Severe Weather Forces Crown Princess to Alter Course
Passengers aboard Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess’ 113-night world cruise have been notified that the ship will not be arriving in Cape Town, South Africa, as scheduled, due to a string of severe weather at sea.
The announcement came directly from the 113,561-gross-ton ship’s Captain Christopher Lye, who detailed a number of changes in direction will be forthcoming.
“The current weather forecast is still showing a series of adverse weather systems… causing strong winds and heavy swells,” the captain said across Crown Princess’ PA system.
“I have determined that it will be advisable to avoid the south coast of Africa until these conditions improve,” he continued.
The change comes as the South African Weather Service issued multiple alerts for the region.
A damaging wave warning is in effect for the entire southern coast beginning on June 23, 2025, with forecasters noting risks of small craft capsizing and dangerous offshore navigation.
Gale-force wind alerts have also been issued for both the west and east Cape coasts, with wind speeds predicted to reach 35 to 45 knots.
While the ship had already diverted south of Madagascar to bypass an earlier storm, worsening conditions have prompted the captain to hold position along South Africa’s east coast rather than rounding the southern tip.
Captain Lye said the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess will now miss its scheduled call in Cape Town on June 25 and 26, 2025.
Additionally, he said the cruise ship is working to include a new call in another South African town before proceeding.
“We are also working with local authorities to include an additional day in another South Africa port, possibly on the east coast,” he said. “These delays will likely have impact on our ongoing itinerary.”
The captain emphasized that the safety of passengers and crew remains the top priority and the reason for the changes, which he is working quickly to update.
“Please be assured we recognize the importance and value of including Cape Town on our itinerary,” Captain Lye said, promising to secure a visit to the port at a later date.
Itinerary Disruptions Continue
Crown Princess only just began its 113-night world cruise on May 31, 2025, from Auckland, New Zealand – its longest world cruise to date.
While the voyage began with smooth sailing to Sydney, Australia, the vessel was forced to turn around briefly after rough swells caused it to lilt 6° to 7°.
She was able to continue to Adelaide and Fremantle, Australia, as well as Port Louis in Mauritius, with minimal damage, and was set to enjoy a two-day port call in Cape Town from June 25 to 26.
For now, the ship remains off South Africa’s east coast, with Durban a likely candidate for a substitute port call. But surf conditions remain dynamic there as well, with head-high waves reported and small craft advisories anticipated through June 25 in nearby Richards Bay.
In fact, advisories of damaging waves remain in effect for the southern coast through 11:59:59 p.m. local time June 23, 2025, with damaging wind warnings in effect from June 24 through midnight on June 25.
Captain Lye promises to keep passengers updated as Crown Princess adjusts her course to avoid the storm system and rebuilds its itinerary for this week, as well as the remainder of its duration.
Read Also: The 10 Roughest Seas in the World for Cruise Ships
The ship was scheduled to continue to Walvis Bay, Namibia, after Cape Town, followed by multiple destinations across Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific as it makes its way back to New Zealand with a September 22, 2025, end date.
Cruise Hive will update Crown Princess’ itinerary as soon as Captain Lye makes it available.