Royal Caribbean Cancels Multiple Bookings Following Lifeboat Damage

Royal Caribbean International has announced the cancellation of the upcoming voyage on the Rhapsody of the Seas due to damage sustained by one of its lifeboats. This damage has compromised the ship’s capacity for lifesaving equipment, necessitating the cancellation.

In a notification to passengers, the company pointed out that the cruise, set to sail in the Southern Caribbean, will not proceed as planned from Puerto Rico on September 15, 2024.

The damage occurred to a tender boat, which is also used as a lifeboat, during the previous cruise, according to the letter from Royal Caribbean.

As a result, with the current number of usable lifeboat seats insufficient for all passengers in an emergency, the upcoming cruise cannot legally or safely carry the full number of booked guests.

Royal Caribbean expressed regret for the inconvenience, stating, “Unfortunately, this means we’ll be unable to welcome you onboard.”

Affected customers will be fully refunded the cruise fare and provided with a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to 100% of the paid amount, applicable to any future sailings until September 13, 2025. Additionally, the company has pledged to cover non-refundable travel expenses related to the cancellation. Guests must provide receipts to claim up to $200 per guest for domestic and $400 for international itinerary changes.

The Rhapsody of the Seas is expected to offer a seven-night journey touching the ports of Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados in the future.