South Pacific cruises canceled due to tropical cyclone

The scheduled and planned cruise holidays in the South Pacific have been seriously interrupted and thrown into chaos as the tropical cyclone hits the region. It is accompanied by strong winds and heavy rains that are set to batter North Island New Zealand, Fiji, and even Tonga. Gale force winds already reach 60mph.

The cyclone barrels towards North Island New Zealand while Tonga and Fiji are in the projected path at the end of the week. The island chain of Fiji’s Mamanuca as well as Yasawa island is more likely to be affected as well as a result of the tropical depression. The storm is set to be called Tino which is likely to create flooding, mudslides and cold affect travel throughout the region.

Captain Cook Cruises’ Reef Endeavour also canceled its 4-night cruise today as a result of the intense weather condition. For now, sailing scheduled on January 18 will still push through. Those affected Captain Cook Cruises are entitled to free amendments. The company’s managing director, Jackie Haworth-Charlton said that their captains will be conservative and their passenger together with the crews onboard is their utmost priority. Updates will be given as they continue to develop the systems. The company also expressed their sympathy to the people of Fiji and her islands.

Also, local day cruise operators like South Sea Cruise and Awesome Adventures have given warnings to all of its guests who made a booking in advance that disruption is more likely to happen due to the current weather condition. On the other hand, Blue Lagoon Cruises is still waiting for the updated weather information before they proceed in canceling any of the scheduled trips. Passengers are expected to receive an update by Wednesday.

This year, this tropical cyclone is the second to pass through Fiji. Two weeks ago, category 2 storm tropical cyclone Sarai hit Fiji. Due to its effect, it was able to force over 2,000 people to seek shelter in evacuation centers and damaged farms. Looking back in the year 2016, the category 5 tropical cyclone Winston killed 44 people. That marked the strongest storm to ever make landfall in Fiji and leave widespread damage.

Several passengers are getting worries since they will set sail down the Strait of Hormuz which is just 21 miles from the Iranian coastline. They are asking for a refund due to the possibility of war, however, their requests have denied.