Serenade of the Seas Alaska sailing delayed for maintenance
Royal Caribbean has revised the five-night itinerary and outlined compensation and cancellation options for affected guests.
Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas will now leave Vancouver at 9 p.m. on September 1, 2026, two days after its originally scheduled August 30 departure. The cruise line told guests that required maintenance needed additional time in Vancouver. The disruption has been attributed to an issue with the ship’s propulsion system.
The original five-night Alaska itinerary included Sitka, Juneau, Skagway and Ketchikan. Under the revised schedule, the ship will call only at Ketchikan and Prince Rupert, British Columbia. The planned scenic glacier cruising day has also been removed.
Royal Caribbean said guests will receive onboard credit equal to two days of their paid cruise fare, along with additional Future Cruise Credit. The company is also offering reimbursement of up to $300 per stateroom for hotel bookings on August 30 and 31. Eligible flight-change expenses will be reimbursed up to $400 for international travel and $200 for domestic travel.
Passengers who choose to cancel are to receive a full refund of their original cruise fare within two weeks. Royal Caribbean also advised that guests must remain aboard after embarking in Vancouver because of immigration regulations. Shops and the casino will remain closed while the vessel is in port.
