Royal Caribbean International has cancelled an upcoming cruise for its vessel, the Anthem of the Seas. The cruise, scheduled to depart from Sydney on January 27, 2026, was set to be a ten-night journey to New Zealand. The company cited a technical issue with the ship as the reason for the cancellation.
Affected guests will receive full refunds and additional compensation. The 2015-built Anthem of the Seas is currently heading to Eden, Australia, for necessary repairs.
Key Takeaways
- Royal Caribbean cancelled the January 27, 2026, Anthem of the Seas cruise.
- The cancellation is due to an unresolved technical issue requiring maintenance.
- Affected passengers will receive a 100% refund and a 25% Future Cruise Credit.
- Royal Caribbean will also reimburse non-refundable travel expenses.
Technical Issue Forces Cancellation
The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical problem during its last sailing. This issue requires maintenance that cannot be completed before the planned January 27, 2026, departure. Royal Caribbean stated that the ship needs to return for these repairs.
The vessel is now expected to arrive in Eden later this week. It will dock there to begin the required maintenance work. This unexpected need for repairs led directly to the cancellation of the upcoming New Zealand itinerary.
"The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance," Royal Caribbean explained in a statement to booked guests. "We won’t be able to complete these needed repairs before the January 27, 2026, cruise."
Comprehensive Compensation for Passengers
Royal Caribbean is offering a full reimbursement package to all guests impacted by this cancellation. This includes a 100 percent refund of the cruise fare. Taxes, fees, and pre-paid packages are also part of the refund.
Additionally, gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions booked directly through Royal Caribbean will be fully reimbursed. This aims to cover all direct costs associated with the cruise booking.
Compensation Details
- 100% refund of cruise fare, taxes, fees, and pre-paid items.
- 25% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for a sailing within one year.
- Reimbursement for non-refundable flight, hotel, train, or rental car expenses.
- Up to $400 per person for international flight changes.
- Up to $250 per stateroom for up to two nights of hotel accommodation.
- Up to $100 per person per day for incidentals.
Future Cruise Credit and Travel Reimbursements
Beyond the full refund, guests will also receive a 25 percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC). This credit can be applied towards a future sailing. The new cruise must depart within one year of the original cancellation date.
Royal Caribbean is also addressing non-refundable travel expenses incurred by guests. This includes costs for flights, hotels, train tickets, or rental cars purchased in advance. Guests can claim these expenses.
Impact on Travel Plans
Unexpected cruise cancellations can significantly disrupt pre-arranged travel plans. Passengers often book flights and hotels months in advance to align with their cruise itineraries. The reimbursement for these non-refundable expenses is crucial for mitigating financial losses for travelers.
Reimbursement Caps for External Costs
There are specific limits for the reimbursement of external travel costs. For domestic flight changes, guests can claim up to $200 per person. International flight changes have a higher limit, allowing up to $400 per person.
Hotel accommodations are reimbursed up to $250 per stateroom, covering a maximum of two nights. For other incidentals, Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $100 per person per day. These caps aim to cover reasonable expenses while setting clear boundaries.
"We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news," Royal Caribbean stated, acknowledging the inconvenience for its customers.
Original Itinerary and Ship Details
The cancelled ten-night itinerary was set to explore several ports in New Zealand. These included Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin. The cruise also featured scenic cruising through Fjordland National Park.
The journey was scheduled to begin and end in Sydney. The Anthem of the Seas is a large vessel, capable of carrying 4,202 passengers. It was built in 2015 and is part of Royal Caribbean's Quantum class of ships.
The ship's capacity highlights the number of passengers affected by this unforeseen technical issue. The itinerary offered a popular route for those wishing to experience New Zealand's diverse landscapes and cities.
Anthem of the Seas Overview
- Ship Name: Anthem of the Seas
- Built: 2015
- Passenger Capacity: 4,202
- Original Departure: January 27, 2026, from Sydney
- Original Destination: New Zealand (10 nights)
- Ports of Call: Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, Fjordland National Park (scenic cruising)
The company's swift action in communicating the cancellation and outlining compensation aims to manage the disruption for its customers. Passengers are advised to contact Royal Caribbean directly for specific claim procedures.
