For the second time this month, a Royal Caribbean cruise that was meant to head somewhere warm is going to Canada instead. Independence of the Seas left Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on Saturday, Oct. 24, on a cruise to Bermuda. Because of Subtropical Storm Josephine, the ship is now sailing north to Saint John, New Brunswick, Royal Caribbean Blog reported.
Royal Caribbean told guests in an email that the storm "makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey to Bermuda." After "exploring all of our options," the line said it chose an overnight stay in Saint John instead.
The new schedule
The ship kept its original departure time from Cape Liberty on Saturday. Here is the revised plan:
- Sunday, Oct. 25: Sea day.
- Monday, Oct. 26: Arrive in Saint John at 10:30 a.m. and stay overnight.
- Tuesday, Oct. 27: Leave Saint John at 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, Oct. 28: Sea day.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Return to Cape Liberty.
The original plan had one sea day and then an overnight stay in Bermuda. The Bermuda call is now fully off.
How much onboard credit guests get
Royal Caribbean is giving refundable onboard credit to make up for the change. The amount for the first and second guests in a cabin depends on the cabin type:
| Cabin type | Onboard credit per cabin |
|---|---|
| Inside | $150 |
| Outside | $200 |
| Balcony | $300 |
| Suite | $500 |
Third and fourth guests get $50 each. That means four people in a balcony cabin would get $400 in total, Royal Caribbean Blog noted.
Shore excursions bought from Royal Caribbean for Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda are refunded as onboard credit. Any onboard credit left unused at the end of the cruise goes back to the credit card on the guest's onboard account.
This is less than what guests on Oasis of the Seas got when that ship was sent to Halifax earlier in October. Those guests received onboard credit plus a 50% future cruise credit.
Documents matter for Canada
Bermuda and Canada have different entry rules. Royal Caribbean reminded guests to check them. The line said guests can use a passport book or passport card valid for at least six months after the cruise ends, which it "highly" recommends. U.S. citizens can also board with a U.S. birth certificate and a valid government photo ID.
Some guests from other countries may need a visa to visit Canada. They may not be able to board without one. If you are on this sailing and not a U.S. citizen, check the rules linked in Royal Caribbean's letter.
Pack for the cold
Saint John is a big change from Bermuda. Royal Caribbean said daytime highs in port should be in the mid-50s. It suggested light sweaters and layers. The line also pointed guests to the New Brunswick Museum and the Reversing Rapids, where the Saint John River meets the Bay of Fundy.
A rough fall for Cape Liberty sailings
This is the second weather change for Independence of the Seas in about a month. On Sept. 26, a strong nor'easter kept the ship docked in Cape Liberty. Pilots stopped work until Sunday morning, so the ship's Bermuda stay was cut short.
Fall is storm season off the East Coast. If you are booked on a Bermuda or Bahamas cruise from the Northeast, pack a jacket and your passport. Your cruise may end up farther north than you planned.
Sources
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