Royal Caribbean has canceled multiple U S sailings after deciding to redeploy two of its ships to new markets, the company told People. The affected voyages were scheduled to depart from Los Angeles and call at Mexican ports, according to reporting.
The lineup of changed sailings centers on Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. Royal Caribbean said it is moving the Navigator to operate year round in Asia and placing the Ovation in the Australia region for upcoming deployments, the outlet reported.
Royal Caribbean told People that it is moving itineraries to reflect scheduling, port agreements and operational considerations. The cruise line said it was committed to providing the best vacation experiences and that itinerary updates are part of that process, the company added.
The redeployed Navigator will offer a mix of shorter two to five night cruises around Southeast Asia with ports in Vietnam, Malaysia and Thailand. It will also feature a longer 12 night voyage running between Tokyo and Singapore, and bookings for the new sailings were opened recently, the reporting said.
Ovation of the Seas will relocate to Brisbane and operate a range of shorter getaways and longer regional voyages. Planned sailings include four night trips to Airlie Beach in Queensland’s Whitsunday region and cruises lasting three to eight nights around Australia and nearby destinations, the company said.
Impact On Booked Guests And Fleet Background
Royal Caribbean said guests and travel partners who held reservations on the canceled Los Angeles departures have been contacted directly with options. The line notified affected customers about alternatives and next steps, according to People.
Sources tracking the line reported affected passengers could move their reservations to other Royal Caribbean sailings, shift to select ships, or receive a full refund including prepaid add ons if no suitable alternative was available, according to the unofficial Royal Caribbean Blog and The Travel.
The recent moves follow earlier redeployments that led to cancellations of U S sailings after the company shifted other ships to overseas ports. A Royal Caribbean spokesperson told The Independent that deployment planning is dynamic and regularly reviewed based on demand, capacity and broader fleet considerations.
