Thousands of cruise passengers remain stranded at sea as Tropical Cyclone Alfred intensifies, forcing port closures and major disruptions along Australia’s east coast. The storm is expected to make landfall near Brisbane, Queensland, by Saturday morning, bringing heavy rain, flooding, and strong winds.
Cruise Ships Delayed as Brisbane Port Closes
According to the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA), ships currently at sea are maintaining a safe distance from the storm.
Due to the closure of Brisbane’s port, cruise operators have had to delay their return and cancel future voyages.
A cruise ship that departed from Brisbane on February 23 has had its return delayed until conditions improve.
Another ship scheduled to return on Friday will remain at sea for an additional three days as a safety precaution.
A separate departure scheduled for March 7 has been canceled, with affected guests receiving full refunds.
Passengers aboard the delayed ships have been informed that sailing routes have been adjusted to minimize disruption and discomfort.
Cyclone Alfred: A Rare Event for Brisbane
The Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has issued severe weather warnings across Queensland and New South Wales, predicting:
Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding
Damaging winds exceeding 100 km/h
High waves and dangerous surf conditions
According to Queensland authorities, this is the first time in 50 years that a cyclone has directly impacted Brisbane. Officials continue to monitor the storm’s trajectory, warning that flooding and infrastructure damage could worsen over the weekend.
Power Outages and Severe Weather Impact
As of Thursday, over 5,000 properties in Queensland were without power due to strong winds and heavy rainfall, according to Queensland Emergency Services.
Residents are urged to:
Stay indoors and avoid travel in affected areas
Secure loose outdoor objects to prevent wind damage
Monitor emergency updates from BoM and Queensland authorities
Travel and Safety Recommendations
Authorities advise cruise passengers and travelers in Queensland to stay informed via:
bom.gov.au for real-time cyclone tracking and weather alerts.
amsa.gov.au for maritime safety updates.
qfes.qld.gov.au for emergency response measures.
With Brisbane’s port expected to remain closed until conditions improve, further cruise disruptions and cancellations remain possible.
Officials urge travelers to check with their cruise operators and airline providers for the latest updates.
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