Some Royal Caribbean guests were given bad news right before their cruise was scheduled to depart. The cruise line informed some booked guests that it had been forced to cancel their voyage just two days before their sailing because of a lifeboat issue.
The cruise line says one of the lifeboats on the 2,416-guest Rhapsody of the Seas was damaged and cannot be replaced or repaired in time. This means it has been forced to reduce guest capacity due to strict evacuation safety rules.
Guests Cancelled Just Days Before Departure
Rhapsody of the Seas departs from Puerto Rico on Sunday, September 15, on a seven-night sailing to St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados.
“On our previous sailing, there was damage to one of our tender boats, which also serves as a lifeboat,” Royal Caribbean said in an emailed notice to impacted guests.
“This leaves the ship over capacity for the number of available lifeboat seats in the event of an emergency on our next sailing.” The cruise line cited the requirement to have space on a lifeboat or life raft for every ship guest onboard as part of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS).
Not Enough Lifeboat for All Guests
“Unfortunately, this means we’ll be unable to welcome you onboard,” Royal Caribbean added.
| It is offering a full refund and reimbursement of transportation change fees, such as for flights, rail trips, or rental cars. This amounts to up to $200 per guest for domestic travel or $400 per guest for those flying in from overseas. Guests must submit receipts to receive the compensation. |
Additionally, Royal Caribbean International offered a 100% Future Cruise Credit redeemable within 12 months.
The email ended with an apology: “We know this is disappointing news, and we’re terribly sorry for the impact on your vacation plans.”
Last summer, P&O Cruises had to fly over 200 guests home after a collision, damaging a lifeboat.
Two weeks ago, a Carnival Cruise Line ship struck ice in Alaska, delaying the vessel for hours while it was inspected for damage.
