Royal Caribbean Adjusts Panama Canal Cruises to Southern Caribbean Itineraries

Royal Caribbean International has announced that it will be adjusting the itineraries for its Panama Canal cruises aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas. The cruise line has begun reaching out to guests who have booked these sailings to inform them of the changes.

Previously, the Rhapsody of the Seas was scheduled to offer a series of shorter Panama Canal sailings during the winter 2023-2024 season. These unique itineraries allowed guests to experience the thrill of transiting one of the world’s greatest engineering wonders. However, Royal Caribbean has now informed guests that the sailings have been adjusted to a new itinerary, which will not include a Panama Canal transit at all.

The original 7-night itineraries were supposed to begin from Colon, Panama, and visit Cartagena, Columbia before cruising the complete transit of the Panama Canal. The ship would then have visited two ports in Costa Rica before reaching Panama City for debarkation. Reverse itineraries were also affected by this change.

Now, the sailings will be roundtrip from Colon, Panama, and offered as Southern Caribbean cruises instead. Depending on the sailing date, the Rhapsody of the Seas may still visit Cartagena, and other destinations such as Curacao, Aruba, and Bonaire will be part of different itineraries. The exact details vary depending on the departure date.

Guests who are booked on the impacted cruises have three options to choose from for their travel plans. They can choose to stay aboard the adjusted Southern Caribbean sailing, which will include price protection with a refund to the new price if it is lower than the original fare. Alternatively, guests may rebook on any other Royal Caribbean sailing, on any ship, and at any date, with the non-refundable deposit change fees waived. The third option is an outright cancellation, with guests receiving a full refund of the cruise fare, deposits, and any pre-paid purchases.

Royal Caribbean will also reimburse up to $200 USD per passenger ($400 for international guests) for non-refundable travel expenses or change fees, such as flights, trains, rental cars, or hotels. Additional travel expenses may be considered for reimbursement with appropriate receipts and explanations, but are not guaranteed.

The cruise line has not provided an explanation for why the Panama Canal transits have been cancelled. The email sent to booked guests states that the change is “to enhance your experience,” but many guests are questioning this enhancement. Speculation suggests that the costs and fees associated with transiting the canal have risen sharply, making the shorter voyages less financially viable for the cruise line. Additionally, ongoing drought conditions and lower water levels in the canal may be limiting transit traffic, and cruise ships may not have priority over cargo vessels.

Guests are asked to notify the cruise line or their travel agent by August 29, 2023, about their decision regarding the adjusted itinerary. If no decision is made, guests will be kept in a like-for-like stateroom on the new itinerary.

While the Rhapsody of the Seas will no longer offer Panama Canal transits, several longer, one-way Panama Canal cruises are still available for booking. The Radiance of the Seas has three transits planned, starting with an eastbound transit from San Diego to Tampa on October 7, 2023. In 2024, the ship will offer a westbound sailing from Tampa to Los Angeles on April 8, 2024, as well as a return eastbound voyage on October 5, 2024. The Brilliance of the Seas will also make one eastward Panama Canal transit via a sailing from Los Angeles to New Orleans, departing on September 28, 2024.

What steps is Royal Caribbean taking to accommodate guests who wish to cancel their booking for the affected Panama Canal cruises?

Cruise line is also offering a full refund for guests who wish to cancel their booking altogether.

Royal Caribbean is apologizing for the inconvenience caused by the itinerary changes and is working closely with affected guests to ensure they have options that best suit their travel preferences. The cruise line is committed to providing a seamless and enjoyable vacation experience and hopes that guests will find an alternative itinerary that appeals to them.

It is important to note that these changes only affect the Panama Canal cruises aboard the Rhapsody of the Seas during the winter 2023-2024 season. Other Royal Caribbean itineraries and ships remain unchanged.

Guests who have already booked these sailings are advised to contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agent to discuss their options and make any necessary arrangements. The cruise line is dedicated to assisting guests through this process and making sure they are well-informed about the changes.

Overall, while the original Panama Canal itineraries on the Rhapsody of the Seas have been adjusted, Royal Caribbean is working diligently to provide guests with alternative options that still offer a fantastic cruise experience. Whether guests choose to stay aboard the adjusted Southern Caribbean sailing or rebook on a different Royal Caribbean ship and itinerary, the cruise line is committed to ensuring guest satisfaction and enjoyment.