Harmony of the Seas Returns to Galveston Early Ahead of Storm Fern

Royal Caribbean International has shortened the current Harmony of the Seas sailing and will bring the ship back to Galveston, Texas, a day earlier than planned as Winter Storm Fern approaches Southeast Texas. The Oasis-class ship is now expected to return on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, instead of Sunday, Jan. 25.

The revised plan also removes the cruise’s final scheduled call in Cozumel, Mexico, with the ship heading directly back to Texas.

Storm-driven schedule change removes final Cozumel call

Harmony of the Seas departed Galveston on Jan. 18, 2026, on a seven-night Western Caribbean itinerary that included Roatan, Honduras, and Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. Under the adjustment, the ship will skip Cozumel to expedite its return to Galveston so guests have a better chance of traveling home before conditions worsen.

In a message to guests, Royal Caribbean said it has been monitoring the storm and chose an early arrival to support “a safe and uninterrupted journey home.” The cruise line also said the decision was made to prioritize guest safety and reduce potential disruptions tied to extreme weather.

Arrival timing, debarkation flexibility, and what guests need to do

Royal Caribbean said the ship is expected to dock in Galveston at approximately 11 p.m. on Saturday, with debarkation beginning after the vessel is alongside and cleared. Guests who want to leave as soon as possible will be able to disembark once the ship is cleared on Saturday.

Royal Caribbean is also giving guests the option to remain onboard until Sunday morning, consistent with the original end of the cruise, if they cannot change travel plans or prefer not to travel during the worst of the weather. For guests choosing to stay onboard after the early arrival, the line instructed passengers to notify their stateroom attendant or contact Guest Services by midday Friday so the ship can plan for the extended stay.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection process for the overnight stay

Royal Caribbean said all guests who remain onboard after Saturday’s arrival must still temporarily disembark with their travel documents to meet U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, then reboard after the full debarkation process is completed. Guests who stay onboard may leave luggage in their staterooms while the ship completes the required clearing process.

Onboard operations while the ship is docked

Because Harmony of the Seas will be docked in its U.S. homeport during the overnight period, Royal Caribbean said the casino and onboard retail shops will remain closed while the vessel is in port, in line with local regulations.

Refunds, onboard credit, and how cancelled Cozumel plans will be handled

Royal Caribbean said guests will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of cruise fares in the form of onboard credit. Any unused refundable credit left on the onboard account after final debarkation will be returned to the guest’s payment method, with processing expected within up to 14 business days.

Prepaid shore excursions to Cozumel booked through the cruise line have been cancelled and refunded, according to Royal Caribbean.

The cruise line also said Crown & Anchor loyalty points will be applied based on the sailing’s original seven-night length despite the shortened itinerary.

Winter Storm Fern forecast and Galveston port operations

The schedule change is tied to Winter Storm Fern and forecasts of deteriorating conditions across Texas. The National Weather Service forecast for the region included rain and thunderstorms in the Galveston area, with the possibility of freezing rain and mixed precipitation across parts of the state. Royal Caribbean and other operators have pointed to transportation risks tied to extreme cold, low wind chills, and potential icing, particularly on bridges connecting Galveston Island with the mainland.

In Galveston, cruise operations otherwise appeared largely unchanged. Carnival Jubilee departed as scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 24, for a seven-night itinerary, and Disney Magic and MSC Seascape continued operations without reported changes. Local parking partners and transportation providers also adjusted schedules ahead of the icy weather to support arrivals and departures at the port.

Beyond Texas, the storm’s broader impact has prompted other weather-related advisories and changes, including Carnival Pride delaying its return to Baltimore by one day and alerts affecting MSC Meraviglia in New York and Odyssey of the Seas in New Jersey.

What to expect for the next sailing

Royal Caribbean said the itinerary adjustment is not expected to affect the ship’s next scheduled departure from Galveston. Harmony of the Seas is still slated to begin another seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, with planned calls in Roatan, Costa Maya, and Cozumel.

The cruise line told guests booked on upcoming departures to monitor Royal Caribbean communications in case additional weather-related changes become necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Harmony of the Seas cancel the Cozumel port stop?

Royal Caribbean removed the Cozumel call so the ship could return to Galveston a day early ahead of Winter Storm Fern and expected impacts to transportation and local infrastructure in Southeast Texas.

Can guests stay onboard after the ship returns to Galveston on Saturday?

Yes. Royal Caribbean said guests may disembark once the ship is cleared on Saturday, or remain onboard until Sunday morning. Guests who plan to stay onboard were instructed to notify their stateroom attendant or contact Guest Services by midday Friday so the ship can plan for the extended stay.

What is the customs process for guests who stay onboard overnight?

Royal Caribbean said guests who remain onboard must temporarily disembark with their travel documents to comply with U.S. Customs and Border Protection requirements, then reboard after the full debarkation process is completed. Guests may leave luggage in their staterooms during the clearing process.

What compensation is being offered for the shortened itinerary?

Royal Caribbean said guests will receive a one-day pro-rated refund of cruise fares issued as onboard credit, and any Royal Caribbean-booked Cozumel shore excursions will be cancelled and refunded. The line said any remaining refundable onboard account balance after final debarkation will be returned to the guest’s payment method within up to 14 business days.

Will the next Harmony of the Seas sailing from Galveston be delayed?

Royal Caribbean said the next seven-night Western Caribbean sailing remains scheduled to depart on Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026, as planned, and that guests will be contacted if any additional changes are needed.