Passengers aboard a P&O cruise vessel experienced a tumultuous voyage as they navigated under the influence of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, which currently looms off Queensland’s coastline. Footage captured by those on board revealed massive ocean swells crashing against the ship, highlighting the severe storm conditions and strong winds.
As the Pacific Encounter made its approach to Brisbane, the atmosphere was decidedly bumpy. Frequent cruiser Leisa Hassall noted that while the ship’s movement didn’t bother her, some fellow passengers struggled with the waves. In a social media video, she praised the captain’s adept handling of the situation, steering the vessel safely into the waves rather than allowing it to be rolled by them.
The Bureau of Meteorology issued warnings about “abnormally high” tides reaching up to 9 metres and anticipated destructive winds as the cyclone inches closer to land. Alfred is currently tracking south-west at approximately 20 km/h, with gusts projected to reach 155 km/h near the coast, particularly as its core approaches and crosses the shoreline.
In response to the cyclone, other cruise ships headed for the south-east coast have altered their itineraries. Notably, the Queen Anne, on its inaugural voyage, has decided to divert, while the Carnival Luminosa will remain offshore, waiting out the storm near New Caledonia instead of entering Brisbane’s port. As a precaution, all shipping operations at the Port of Brisbane have been suspended amid the adverse weather conditions brought about by Cyclone Alfred.