Royal Caribbean Halts Cruise on World’s Largest Ship Due to Unexpected Maintenance

Icon of the Seas cruises are being canceled by Royal Caribbean International due to unscheduled maintenance.

We are currently undergoing unplanned maintenance on the Icon of the Seas. The company said in a statement sent to booked guests that although our crew is working hard to resolve this issue as quickly as possible, there will still be work to be done over the next few days while the ship is docked.

This cruise will depart from Port Miami on Sep. 28, 2024 and sail to Cozumel, Costa Maya, Roatán, as well as Royal Caribbean’s private destination in the Bahamas, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

According to the company, “We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we apologize if it impacts your vacation plans.

The cruise line said it would refund affected guests 100 percent, including taxes and fees, as well as pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions.

It is expected that passengers who paid for their cruise using Future Cruise Credits (FCCs) will receive a new credit certificate, as well as a refund of any new funds paid beyond the previously certified amounts.

Furthermore, the company said, “We want you to return and sail with us again, so we’re giving you a FCC valued at 100 percent of your previous cruise fare.”

Royal Caribbean has announced that passengers who booked their flights independently will also qualify for reimbursements. The cruise line will cover travel change fees of up to $200 per guest for domestic flights and $400 for international flights.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is modifying the itinerary for the Icon of the Seas, which departed from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean on September 21, 2024. The ship is currently undergoing maintenance and will operate at a reduced speed. “Unplanned maintenance can occur, and our teams are diligently working to resolve the issue,” the company communicated to passengers on board.

As a result of these changes, the ship will omit its stop in Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, opting instead for an extra day at sea. To compensate affected guests, Royal Caribbean will offer onboard credits equivalent to one day’s fare.

The itinerary still includes scheduled stops at St. Maarten and Perfect Day at CocoCay, which will proceed as planned.