Liputan6.com, Jakarta - Royal Caribbean International announced the cancellation of the Anthem of the Seas cruise scheduled for January 27, 2026.
This decision was made following serious technical issues the cruise ship experienced on its previous voyage.
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This cancellation impacted the travel plans of thousands of passengers who had been looking forward to their Royal Caribbean cruise adventure to New Zealand.
The primary issue was identified with the ship's propulsion system, specifically one of the Azipod units, which prevented Anthem of the Seas from sailing at full speed and had to return to port at a significantly reduced speed.
This incident disrupted the ship's arrival and departure schedules.
The 10-night cruise to New Zealand, scheduled to depart from Sydney on January 27, 2026, was directly affected by these technical issues.
Royal Caribbean International has expressed its deepest apologies for the inconvenience caused, emphasizing that their top priority is the safety and comfort of their guests.
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line Anthem of the Seas Technical Incident Chronology
The Anthem of the Seas experienced significant propulsion issues while sailing in the South Pacific.
The issue was specifically identified as a failure in one of its Azipod units, a crucial component for the ship's movement.
In a statement sent to booked guests, the cruise line explained: “The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our January 27 sailing.”
As a result, the ship was unable to reach its maximum speed, which is typically 22 knots.
Satellite data indicated that the ship was only able to cruise at approximately 14 knots, well below its normal capacity.
While Royal Caribbean has not officially confirmed the exact nature of the failure, passenger reports and industry analysts point to the Azipod issue as the primary cause.
The ship is expected to head to Newcastle, New South Wales, for the necessary repairs to restore full propulsion function.
Impact of Cancellations and Routes Affected
The technical incident on the Anthem of the Seas directly impacted two cruises.
The cruise that was underway at the time of the problem experienced a delay in its return to Sydney, Australia.
The ship, which was scheduled to arrive early on Tuesday, January 27, is expected to dock around 4:00 p.m. local time.
A more significant impact was the cancellation of a 10-night cruise to New Zealand, scheduled to depart from Sydney on January 27, 2026.
This cruise was supposed to visit five iconic ports, including Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, and offer scenic experiences in Fiordland National Park.
Compensation for Passengers
Royal Caribbean International has prepared a comprehensive compensation package for passengers affected by the Anthem of the Seas cruise cancellation.
Passengers registered for canceled cruises will receive a 100% refund of their cruise fare, taxes, and prepaid packages.
In addition to a full refund, passengers will also be given a Future Cruise Credit equal to 25% of their original cruise fare.
To ease the financial burden, Royal Caribbean will also reimburse up to $400 per person for canceled international flights and up to $250 per cabin for booked hotels.
For passengers on affected cruises experiencing delays, the company is offering complimentary communication tools and extended beverage and internet packages.
Royal Caribbean apologizes for this disappointing news, while emphasizing that guest safety and comfort are their top priorities in every Royal Caribbean cruise operation.