Royal Caribbean cancelled a cruise on one of its cruise ships because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Passengers booked on the upcoming 3-night sailing onboard Quantum of the Seas were informed that their cruise would not proceed as scheduled. The sailing was scheduled for March 7, 2025.
"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, the previous Quantum of the Seas sailing has been delayed returning to port, and as a result, our 3-Night sailing has unfortunately been cancelled," the email to confirmed guests reads.
All passengers will receive a full refund of any paid portion of the cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid add-ons, as well as a Future Credit Card to be used on a future Royal Caribbean cruise.
The amount varies based on the stateroom category booked and applies per cabin, not per person:
- Inside cabin: $150 USD
- Outside cabin: $200 USD
- Balcony cabin: $250 USD
- Deluxe cabin: $400 USD
Quantum stuck at sea
Quantum of the Seas' February 28 sailing was due to return to Brisbane on March 7. However, the 168,666 gross registered ton ship (GRT) will remain at sea because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred. The rare, powerful weather system is a Category 2 storm with destructive wind gusts of up to 96mph.
"Due in Brisbane Australia on Friday 7th March, however TC Alfred is due to make landfall in Brisbane the same day and the port is closed. Will now dock on Monday 10th March," wrote Jester_Fleshwound on a Reddit thread.
In addition to 3 extra sea days, Quantum will visit Noumea, New Caledonia, for the second time. Quantum is expected to arrive on March 7. The ship previously called at Noumea on March 3, followed by Mystery Island, Vanuatu, on March 4.
Royal Caribbean gave guests complimentary internet to help them stay connected while adjusting to the unexpected changes.
Additionally, passengers who booked airfare through Royal Caribbean's Air2Sea program will automatically have their flights adjusted. Those who booked independently will receive a credit of $200 USD for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel per person.
Regarding Wi-Fi and drink packages, Royal Caribbean is extending VOOM Surf & Stream packages for three days at no extra cost.
However, guests with drink packages must pay an extra $35 USD daily for the Deluxe Beverage Package and $14 USD for the Royal Refreshment Package. There's no additional charge for the Soda Package.
Passengers who decide not to extend their drink package and purchase beverages individually will receive 50% off.
Finally, guests who didn't pre-pay their gratuities will notice additional charges for the three extra days onboard, while all passengers will receive 3 more nights' worth of cruise points, bringing the total for their voyage to 10.
Other cruise ships impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred
Several other cruise ships have had their itineraries altered because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including Norwegian Sun, Queen Anne, P&O Cruises’ Pacific Encounter, and Carnival Luminosa.
Like Quantum of the Seas, Carnival Luminosa's March 6 cruise from Brisbane was canceled while the ship remains at sea to avoid the storm.
"Our Fleet Operations Center continues to keep a close eye on 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 as it prepares," read an email sent to guests.
"Regrettably, we have no alternative but to cancel your voyage. We know this is disappointing and we are truly sorry for the disruption to your holiday plans."
The current 11-night sailing was slated to conclude on 6; however, Carnival guests shouldn't expect to disembark any earlier than March 8.
