Royal Caribbean Lets World Cruise Passengers Vote on New Route After Red Sea Leg Dropped

With tensions in the Red Sea region showing no sign of abating, Royal Caribbean has inevitably had to make major adjustments to its Ultimate World Cruise itinerary. Currently in Asia, Serenade of the Seas will no longer be able to sail cruise segments between Dubai and Greece.

Two Choices Via West Africa

Instead, the cruise line has two new itinerary options sailing around Africa and will let democracy take its course. Ultimate World Cruise guests will be able to vote for their preference.

The choice is an ‘Immersive Africa’ segment calling at 11 African countries. The other segment features more sea days and fewer calls to the Seychelles, overnight in Cape Town, and the Canary Islands. However, this option includes more extensive sailing in Turkey and the Greek Islands.

Guests can also apply for a full refund if they are booked solely for the impacted segment or pro-rated reimbursement if they are on the full cruise or one or more other segments.

“We understand this is not an ideal situation, and we’re truly sorry for the impact. We’ve put together some alternate options that we hope will work for you and those in your party,” the cruise line said in a letter to booked guests.

Refunds also Offered

Guests can re-book another sailing with non-refundable deposit change fees waived. They will receive a $100 Onboard Credit per stateroom plus an additional $50 for a third or more guests. Guests will be reimbursed for applicable flight, train travel, or car hire change fees.

This ranges from $200 for domestic travel up to $400 for international flight change fees. Alternatively, guests can request a refund. The Ultimate World Cruise, Royal Caribbean’s first round-the-world voyage, departed Miami on December 10 and is scheduled to end on September 10.