Outraged cruise passengers sound off about 'immense disappointment' after abrupt cancellation

Royal Caribbean Cancels Planned Alaska Cruise After Maintenance Issues, Passengers to Receive Full Refunds

Royal Caribbean Group announced on Thursday that its seven‑night Alaska cruise aboard the Serenade of the Seas would be canceled after the vessel failed to depart from Vancouver, Canada, on schedule. The decision followed a series of maintenance notices that began earlier in August and culminated in the ship’s inability to meet the required technical standards for the voyage.

The cruise, which had been slated to leave on August 30, was originally scheduled to call at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. It had already been delayed from its planned departure to September 1 to allow for “ongoing maintenance,” according to the cruise line’s own blog. Two days after passengers boarded in Vancouver, Royal Caribbean confirmed that the sailing would not proceed.

“We apologize to our guests for the inconvenience and have worked with them to adjust their travel plans,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “Repairs have now been completed, and the ship is ready to welcome guests on its next scheduled sailing.”

The ship’s delay began on August 22, when Royal Caribbean sent a notification to guests that the voyage would be shortened to five days to accommodate additional maintenance. Those who opted not to take the shortened trip were offered options that included a refundable onboard credit and a future cruise credit, according to Cruise Critic. When the ship failed to leave the port, the company issued a statement offering a full refund to all booked passengers, as well as the previously issued onboard credit and a future cruise credit equal to 100 percent of the fare. Eligible passengers would also receive reimbursement for flight‑change fees.

Serenade of the Seas, a mid‑size vessel that can accommodate 2,143 guests at double occupancy, is known for its floor‑to‑ceiling windows, rock‑climbing wall, glass‑domed solarium and multiple dining venues. In recent years the ship has experienced a handful of technical problems, including engine trouble in July 2025 that forced it to return to port after leaving Vancouver for an Alaska cruise. That incident left passengers without a scheduled stop in Sitka and caused some to receive onboard credit for one day of their fare. Earlier in the year, a June 29 sailing was similarly disrupted, leading the vessel to skip Icy Strait Point and scenic cruising in Tracy Arm Fjord.

While the cruise line has promised refunds and credits, many passengers have taken to online forums to voice their frustration. A Reddit user wrote, “This has been an immense disappointment. This was my girlfriend’s birthday cruise with my family and some family friends, and it has been an utter disaster and disappointment from start to finish.” Another commenter lamented that “I was told to feel free to use my onboard credits on the ship — but for what? Only a few of the bars are open. None of the shops or casinos are open.” Yet another expressed relief at having canceled before boarding, though he noted he was still waiting for a refund.

Despite the disappointment, some passengers managed to use the ship’s amenities while they arranged alternative travel arrangements. The ship’s hotel‑style lounge, fitness center, and a few of its dining rooms remained open, although many of the onboard services were curtailed. A number of travelers have reported booking flights home from Vancouver and have received compensation for any eligible flight‑change fees, according to Royal Caribbean’s policy.

After the cancellation, Serenade of the Seas finally set sail again on September 6 for a new seven‑day round‑trip Alaska cruise, as reported by the company’s blog on September 7. The vessel will again call at its traditional ports of call, and Royal Caribbean has indicated that the maintenance issues that plagued the August sailing have been addressed.

Royal Caribbean’s spokesperson reiterated that repairs have been completed and the ship is now ready for its next voyage. “We regret the inconvenience caused to our guests and are working to ensure that our future itineraries meet the high standards expected by our passengers,” he added.

For those who missed the original departure, the company has outlined a clear compensation package: a full refund of the cruise fare, a credit equal to 100 percent of the fare for a future cruise, retention of any previously issued onboard credit, and reimbursement for flight‑change costs when applicable. Passengers can claim these benefits through the cruise line’s customer service channels.

The incident underscores the logistical challenges that cruise operators face when maintaining large vessels for extended itiner