Royal Caribbean had to cancel Radiance of the Seas’ Alaska-Canada cruise on embarkation day, September 1, 2023. The cruise was to be a 7-night sailing with ports of call in Juneau, Haines, Skagway, Ketchikan, and Icy Strait Point. Passengers were also to cruise by the ever popular Glacier Bay before disembarking in Vancouver.
However, due to mechanical issues, 2,200 cruisers had to make arrangements that did not involve cruising which then overwhelmed the city of Seward, Alaska. A letter from Royal Caribbean to booked passengers read, “As you may know, on your return to Seward, Alaska, Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship’s speed. Unfortunately, our teams were unable to complete the needed repairs to be able to depart today on our sailing. As a result, we’ll be canceling this current sailing.”
The letter then reassured passengers they would be taken care of and given help to get back home. The ship was made available as a hotel through noon Sunday to allow cruisers time to make other arrangements. This included complimentary internet, drinks, a shuttle into Seward along with onboard entertainment and activities.
Royal Caribbean offered a very generous compensation for the canceled cruise. Every passenger received a full refund for their cruise and flights including onboard credits, prepaid gratuities and excursion.
Passengers also will receive a free cruise for a future sailing by September 22, 2023 to be used within a year. Flights booked through Royal Caribbean were automatically changed. Passengers who booked their own flights were reimbursed up to $600.
There has been no word if the cruise line will be able to repair Radiance of the Seas in time for her next sailing or if it will be affected in any way. If you are booked on Radiance of the Seas, keep in contact with the cruise line or your travel agent for any changes or cancellations. And let this be a reminder, get the insurance for any unforeseen possibility.