Hundreds of cruise passengers are facing unexpected delays as Cyclone Alfred barrels toward Queensland, Australia, forcing port closures in Brisbane and leaving ships stranded at sea.
Carnival Luminosa Delayed, Next Cruise Canceled
Passengers aboard the Carnival Luminosa were originally scheduled to return home on Thursday. However, with Cyclone Alfred intensifying, the captain was forced to alter the ship’s course for safety reasons.
The ship is now expected to return on Saturday morning, pending weather conditions. As a result, the next scheduled cruise has been canceled, and affected guests will receive a full refund.
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas Stuck at Sea
Royal Caribbean’s Quantum of the Seas was also impacted by the storm. Instead of returning to Brisbane as planned, the ship will remain at sea for an additional three days, cruising the South Pacific until it receives clearance to dock.
Royal Caribbean has not yet confirmed whether affected passengers will receive any form of compensation for the delay.
Brisbane Airport Suspends Flights, Schools Shut Down
Meanwhile, Brisbane Airport has suspended operations, with Qantas grounding flights until at least the weekend due to worsening conditions. Schools and public transportation services have also been temporarily shut down as residents brace for potential flooding and high winds.
Uncertain Wait for Stranded Travelers
While passenger safety remains the top priority, travelers now find themselves at the mercy of the storm, with no choice but to wait for calmer seas and clearance to return home.