Royal Caribbean Cancels Alaska Cruise, Guests Must Vacate by Sunday Afternoon

A Royal Caribbean Alaska cruise was cancelled after guests boarded due to severe technical delays, leaving passengers until Sunday to vacate the ship and find their way home.

Passengers aboard the Radiance of the Seas were previously notified that their departure from Vancouver, British Columbia would be delayed by two days to address a propulsion issue. The original departure date was set for Friday, April 26th, but was postponed until Sunday with a revised itinerary. However, the voyage has now been canceled entirely.

The Alaska cruise was initially delayed for two days

Guests have now been informed the ship will not sail as the technical issue has yet to be resolved. Guests are expected to disembark the ship on Sunday. Despite the initial delay, guests boarded the ship as normal on Friday and were told they would remain in Vancouver while repairs were carried out. 

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26 sailing,” A Royal Caribbean letter given to guests said. “Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. We’ll regrettably have to cancel our cruise.”

Guests will receive full refunds, travel cost reimbursement

“We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued disruption to your vacation,” it continued. The letter outlined how it would pay guests compensation. Guests will receive a full 100% refund, including taxes, fees, and pre-paid packages. Additionally, guests will also receive a Future Cruise Credit of 100%, which will be issued on May 10.

Those who booked direct flights with Royal Caribbean will have new flights rescheduled automatically. All other guests will have travel change fees reimbursed up to $250 for domestic and $400 for international travel. Any cost overages in a situation like this would be picked up by the passenger’s travel insurance policy.

Following the cancellation notification, guests were notified that they had until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday to vacate the ship.

Radiance of the Seas suffered similar propulsion problems last year, leading to two Alaska cruise cancelations in September 2023. One of these was also notified after guests had already boarded the ship.

Radiance will spend the summer 2024 season sailing Alaska.