Royal Caribbean cancels Serenade of the Seas Alaska cruise

Royal Caribbean canceled a seven-night Alaska cruise aboard Serenade of the Seas after unfinished repairs prevented the ship from leaving Vancouver.

The sailing had been scheduled to depart Aug. 30, with planned calls at Sitka, Juneau, Ketchikan and Prince Rupert. Its departure was initially postponed until Sept. 1 for maintenance, according to cruise industry reports.

Passengers reportedly embarked in Vancouver before Royal Caribbean announced the cancellation about two days later. The company said the sailing was called off to accommodate continuing maintenance and that it worked with affected guests to revise their travel arrangements.

Booked passengers were set to receive full refunds and keep onboard credit previously provided, according to a cruise industry report. The reported compensation also included future cruise credit equal to 100% of the cruise fare and reimbursement for eligible flight-change fees.

Royal Caribbean later said the repairs had been completed and Serenade of the Seas was prepared for its next scheduled voyage. The ship welcomed passengers again Sept. 6 for a seven-day round-trip Alaska cruise, according to a subsequent report.