Royal Caribbean International has announced the cancellation of the Anthem of the Seas’ upcoming cruise, originally scheduled to set sail from Sydney on January 27, 2026. This cruise was planned as part of the winter season itineraries from Australia, including a ten-night voyage to New Zealand.
In a communication to guests who had already booked the cruise, the company cited a technical issue experienced during the ship’s last sailing as the reason for the cancellation. As a result, the Anthem of the Seas will return to Eden later this week for necessary repairs.
Royal Caribbean expressed its regret over the situation, emphasizing the effort and anticipation that goes into planning a cruise. They confirmed that the required repairs would not be completed in time for the January departure.
Guests affected by the cancellation will receive a full refund covering the cruise fare, taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, onboard amenities, and shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean. Furthermore, to assist in offsetting the disappointment, the company is providing a 25 percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC), valid for use on any future sailing within a year.
In addition to the cruise refund, the company will cover non-refundable travel expenses that guests may have incurred, such as flights, hotel stays, train tickets, or rental car fees. Refund claims for domestic flight changes can reach up to $200 per person, and for international flights, up to $400 per person. Moreover, Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $250 per stateroom for hotel accommodations for a maximum of two nights and up to $100 per person, per day for incidentals.
The cancelled cruise was intended to visit key ports in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, along with a scenic sailing through Fjordland National Park before returning to Sydney.
This proactive approach to customer service and the provision of compensation and credits reflect Royal Caribbean’s commitment to addressing the needs of their customers during unforeseen circumstances.