Royal Caribbean Updates Guests on Icon of the Seas' Return

Royal Caribbean International recently provided an update to guests regarding the status of the upcoming cruise aboard Icon of the Seas.

After canceling a sailing in late September, the 250,800-ton ship is currently undergoing unexpected maintenance at the Grand Bahama Shipyard in Freeport.

The company stated that this unplanned maintenance is taking place on the LNG-powered vessel, which has been in service since January. “These repairs are underway, and we are confident that they will be completed in time to resume normal itineraries by our Oct. 5, 2024, sailing,” Royal Caribbean assured guests.

“At this time, our sailing will proceed as planned. As we get closer, we’ll provide you with updates on our progress,” the company added.

The next scheduled cruise for the Icon of the Seas departs from PortMiami on Saturday for a seven-night journey through the Eastern Caribbean and the Bahamas. This itinerary includes stops at Royal Caribbean's private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, as well as visits to St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

The vessel was temporarily taken out of service after experiencing propulsion issues during its Sept. 21, 2024, voyage. “The ship is currently undergoing maintenance and will sail at a reduced speed. Unplanned maintenance happens, and our teams are hard at work to quickly address it,” the company explained in a letter sent to guests at the time.

To allow for the necessary repairs, Royal Caribbean canceled the Sept. 28, 2024, cruise, with the ship heading to the Grand Bahama Shipyard following passenger disembarkation in Miami.

Guests affected by the canceled cruise received full refunds of their fare, along with a Future Cruise Credit equal to the same amount. Additionally, Royal Caribbean refunded flights booked through the company and provided reimbursements for passengers who made independent travel arrangements.