The Alaska cruise season from Vancouver has launched, but one ship was left at the starting gate.
Royal Caribbean International cancelled the April 26 sailing of Radiance of the Seas after 1,900 passengers had already boarded. The company announced after a day of trying to fix a propulsion issue that the cruise was no longer going ahead and everyone had to go home.
“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have the Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26, 2024 sailing,” Royal Caribbean said in a letter sent to guests onboard. “Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our cruise,” the company added.
The ship built in 2001 had been having issues with its population system which slowed its speed and made it unable to visit the scheduled ports of call during its previous sailing from Los Angeles to Vancouver.
A sister ship Brilliance of the Seas, which is also more than 20 years old, also had technical issues that shortened two cruises in the South Pacific in March and led to a cancellaion of its March 30 sailing.
In both cases, Royal Caribbean tried to make good for all expenses to affected passengers, and apologized for the significant inconvenience.
“We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events. We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruption to your vacation,” Royal Caribbean said in its letter to Vancouver guests.
Guests who booked flights or transfers through Royal Caribbean International had their arrangements automatically rescheduled, the company said.
Royal Caribbean also promised to assist passengers with independent hotel arrangements through a section of its mobile app.
Affected guests will receive a 100 per cent refund, in addition to a Future Cruise Credit of the amount they paid for the cruise fare, which can be used for a new booking.
The company also provided free internet for guests to plan their onward travel and kept its bars open while passengers were disembarking.
Royal Caribbean will reimburse any travel change fees up to $250 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel, the statement added.
The company also stated that they will reimburse up to $250 for hotel costs per stateroom, per night, for two nights as guests make their way home.
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