With Carnival Luminosa now two days overdue to return to her homeport of Brisbane, Australia due to Tropical Cyclone Alfred, some concerns have been raised about whether or not the ship has adequate supplies onboard.
Because cruise ships return to their homeports on a regular schedule, the concern is an understandable one. Guests onboard have reached out to Carnival Cruise Line’s Brand Ambassador, John Heald, to ask about the situation.
“I had people asking me yesterday if there was enough food on board,” he commented. “The best way I can answer that is tomorrow every guest will be provided with a fishing rod.”
Heald is well known for his bold sense of humor and quite obviously, guests will not need to fish for their meals. Some great seafood entrees are sure to be offered in the Main Dining Room, however, or guests could stop by Bonsai Sushi Express midship on Deck 2, just forward of the casino.
“Seriously, please don’t worry,” Heald continued. “The beards plan for this on every ship with extra food and provisions although this being a ship full of Australians and knowing how much they love to have Fun in any situation, there may be one or two ummmm, beverage items that may be running low.”
While not all guests may appreciate the jokes, it is important to note that Carnival Luminosa is in no danger and the ship is being kept well away from the strongest storm impact.
Not all guests are happy with the situation, however, and some are making demands and offering thoughts that aren’t necessarily appropriate.
“One lady [was] demanding that we give everyone ‘a free cruise for being stuck at sea’ and she went on to say that this was ‘the cruise from hell,'” Heald noted.
Such exaggeration can be frustrating and does not help either guests or crew members.
“These words are used now and then and of course it isn’t a cruise from hell,” Heald explained. “Being late back into port because of weather is not ‘hell,’ it is saving your life, it is making sure we don’t sail you into a sodding cyclone. A ‘cruise from hell’ is not a cruise where everything works, where the crew work hard to bring you brilliant service, unlimited food, entertainment joy and fun.”
Carnival Luminosa is fully operational and despite some rough weather, no onboard systems – safety, navigation, hotels, restaurants, entertainment, etc. – have been compromised in any way.
Fortunately, not all guests agree with the original poster and many passengers are indeed having a good time on their unexpectedly extended vacation.
“Spirits are high on Luminosa!” one current guest replied. “We’re in good hands with Captain Vittorio and CD Zack!”
When Will Carnival Luminosa Return Home?
The current sailing of Carnival Luminosa was to have been an 11-night Fiji and South Pacific getaway that first departed on Sunday, February 23 and was to have returned on Thursday, March 6.
Due to the track and intensity of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, however, the ship has remained at sea and the next cruise has been cancelled. That sailing was to have been a 3-night getaway from March 6-9.
Further monitoring of the storm has indicated that Carnival Luminosa may not be able to return to Brisbane earlier than Monday, March 10. This means the next sailing – a 4-night sailing to Airlie Beach – may be shortened or otherwise adjusted.
Guests booked on the next cruise will be kept updated if any changes are necessary, though no such adjustments have yet been confirmed.
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Exactly when the cruise ship can safely return to her seasonal homeport will depend on the storm’s speed and track, as well as any damage that may need to be cleaned up or repaired at the port.
Post-storm safety assessments must be completed before the port will be reopened and Carnival Luminosa can dock once again.
The ship’s summer in Australia is drawing to a close, as Carnival Luminosa is scheduled to depart on a one-way transpacific cruise on April 3. The 28-night itinerary includes ports in Japan and Alaska before Carnival Luminosa arrives in Seattle, Washington on May 1 to begin her Alaska season.
