Fiji Port Substitution for Carnival cruises

[stingau]

Looking for opinions, sadly Fiji may not be accepting cruise ships for the next 30 days, P&O have released a statement that those cruises destined for Fiji will now deviate to Tonga instead. What are the chances of Carnival following suit. So far they have played it close to their chest other than saying they will not overburden the Fujian Population.

 

Has anyone been in this situation with Carnival before and what was the outcome. We are due to visit two ports in Fiji so I can't see then adding extra sea days when 50% of the ports are affected.

[lagoon380]

We are on the Carnival Legend 15th March so I think Fiji will be out but if it was changed to Tonga, I would be happy with that.

It will be interesting to see what happens.

[icat2000]

They probably all scrambling to find alternative spots. Tonga, Samoa would be fabulous. I guess its depends on if they can dock or have to tender.

[Tigerlily75]

Update from their Facebook page, 3 hours ago:

 

 

The people of Fiji have been welcoming our guests and crew to their beautiful islands with warm smiles and open arms since we began sailing from Australia. Our hearts go out to the people of Fiji this morning, as they rebuild after the devastation of Cyclone Winston. Widespread damage has been caused including buildings, roads, telecommunications, electricity and water infrastructure. A 30 day nationwide state of emergency has been declared.

 

With regards to our upcoming itineraries to Fiji, we are fully committed to returning to Suva and Port Denarau as soon as the people of Fiji are ready to welcome us back. We are still evaluating the impact of the storm and will advise our booked guests if we believe a change to any itineraries is required. Rest assured, we will only visit if the local community is open and able to handle the visit. We will be in touch directly with any guests (and travel agents) impacted if an itinerary change is necessary.

 

Some guests have expressed a desire to provide support to the people of Fiji. As the needs of the communities are very specific and customs regulations are strict, we kindly ask that you do not bring any physical donations onboard to donate personally. We recommend donating to Save the Children who have an active presence on the ground, understand the needs of the community and can allocate funds quickly to those in need.

 

https://www.savethechildren.org.au/donate/cyclone-winston

 

Thank you for your understanding and support of Fiji at this time.

[MicCanberra]

Bring some warm clothes just in case, a cruise went to Tassie last year instead of heading towards the cyclone area.

[eaglebowler]

I still reckon Suva will be ok. However, I'll bet my bottom dollar if there is a diversion it will never be further than the original destination (fuel is $$$$). So the alternate ports would probably be in New Caledonia or Vanuatu.

[stingau]

Damm P&O pacific pearl is going to Tonga, was hoping that as a sister company they would do the same but then the Pearl is leaving from NZ so maybe less of a diversion

[lagoon380]

I think the alternative ports would most likely be Vila then Mystery Is or Isle of pines.

[Ready2startcruising]

I dont mind if there are substitues ... will be cruising and not in the office 😀

[MicCanberra]

I dont mind if there are substitues ... will be cruising and not in the office

 

Great attitude, it is out of your control so just enjoy whatever ports you end up with.:D

[croydonCruiser]

Carnival's website also has an update, and lists the three cruises in March as possibly being affected. It recommends that passengers sailing on S608, G609 or S611 check back regularly for updates. The link is;

http://www.carnival.com.au/promotional/fiji-update.aspx

[lagoon380]

Just got a message from Carnival, both Suva and Port Denarau are open and operational so itinerary will most likely be as planned. See updated info above link.

Edited February 24, 2016 by lagoon380

[MicCanberra]

Just got a message from Carnival, both Suva and Port Denarau are open and operational so itinerary will most likely be as planned. See updated info above link.

 

Good result, Fiji needs to be supported now.