P&O Cruises Australia cancelled the final cruise of the Pacific Encounter due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
According to a statement sent to booked guests, the cruise that was set to depart on March 8, 2025, is no longer going ahead.
Set to be transferred to Carnival Cruise Line in mid-March, the vessel was scheduled to sail from Brisbane for a seven-night cruise to the Pacific Islands.
“Based on the current situation and the ongoing uncertainty of the flow-on impacts to the Port of Brisbane from the cyclone, we made the difficult decision to cancel your cruise,” P&O said.
“We were very much looking forward to welcoming you onboard, and we share your disappointment at having to cancel due to the ongoing uncertainty of this one-in-50-year storm,” the company continued.
According to the statement, guests do not need to contact the company as bookings will be automatically cancelled.
The cruise fares paid, along with any pre-paid items, packages, and shore excursions, will be fully refunded.
P&O also advised guests to contact their travel insurance providers for claims on any out-of-pocket expenses related to the cancellation, such as flight cancellation fees.
“We again apologize for this impact on your holiday, and we appreciate your patience and understanding,” P&O added.
Carnival Cruise Line Australia also updated its guests on the ongoing impacts of Alfred on its vessels and operations.
“We want to thank our guests for their understanding these past few days as the Carnival Luminosa and the Pacific Encounter remain at sea while Alfred passed through southeast Queensland,” the company said.
“Alfred has now been downgraded to a tropical low, and we are expecting a post-storm assessment of the Brisbane port facilities to take place tomorrow morning, Sunday, March 9,” Carnival continued.
“Once that assessment is complete, cruise ships can return to Brisbane,” the company added, noting that the Pacific Encounter is expected to dock at the port on March 11.
After having a three-night cruise cancelled last week, the Luminosa is expected to operate a shortened cruise starting on March 9.
“We hope to have you embarking on the 4-day voyage later than scheduled, while keeping the planned itinerary,” Carnival said to booked guests.
