasons prone to cyclones or hurricanes. Purchasing travel insurance can also provide added peace of mind, offering coverage for unforeseen changes or disruptions.

While such weather events can pose challenges, the cruise industry’s ability to adapt ensures that travelers continue to have positive experiences, even when faced with unexpected changes.