Cruise passengers who were eagerly anticipating exploring the Pacific Islands onboard the Carnival Luminosa have been left disappointed as the itinerary has taken an unexpected turn. Guests set to embark on Choose Your Cruise’s Flashback cruise from Sydney on October 30, 2024, were looking forward to visiting three ports in New Caledonia, including Noumea and Lifou. However, to their dismay, the cruise route has been altered, and instead of Pacific Island destinations, passengers will now be docking at the Port of Brisbane.
Passengers like David and Terry, along with their wives Sandra and Laree, who had invested around $4,000 per couple excluding flights, were taken aback by the sudden change of plans. What was supposed to be a tropical getaway has now turned into a coastal Queensland trip, with no sign of the South Sea Islands they had initially signed up for. Expressing their disappointment, David shared with Australian TV show, A Current Affair, “We’re flying to Sydney to go up the coast of Queensland, back to Brisbane and then back to Sydney. No-one would book a trip from Brisbane to do that.”
Another set of passengers, including Kylie, her mother, and daughter from the Gold Coast, were also expecting a memorable family holiday but were informed that the cruise would now only make one stop – at the Port of Brisbane. Despite paying close to $6,000, the new itinerary offered a far cry from the island-hopping experience they had envisioned.
Choose Your Cruise cited “current conflicts and civil unrest in New Caledonia” as the reason behind the change in route, stating that Brisbane was the only feasible port option due to limited availability in the South Pacific. The entertainment program featuring 40 music acts, some requiring access to an airport, was also a factor in determining the new itinerary. The statement made to A Current Affair explained, “Brisbane was the only viable port option for this voyage, to ensure the integrity of the entertainment program.” The company has mentioned that refunds or credits will not be issued despite the disappointment expressed by passengers.
The Independent has reached out to Choose Your Cruise for further comments on the situation. It leaves cruise enthusiasts and passengers questioning the transparency and flexibility of cruise itineraries in response to unforeseen circumstances.