Double Medical Emergency Involving Child Delays Oasis of the Seas and Cancels Port

A letter sent to guests on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas explained that due to two passengers needing “urgent medical attention,” the ship would be delayed in its return to Cape Liberty.

The vessel returned to a port it had just left in Nassau, Bahamas, to bring the critically ill guests onto shore and is now heading back to its homeport, about eight hours behind schedule.

The health and welfare of a sick passenger will always take precedence, but due to the delays, the first port of call for Oasis of the Seas’s next sailing has been canceled.

A 2:00 AM U-turn

Just after 2:00 AM on September 18, 2026, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas began making a U-turn in the Bahamas due to a medical emergency on board.

The cruise ship was only 120 miles from Nassau when the medical team determined that heading to the hospital back in Nassau was the best option for the guest, who according to reports on Facebook, was an elderly woman.

But on the way, another guest (reportedly a 7-year-old child) also became critically ill, making a double medical evacuation necessary.

Facebook page creator, Cruise with 5L, is currently on Oasis of the Seas and recorded a video about the announcement and events of the ship:

Medevac Logistics in Open Water

A screenshot from ship-tracking platform CruiseGlobe shows the vessel making a sharp turn off the coast of Great Abaco.

Online discussions among cruise fans questioned why a Coast Guard or military helicopter airlift wasn’t utilized instead.

But there are a lot of extra complications thrown into the equation with open-water medevacs. Whatever the specific reasons, the team on Oasis of the Seas determined that making a direct port detour to Nassau the safest and most effective solution for both patients.

Arrival in Bayonne Delayed

After completing the emergency debarkations, Oasis of the Seas departed Nassau shortly before 1:00 PM on Friday, September 18, with the captain running all available engines at full power (around 21 knots) toward New Jersey.

Originally scheduled to dock early Sunday morning, the ship is now expected to arrive at Cape Liberty around 2:00 PM. The letter sent to guests stated that debarkation would begin around 2:30 PM, if everything goes according to plan.

Royal Caribbean has asked departing guests to strictly adhere to their assigned departure groups to make sure the customs process runs smoothly.

Compensation

To help passengers impacted by the delay, Royal Caribbean is stepping in with several accommodations so guests can make further transportation arrangements:

• Complimentary Internet: Staterooms without an active Wi-Fi package are receiving a free 60-minute internet voucher via the Royal Caribbean app.
• Free Phone Access: Guests can dial 0 from their cabin phones to reach the ship’s Operator for outgoing calls to airlines, hotels, or family members.
• Automatic Flight Handling: Travelers who booked airfare through the “Flights by Royal” program will have their schedules adjusted automatically, with updates sent via email.
• Flight Change Fee Reimbursements: For independently booked travel, Royal Caribbean recommends rescheduling flights for no earlier than 6:00 PM. The cruise line is covering air change fees up to $200 USD per person for domestic travel and $400 USD for international travel.

Next Sailing: Port Canceled

The late arrival at Cape Liberty has created a trickle down effect for guests boarding the next 7-night Bahamas sailing.

Royal Caribbean sent notices to incoming passengers informing them that terminal check-in times have been pushed back by seven to eight hours, with boarding windows now running into the evening.

All guests must be onboard by 9:30 PM. Early arrivals are being turned away to prevent gridlock issues at the port terminal.

Because of the late departure out of Bayonne, Royal Caribbean was forced to alter the upcoming itinerary.

The scheduled port call at Port Canaveral on Tuesday, September 22, has been officially canceled.

That day will now be spent at sea, with the ship sailing directly to Perfect Day CocoCay.

To make up for the canceled port call, shore excursions booked through the cruise line are being automatically refunded, and affected cabins on the upcoming sailing are receiving onboard credits ranging from $100 to $200 depending on stateroom category.

The current health status of the two ill passengers has not been revealed, but we at Cruise Fever hope and pray for a speedy recovery. And we’re thankful that Royal Caribbean took swift action to get these two guests the medical attention they needed.