Typhoon Haikui disrupts cruise: Costa Serena rerouted from Okinawa to Hong Kong

The Costa Serena cruise, originally scheduled to depart from Keelung Port for a four-day, three-night tour of Naha and Ishigaki Island in Okinawa, Japan, has had its itinerary significantly changed due to Typhoon Haikui. The storm's westward progression prompted the cruise line to postpone the departure and reroute the vessel to Hong Kong.

Passengers booked on the original itinerary will now embark on a five-day, four-night journey to Hong Kong instead of visiting Japan. The cruise line has assured that the fare will remain unchanged. As compensation for the altered plans and the extended trip, each passenger will receive a $100 onboard credit.

The cruise is now slated to depart from Keelung Port on the evening of the same day it was originally scheduled to sail. The revised itinerary includes arriving in Hong Kong on the second day and departing for the return journey on the third day, with arrival back in Keelung on the fourth day. Passengers will need a Mainland Travel Permit for Taiwan Residents or an electronic visa to enter Hong Kong.

While the company has reported the expected departure time, some passengers have expressed confusion and concern on social media, questioning the current location of the ship and the logistics of entering Hong Kong without the necessary documentation. The cruise line has informed the North Port Administration that the ship is expected to leave port on the same day.