Just over two weeks before departure, Royal Caribbean announced the cancellation of the Mariner of the Seas cruise. The cancellation was caused by a delay in a dry dock in Cadiz, Spain.

The ship is undergoing painting, pool deck and waterslide upgrades, propeller maintenance, and general hotel and engine maintenance.

Cruise ship Mariner of the Seas is canceled

This seems like a terrible prank. Royal Caribbean has indeed cancelled the Mariner of the Seas’ 5-night cruise from Port Canaveral on April 1, 2023.

It was meant to depart from Port Canaveral, Florida, make stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and return to Port Canaveral before the voyage was cancelled.

A cancellation notice has been sent to guests on this voyage. Royal Caribbean has provided them with options of rebooking or receiving a full refund.

“We are always working on enhancing the amenities that are available on our ships,” Royal Caribbean said in its letter to guests. This will require some additional time for these upgrades to be completed as the Mariner of the Seas is undergoing routine maintenance and exciting upgrades.

“We regret to inform you that our April 1st, 2023 cruise has been canceled. The news is disappointing, and we apologize for the impact it has on your cruise.”

Mariner of the Seas is expected to undergo much simpler maintenance, so it seems strange that the ship would be delayed. Spanish cities, including Cadiz, have, however, seen a fair share of strikes, particularly in the steel industry. In this case, any delays incurred during the dry dock would be explained.

Affected guests will be able to rebook or receive a full refund from Royal Caribbean.

In Option 1, guests can rebook a future cruise with a future cruise credit on any Royal Caribbean sailing. Guests are responsible for any price differences, but the cruise line will waive non-refundable deposit change fees.

Cruise fare rates will be refunded if they decrease. The ship will also reimburse them for non-refundable transportation change fees and provide a 50% future cruise credit by April 1st, 2024.

As a second option, guests can receive a full refund on any paid portions of their cruise fare, including non-refundable deposits and pre-paid amenities. By April 1st, 2024, they’ll also receive a 50% future cruise credit toward booking and sailing on a new sailing and will be reimbursed for non-refundable transportation change fees.

The group of guests that choose option 2 will be automatically added to those who do not make a decision by March 29th, 2023.

The Mariner of the Seas is scheduled to resume operations on April 6, 2023, with a 4-night Western Caribbean cruise departing from Port Canaveral, Florida, first stopping in Cozumel, Mexico, then returning to Port Canaveral.

Royal Caribbean International owns five Voyager-class cruise ships including Mariner of the Seas. There is capacity for 4,252 passengers on board the ship. 138,279 gross tons were increased to 139,863 gross tons in 2018 after a US$120 million refit under Royal Amplified.