A highly anticipated Carnival Luminosa cruise has been abruptly canceled due to the impact of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, Carnival Cruise Line announced.
Originally scheduled to depart from Brisbane on March 6, 2025, the voyage was scrapped as authorities shut down the port, bracing for the storm’s impact.
“We are closely monitoring Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which is expected to directly affect the Brisbane area in the coming days. As a result, the port is now closed,” Carnival Australia stated in a social media update.
“With no alternative, we regret to inform guests that Carnival Luminosa’s three-day cruise, set to depart tomorrow, has been canceled.”
The 2009-built ship was set to offer a short getaway to nowhere as part of its Australian and South Pacific winter season. Affected passengers will receive a full refund, including all pre-purchased onboard items, the company confirmed.
Ensuring passenger safety, Carnival also announced that the Luminosa’s current voyage from the South Pacific would be delayed until conditions improve. The ship will remain at a safe distance from the storm, with the captain navigating to minimize discomfort for guests onboard.
“We understand this is disappointing, and we appreciate our guests’ patience and understanding during this situation,” the cruise line stated.
Looking ahead, the Carnival Luminosa is expected to resume normal operations on March 9, 2025, with a four-night sailing to Airlie Beach. The 2,260-guest vessel will continue offering voyages from Brisbane before repositioning to North America in early May, where it will embark on a summer season of seven-night cruises to Alaska and Canada from Seattle.
The ship is scheduled to return to Australia later in the year for another exciting winter sailing season from Brisbane.