Thousands booked tropical Bahamas cruise and ended up in freezing Canada instead
Royal Caribbean rerouted Oasis of the Seas from its planned Florida and Bahamas cruise to Halifax, Nova Scotia, because of forecasts of stormy weather off the US East Coast. More than 5,000 passengers were affected, with some disappointed by the abrupt change and others choosing to make the most of an unexpected visit to the Canadian city.
The seven-day cruise left New Jersey on 18 October, and passengers were told of the change the evening before departure. The ship spent about 24 hours in Halifax, where daytime temperatures were in the upper 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit, then set off for three days at sea before its scheduled return on Sunday. Passengers reportedly received a 50% travel voucher and refunds for shore excursions; Royal Caribbean says it can change ports because of weather and other circumstances.
In short
- Storm forecasts sent a Bahamas-bound cruise to Halifax.
- More than 5,000 passengers were affected.
- Passengers reportedly received vouchers and excursion refunds.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Rerouting the ship was a prudent way to protect passengers and crew from forecast stormy conditions, while keeping the voyage operating. A safe alternative port and compensation for excursions and future travel offered some value, and some passengers enjoyed the unexpected stop.
The case against
Passengers had booked a Florida and Bahamas holiday and were told only the evening before departure that the itinerary would change, leaving little time to adjust expectations or plans. Even with refunds and a future travel voucher, a brief stop in chilly Halifax and several days at sea may have felt like a substantially different holiday from the one they paid for.