Imagine the excitement of booking a cruise, only to have it unexpectedly cancelled. Disappointment sets in as you scramble to find alternative options for your vacation. But what if, months later, you receive an email informing you that your cancelled cruise is now available again? Royal Caribbean International has recently reached out to guests booked on a Freedom of the Seas cruise that was cancelled three months ago, letting them know that the sailing is back on. This unexpected turn of events gives guests the chance to restore their original cruise plans, even if they had made other arrangements. With various options to reset their vacation plans, impacted travelers now have the opportunity to experience the dream cruise they thought was lost.
Royal Caribbean Retracts Previous Decision on Cancelled Cruise
Royal Caribbean International has made a surprising announcement, retracting their previous decision to cancel the Freedom of the Seas cruise. This cruise, which was originally scheduled for December 21, 2024, was cancelled almost three months ago due to a dry dock schedule change. However, the cruise line has now informed previously booked guests that the sailing is back on and they have the option to restore their original vacation plans. Let’s take a closer look at the details and options available to impacted travelers.
Freedom of the Seas Cruise Not Cancelled – Three Months After It Was Cancelled
Guests who were booked on the December 21, 2024 sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas cruise recently received a surprising email. This email explained that their previously cancelled cruise is now back on the schedule, much to the delight and confusion of many travelers. The original cancellation occurred in June, with guests being given three options: choosing an alternative sailing on the Freedom of the Seas or Oasis of the Seas, rebooking on any other Royal Caribbean sailing, or receiving a full refund. Now, regardless of the choice guests made at the time, they have the opportunity to return to the originally scheduled cruise.
Options to Resume the Original Cruise
Impacted travelers have three options to reset their vacation plans back to the original sailing if they wish to do so.
Option 1: Return to Original Cruise with Protected Pricing or Reduced Fare For guests who had selected an alternative sailing from the list of available cruises on Freedom of the Seas or Oasis of the Seas, they have the option to return to the original cruise. Royal Caribbean is offering comparable staterooms with protected pricing or a reduced fare if the new rate is lower. Any overpayment will be refunded to the original form of payment.
Option 2: Return to Original Cruise from Any Other Royal Caribbean Sailing Guests who had rebooked on any other Royal Caribbean International sailing can also choose to return to the original Freedom of the Seas cruise. Similar to option 1, they will be offered comparable staterooms with protected pricing or a reduced fare, if applicable.
Option 3: Reinstate Original Booking with Protected Pricing or New Cruise Rate For guests who had chosen to cancel their vacation plans altogether when the first cancellation was announced, it is now possible to reinstate their original booking. They can do so with protected pricing or at the new cruise rate, if lower than what was previously booked.
Guests Must Contact Cruise Line by October 3, 2023
For travelers who wish to take advantage of the opportunity to restore their original cruise plans, they must contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agent by October 3, 2023. This deadline ensures that the cruise line can make the necessary arrangements and adjustments for the affected guests.
No Explanation Given for Cruise Restoration
Despite the sudden reversal in the cancellation decision, Royal Caribbean has not provided any detailed explanation for why the cruise has been restored. This lack of information mirrors the initial cancellation, where very little was shared about the reason behind it other than a generic mention of dry dock for routine maintenance and improvements. It remains uncertain whether the dry dock schedule has been rescheduled, postponed, or cancelled altogether.
Guests Have Time to Consider Options
One positive aspect of the restoration announcement is that the impacted sailing is still 15 months away. This provides guests with ample time to carefully consider their options and make the best decision for their holiday vacation plans. It is also worth noting that with the rescheduling of the dry dock, other cruises may be affected as well. Therefore, guests who had a sailing cancelled on Freedom of the Seas in recent months should remain alert for possible notifications and rebooking options.
Conclusion
Royal Caribbean International’s decision to retract the previous cancellation of the Freedom of the Seas cruise has created both excitement and confusion for previously booked guests. The options provided to impacted travelers allow them the flexibility to reset their vacation plans and return to the originally scheduled cruise if they desire. Whether guests choose to rejoin the Freedom of the Seas or opt for another cruise in the future, Royal Caribbean is committed to ensuring an amazing experience. As the affected sailing is still over a year away, guests have plenty of time to carefully consider their options and make the best decision for their cruising wishes.
Source: https://www.cruisehive.com/royal-caribbean-retracts-previous-decision-on-cancelled-cruise/111253