Vancouver travelers who had booked a week‑long Alaska cruise aboard Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas were left scrambling when the line announced the sailing was cancelled. The ship was scheduled to depart on September 1 for a seven‑night itinerary that would have visited Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert.
Technical problems force cancellation
According to the cruise‑industry blog Cruise Critic, the vessel had already been delayed from its original August 30 departure to allow for maintenance. On August 22, Royal Caribbean emailed guests saying the cruise would be shortened to five days to accommodate additional repairs. By August 30, the company confirmed that the repairs were still incomplete and the ship could not safely leave port.
“To accommodate ongoing maintenance, we’ve had to cancel our sailing. We apologize to our guests for the inconvenience and have worked with them to adjust their travel plans,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told Fox News Digital. The spokesperson added that the repairs have now been completed and the ship is ready for its next scheduled sailing.
Compensation for affected travelers
Royal Caribbean says all booked passengers will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, retain any onboard credit already issued, receive a future cruise credit for 100% of the fare, and be reimbursed for eligible flight‑change fees. The line also allowed guests who preferred a shorter trip to keep a refundable onboard credit.
Passengers were able to use the ship’s amenities while they arranged flights home, according to several cruise blogs. Some expressed frustration on Reddit, noting that limited bars, shops and casinos were open after the cancellation.
Ship’s recent history of technical issues
The Serenade of the Seas, a mid‑size vessel that can accommodate 2,143 guests at double occupancy, has faced other technical difficulties. In July 2025, the ship experienced engine trouble shortly after departing Vancouver, forcing a return to port for overnight testing and causing passengers to miss a scheduled stop in Sitka. Earlier in September 2025, a separate technical problem caused the ship to skip Icy Strait Point and the scenic Tracy Arm Fjord, with affected guests receiving a one‑day onboard credit.
Future sailings
Royal Caribbean announced that the ship resumed operations on September 6, departing Vancouver on a new seven‑day round‑trip Alaska cruise. The line emphasized that the vessel’s repairs were completed and it is ready to welcome guests on upcoming sailings.
Travelers who were disappointed by the cancellation are encouraged to contact Royal Caribbean’s customer service for details on refunds and credits, and to monitor the line’s website for updates on future itineraries.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
