NEW JERSEY, October 25, 2026 — Thousands of Royal Caribbean passengers expecting a sun-soaked Bahamas vacation instead found themselves heading to chilly Canada after dangerous East Coast weather forced the Oasis of the Seas to abandon its original itinerary.
Royal Carribean cruise to the Bahamas went to Canada instead https://t.co/Ep2kkr2vfV https://t.co/xCO6dYfO62
— New York Post (@nypost) October 24, 2026
The seven-night cruise departed Cape Liberty in Bayonne, New Jersey, on October 18 with approximately 5,000 passengers. Planned visits to Florida and the Bahamas were canceled and replaced by a single stop in Halifax, Nova Scotia, leaving travelers with unexpected cold weather, more days at sea and questions about compensation.
Royal Caribbean offered affected guests up to $600 per person in refundable onboard credits, depending on cabin category, plus a 50% future cruise credit for eligible passengers.
Royal Caribbean Cancels Florida and Bahamas Stops
Oasis of the Seas was originally scheduled to visit Port Canaveral, Florida, on October 20, followed by Perfect Day at CocoCay on October 21 and Nassau, Bahamas, on October 22.
However, worsening weather conditions along the East Coast prompted Royal Caribbean’s meteorology team to recommend an alternative route.
Instead of three warm-weather destinations, Halifax became the ship’s only port of call.
The vessel arrived in Halifax at approximately 6 p.m. on October 20. Royal Caribbean extended the originally planned 14-hour visit to 24 hours, allowing passengers to remain until 6 p.m. on October 21.
Passengers Packed for Bahamas but Ended Up in Cold Canada
Some travelers reportedly learned of the itinerary change less than a day before departure, while others received the news around boarding time.
Many had packed swimsuits, shorts and lightweight clothing for tropical temperatures, only to encounter autumn weather in Halifax, where daytime highs were expected around 12–14°C (54–57°F).
Passenger reactions ranged from frustration to humor. Some joked about needing winter coats instead of beachwear, while others welcomed the unexpected opportunity to explore Halifax.
According to published passenger accounts, one family had driven from Toronto to New Jersey expecting a Bahamas vacation, only to find themselves returning to Canada by sea.
Royal Caribbean Offers $100–$600 in Compensation
Royal Caribbean announced refundable onboard credits based on stateroom category:
- Interior and oceanview cabins: $200 per person for the first two guests.
- Balcony cabins: $300 per person for the first two guests.
- Suites: $600 per person for the first two guests.
- Third and additional guests: $100 per person.
Two passengers sharing a suite could therefore receive $1,200 in combined onboard credits.
The cruise line also offered eligible paying guests a 50% future cruise credit, expected to be issued by November 1, 2026. Future bookings must be made by October 18, 2027, subject to the offer’s conditions.
Royal Caribbean-booked excursions at canceled ports were eligible for refunds. Unused refundable onboard credits were also expected to be returned to passengers’ linked payment cards.
The future cruise credit does not represent a 50% cash refund of the original cruise fare.
Storm Conditions and Canadian Entry Rules Complicate Travel
The diversion followed forecasts of rough seas and strong winds along the Atlantic coast. Cruise operators can change destinations when weather threatens safe navigation or port access.
The revised itinerary also raised Canadian entry-document questions for international passengers. Depending on nationality, some travelers could require visas or other authorization.
Royal Caribbean advised passengers to check applicable requirements. Its official guest information service provides general guidance on cruise documentation and policies.
Weather and safety concerns can also disrupt other travel services, as seen during the Toronto Pearson Airport ground stop and the easyJet flight emergency at Gatwick.
Oasis of the Seas Return Scheduled for October 25
Despite the major itinerary change, Oasis of the Seas was scheduled to return to Cape Liberty on Sunday, October 25, at approximately 6 a.m. Eastern Time.
Independent confirmation of its actual arrival was not available at the time of reporting.
Affected travelers should review their final onboard statements, confirm excursion refunds and check future cruise credit conditions before booking another sailing.
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