Passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas were disappointed when the cruise company canceled their much-anticipated Alaska vacation due to a propulsion issue. As a result, guests had to change their holiday arrangements at the last minute. The cruise, set to depart on April 26 for a 7-night journey across Alaskan seas, was initially delayed before being wholly canceled.
The cruise line had been transparent with travelers about the technical difficulties, as passenger Charlene Chong reported to USA Today. Though the company attempted to address the issue and initially pushed back the departure by two days, eventually, it became clear that the cruise could not proceed as planned.
A Cruise to Nowhere
Royal Caribbean’s response to the situation included offering a full refund and 100% future cruise credit. The cruise line also provided reimbursements for additional travel and accommodation expenses incurred due to the cancellation.
Even as the cruise turned into a cruise to nowhere, the company maintained an open-bar policy. They also offered onboard credit to the passengers for the inconvenience.
Still, the reactions of those on board were mixed. Some, like TikTok user @lilmel.16, felt sad about the cancelation. However, they acknowledged Royal Caribbean’s efforts to care for its guests. The video, posted by the passenger, humorously pointed out the irony of the situation with the caption, “This ain’t Alaska,” playing on the lyrics of Beyoncé’s song, “Texas Hold ‘Em.”
Guests affected by the cancelation now deal with the logistics of refunds and rebookings. While some look forward to future cruises, others, such as the Chong family, chose to book a trip to Mexico instead.
A Blow to Royal Caribbean’s Image
Such changes to the planned service are at odds with Royal Caribbean. The cruise line usually boasts opulent experiences and exciting itineraries, making this cancelation a letdown for many clients. However, the company’s proactive compensation plans and communication softened the blow a little. The efforts reflect an attempt to uphold its customer service standards despite technical setbacks. For those considering an Alaskan cruise, this incident is a reminder to prepare for the unexpected. Plus, it’s always necessary to assess the cruise line’s reliability and responsiveness when booking.