Cruise Rerouted? What You Can Actually Claim

Passengers whose cruise is rerouted because of storms cannot assume they will receive a fare refund, even if several ports disappear. Royal Caribbean diverted two cruises to Canada in October 2026. What passengers could get back depended on when their itineraries changed, the terms of their bookings and the compensation offered by the cruise line. Some passengers can reject a major pre-departure change, while others may receive credits instead.

On 24 October, Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas left New Jersey for Saint John, Canada, rather than Bermuda after storm forecasts prompted a route change. Six days earlier, Oasis of the Seas had its Bahamas itinerary replaced with a Halifax visit, losing calls at Port Canaveral, CocoCay and Nassau. Both changes were announced before departure; neither cruise itself was cancelled.

Under Royal Caribbean's UK booking terms, eligible guests facing a significant change before departure can choose another holiday or cancel for a refund, paid within 14 days. Replacing two port days with sea days is one example; substituting one port is generally considered minor. These terms apply to customers whose primary country of residence was the UK when booking, not every passenger.

Cruise Refunds, Credits and Restrictions

• Oasis of the Seas: 200–600 in refundable onboard credit per person for the first two guests, plus $100 for each additional guest. Paying passengers also receive future cruise credit worth 50% of their original cruise fare.
• Independence of the Seas: 150–500 in refundable onboard credit per cabin, plus $50 for each additional guest.
• Excursions: Prepaid Royal Caribbean tours at cancelled ports were refunded; independent bookings depend on supplier terms.
• Canada: Some nationalities need visas even when staying aboard.
• Before sailing: Request written cancellation or rebooking options.

Before accepting a replacement itinerary, ask whether the operator considers the change significant and what refund or alternative your contract permits. Keep the original itinerary, the change notice and receipts for excursions booked independently. If you sail, confirm when unused refundable onboard credit will reach your payment card. Submit insurance claims with the written explanation for the diversion, rather than assuming missed ports are covered.