Royal Caribbean has removed the Costa Maya, Mexico port from the Icon of the Seas itinerary for September 26, 2026. The decision came after a maintenance issue kept the ship in Miami overnight, pushing the departure from Saturday to Sunday.
Why the change was made
According to a notice sent to passengers and reported by Parade magazine, the vessel was scheduled to leave Miami on Saturday, Sept. 26, but remained docked until Sunday. The cruise line replaced the third day of the cruise with a “relaxing Sea Day” in place of the Costa Maya visit.
Compensation offered to travelers
Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credit of at least $300 to affected guests, with the exact amount varying by cabin type. The notice, which was shared on Reddit, states that the credit will be applied to each passenger’s account.
Mixed reactions from the cruising community
Reddit users expressed a range of opinions. Some celebrated the change, noting the credit as a “gigantic win” and praising the removal of what they described as a less desirable port. One user wrote, “$350 to miss the worst port of the itinerary made my day!” Others questioned the reputation of Costa Maya, calling it “run‑down, half empty, and smells” and criticizing the limited activities available.
Conversely, many travelers voiced disappointment, especially families looking forward to the planned excursion to the Chacchoben Maya ruins. One passenger said, “My daughter is a bit bummed, as our ruins excursion was what she was looking forward to the most.” Another added, “I’m bummed to be missing our Chacchoben ruins tour, but we’ll live.”
What this means for future itineraries
The cancellation highlights how operational issues can affect cruise schedules and passenger experiences. While the onboard credit may soften the blow for some, the loss of a cultural stop like Costa Maya underscores the importance of reliable ship maintenance and clear communication with guests.
Royal Caribbean has not provided further comment beyond the notice. Travelers with questions about the credit or alternative excursion options are encouraged to contact the cruise line directly.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
