Royal Caribbean redirected a five-night Independence of the Seas cruise from Bermuda to Canada, replacing the ship's planned overnight stay at Royal Naval Dockyard with an extended call at Saint John, New Brunswick.
The ship departed Cape Liberty in New Jersey on Saturday 24 October 2026 and spent its first full day at sea. It arrived in Saint John at approximately 10.30am on Monday 26 October and was scheduled to remain alongside until 2.30pm on Tuesday.
Independence of the Seas is due to spend Wednesday at sea before returning to Cape Liberty on Thursday 29 October.
Atlantic weather forces complete change of direction
Royal Caribbean told passengers before departure that its meteorology team had been monitoring inclement weather developing off the US East Coast. The line said the conditions would make it difficult to provide a safe and comfortable journey to Bermuda and that the ship would sail north to Saint John instead.
Reports linked the disruption to the weather system known as Subtropical Storm Josephine, which transitioned into a powerful post-tropical system over the Atlantic. Large swells and strong winds created hazardous conditions away from the storm's centre.
The original itinerary included a day at sea followed by an overnight stay at Royal Naval Dockyard in Bermuda. The revised programme retained the cruise's scheduled departure and return dates but replaced the entire Bermuda visit with Canada.
The dramatic change meant passengers who had packed for Bermuda's warmer climate were advised to bring layers and light sweaters for daytime temperatures forecast in the mid-50s Fahrenheit in Saint John.
Refundable onboard credit offered
Royal Caribbean acknowledged the scale of the alteration and offered refundable onboard credit to the first and second guests in each cabin.
- Inside cabins: $150 per stateroom
- Ocean-view cabins: $200 per stateroom
- Balcony cabins: $300 per stateroom
- Suites: $500 per stateroom
Third and additional passengers were offered $50 each. Any part of the refundable credit left unused at the end of the cruise was due to be returned to the payment card linked to the onboard account.
Royal Caribbean also said prepaid excursions booked through the cruise line for Royal Naval Dockyard would be refunded as onboard credit.
Passengers faced different entry requirements
The last-minute substitution also introduced Canadian entry requirements for passengers who had expected to visit Bermuda.
Royal Caribbean's notice recommended a passport book or passport card valid for at least six months beyond the end of the sailing. It also advised that US citizens could travel using a birth certificate with valid government-issued identification, subject to the applicable rules.
Entry requirements vary by nationality, and some travellers may require a Canadian visa. Passengers were directed to check the documentation rules relevant to them before boarding.
Overnight visit to Saint John
Saint John sits on the Bay of Fundy and is an established port on Canada and New England cruise itineraries. Attractions promoted to passengers included the New Brunswick Museum and the Reversing Falls Rapids, where the Saint John River meets the bay's powerful tides.
The overnight stay gave guests substantially more time ashore than a conventional daytime cruise call, although it provided a very different experience from the beaches and warmer conditions expected in Bermuda.
Second major Royal Caribbean diversion in October
The change followed another significant Royal Caribbean diversion from the New York area. Oasis of the Seas had its 18 October sailing to Florida and The Bahamas redirected to Halifax, Nova Scotia, because of adverse weather.
Independence of the Seas had also experienced disruption during a September Bermuda voyage when a nor'easter and suspended pilot operations delayed its departure from Cape Liberty, shortening the ship's time in Bermuda.
Weather-related itinerary changes are made by cruise lines to protect passengers, crew and the vessel. The precise alternatives available depend on the storm's location, port availability, voyage length and the time required to return to the homeport.
Frequently asked questions
Which Independence of the Seas cruise was changed?
The affected voyage was the five-night round-trip cruise from Cape Liberty departing on 24 October 2026 and returning on 29 October.
Did Independence of the Seas visit Bermuda?
No. The planned overnight call at Royal Naval Dockyard was removed completely from the revised itinerary.
Where did the ship go instead?
Independence of the Seas sailed to Saint John in New Brunswick, Canada, for an overnight stay from 26 to 27 October.
Why was the itinerary changed?
Royal Caribbean said inclement weather off the US East Coast would make it difficult to provide a safe and comfortable passage to Bermuda.
What compensation did Royal Caribbean offer?
The line offered refundable onboard credit ranging from $150 for an inside cabin to $500 for a suite, calculated for the first and second guests per stateroom. Third and additional passengers were offered $50 each.
Were Bermuda excursions refunded?
Royal Caribbean said prepaid excursions purchased through the cruise line for Royal Naval Dockyard would be returned as refundable onboard credit.
Cruise itineraries can change at short notice because of weather and operational conditions. Passengers should follow instructions issued directly by the cruise line and confirm the entry requirements for every destination on a revised itinerary.