Royal Caribbean Ship Still Docked in Homeport, a Day After It Was Supposed to Set Sail

Royal Caribbean’s mega ship Symphony of the Seas was supposed to set sail yesterday on a 7-day sailing to The Bahamas.  Instead, the 6,680-max-capacity ship is still docked in the New Jersey Cape Liberty Cruise Port in Bayonne today.

The vessel has been unable to depart for its scheduled sailing due to severe weather conditions caused by a powerful nor’easter affecting the East Coast.

Departure and Itinerary Impact

The cruise was originally scheduled to begin its 7-night Bahamas itinerary on Sunday, October 12, in the early afternoon. But the storm’s heavy rain and strong winds have made it unsafe for the massive ship to navigate the harbor and begin its trip south.

This delay means the ship has lost nearly two full days of its originally planned voyage. The safety protocols require the ship to remain at the pier until conditions improve, which is now anticipated to be on Tuesday, October 14.

The delay has made the original itinerary impossible.  Original ports of call included stops in Port Canaveral, Nassau, and Royal Caribbean’s private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

While passengers are currently onboard, the cruise line will be forced to announce a modified, shorter itinerary that cancels one or more of the planned ports of call, as the ship is set to return to New Jersey by its scheduled date of October 19.

Compensation and Onboard Status

While the ship awaits clearance to sail, most onboard services, including restaurants, entertainment, and activities, are open.  But some areas like the casino will not be able to open until the ship has moved away from port.

Royal Caribbean is expected to announce its compensation policy for the change, which typically includes a prorated refund of the cruise fare for the time lost, as well as refunds for any pre-purchased excursions or port taxes for any missed destinations.

Guests are currently being provided updates as the storm system is closely monitored.

Passenger Reaction and Boarding Experience

Passenger reactions online to the situation were mixed.  Most expressing support for the safety decision but were also frustrated over the delayed departure and crowded embarkation process.

Safety First: The decision to keep the ship docked was understood by most, as many were relieved to avoid rough seas. As one commenter noted on Facebook, “Passenger and crew safety [is] 1st,” with another agreeing it is better than the ship “bobbing around in the wind.”

A passenger from the prior cruise noted that the return to New Jersey was a bumpy ride.

Embarkation Complaints: Royal Caribbean had instructed guests to arrive earlier on Sunday to expedite boarding ahead of the storm. This move, however, led to long lines and frustration. One guest described the experience as a “2 hour wait to get onto the ship, then another 2 hour wait to get into our cabin.”

Onboard Atmosphere: Despite the frustration, many guests are making the best of the unexpected stopover, noting that the ship still offers a full range of activities. As one passenger commented, they are currently “enjoying dinner at 150 Central Park right now.” The extended port stay is not unprecedented, with one cruiser recalling a similar two-day delay in New York on another cruise line.

Norwegian Ship Also Impacted

The same severe weather that is keeping Symphony of the Seas in port is also holding back Norwegian Getaway. This NCL ship, which was set to leave from the Manhattan Cruise Terminal on Sunday for a 7-night Canada and New England trip, is stuck in port.

Officials halted all pilot services, making it unsafe for any large ship to sail. The delay has already forced Norwegian Cruise Line to cancel the first two stops, Newport and Boston. The ship hopes to finally leave on Tuesday, October 14th, but the itinerary will be shorter.