Rhapsody of the Seas Forced to Cancel Sailing

Royal Caribbean has canceled the September 15, 2024, sailing of *Rhapsody of the Seas* due to lifeboat damage, affecting the ship’s safety capacity. Guests will receive a full refund, a Future Cruise Credit, and reimbursements for travel changes. *Rhapsody* is expected to resume sailing on September 22, 2024, with her 7-night Caribbean itinerary.

Royal Caribbean International has announced the cancellation of the September 15, 2024, sailing of Rhapsody of the Seas. This ship is a Vision-class. The cancellation is due to damage sustained by one of the ship’s lifeboats, which also serves as a tender boat. This damage has left the ship without enough lifeboat seats to meet safety requirements. It cannot carry passengers until the issue is resolved. Since May 2024, Rhapsody of the Seas has been operating 7-night itineraries. These run from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to the Southern and Eastern Caribbean.

In a letter to guests, Royal Caribbean explained, “During our previous sailing, one of our tender boats was damaged. This lifeboat is essential for onboard safety. We are now over capacity for available lifeboat seats in the event of an emergency. Regrettably, this means we’re unable to host guests for our September 15, 2024, sailing and must reschedule your cruise.”

Affected guests will receive a full refund of their cruise fare, returned to their original payment method. Additionally, Royal Caribbean is offering a Future Cruise Credit (FCC). The FCC is equivalent to the full value of the original booking. It can be redeemed for a future cruise within one year.

Royal Caribbean added, “We know this is disappointing news, and we sincerely apologize for the impact on your vacation plans. We’re committed to making this right by providing you with both a refund and a future cruise credit.”

In addition to the cruise fare refund and FCC, Royal Caribbean is reimbursing non-refundable transportation expenses related to the cancellation. Guests can submit receipts for travel adjustments, such as flights, train tickets, or rental cars. They can receive up to $200 per person for domestic changes. They can also receive up to $400 per person for international travel adjustments.

If repairs are completed in time, Rhapsody of the Seas is scheduled to resume her 7-night Caribbean itinerary. This is planned for September 22, 2024. Departing from San Juan, the ship is set to visit popular ports such as St. Croix and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands, Philipsburg in St. Maarten, Castries in St. Lucia, and Bridgetown in Barbados before returning to Puerto Rico.