Cruise ship passengers who packed for trip to Bahamas stunned after bad weather forces them to sail to chilly Nova Scotia instead

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas has changed course from Florida and the Bahamas to Halifax, Nova Scotia, because storms off the US East Coast could make the planned route unsafe or uncomfortable. The change surprised many of the roughly 5,000 passengers, who had packed for warm weather, and means their cruise will include an unexpected stop in Canada.

The ship was due to dock in Halifax at 6.30pm on Tuesday and leave at 7am Wednesday, but the stay was extended until 6pm Wednesday to allow time for excursions. Royal Caribbean is offering credits of $200 for inside or outside cabins, $300 for balcony cabins and $600 for suites, as well as a 50 per cent credit towards a future cruise; excursions for missed ports were refunded. The ship is scheduled to return to Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on Sunday.