Royal Caribbean cancels sailing on world's largest cruise ship

Royal Caribbean has announced the cancellation of the upcoming Sept. 28 sailing on the largest cruise ship in the world, Icon of the Seas.

“We are currently conducting unplanned maintenance onboard Icon of the Seas,” the global cruise company said in an email to travel agents. “We understand the disappointment this news may bring and we’re truly sorry for the impact to your vacation plans.”

Royal Caribbean did not specify what issue is affecting the ship, but did note that it would need to remain docked for work to occur.

“While our crew is working hard to address this as quickly as possible, there is still some work that needs to be done over a few days while the ship is docked,” the company said.

Anyone booked on the cancelled Sept. 28 sailing will get a 100 per cent refund, including taxes and fees. In addition, all pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions will be refunded.

On top of the refund, Royal Caribbean will also provide a Future Cruise Credit worth 100 per cent of the cruise fare paid to be used towards another sailing.

Flights booked directly through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded. For air and transfers purchased independently, it will reimburse any travel change fees up to $200 USD per guest for domestic travel and $400 USD per guest for international travel.

Icon of the Seas launched earlier this year in January, and made headlines for assuming the title of world’s largest cruise ship. It surpassed Wonder of the Seas in gross tonnage, passenger capacity and length.

At maximum occupancy, Icon of the Seas carries 7,600 guests and 2,350 crew.

It sails year-round from Miami, offering seven-night cruises to the Eastern and Western Caribbean.

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