Royal Caribbean Cancels Anthem of the Seas' Jan. 27 Sydney Cruise

Royal Caribbean International has cancelled Anthem of the Seas’ January 27, 2026, departure from Sydney after a technical issue on the ship’s prior sailing left the cruise line unable to complete repairs in time.

The cancelled voyage was scheduled as a 10-night roundtrip itinerary to New Zealand during Australia’s peak summer holiday period, with calls planned in Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, plus scenic cruising at Fiordland National Park before returning to Sydney.

What Royal Caribbean said happened

In a message sent to booked guests, Royal Caribbean said the sailing would not go ahead because “Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing” and the ship was returning for required maintenance. The company has not publicly identified the specific equipment involved, though it indicated the issue affected the ship’s propulsion system and referenced difficulties involving one of the ship’s azipods (multidirectional propulsion units used for speed and maneuvering).

Disruptions on the prior South Pacific itinerary

The cancellation followed problems on Anthem of the Seas’ preceding South Pacific cruise, which included calls in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. Guests reported delays and port disruptions tied to mechanical limitations and poor weather conditions, and the ship returned to Sydney at reduced speed.

Royal Caribbean told guests onboard, “We experienced a technical issue that has impacted our speed,” and advised that arrival in Sydney would be delayed to about 4:00 p.m. on January 27 rather than the planned morning arrival. Guest reports also cited the ship sailing at around 14 knots compared with a top speed of 22 knots.

Refunds and the 25% future cruise credit

Royal Caribbean said guests booked on the cancelled January 27 sailing will receive a full refund of cruise fare, taxes and fees, along with refunds for pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions purchased through Royal Caribbean. Refunds are expected to be processed back to the original form of payment within 14 business days, subject to financial institution timelines.

In addition, Royal Caribbean is offering a Future Cruise Credit worth 25% of the original cruise fare. Guest communications described the credit as usable toward a new Royal Caribbean sailing departing within 12 months, and one notice indicated the credit would be available by February 9, 2026, after the cancellation is processed.

Some passengers have said they received mixed messages about the time window to use the credit, including differing understandings of whether it must be used within one year or two years. In the communications referenced by cruise outlets covering the disruption, Royal Caribbean did not provide a public clarification resolving that discrepancy.

Reimbursements for travel and other out-of-pocket costs

For guests who incurred non-refundable travel costs tied to the cancelled cruise, Royal Caribbean said it will reimburse certain expenses within set limits, with receipts required. The cruise line’s stated caps included:

• Flight change fees: Up to $200 per person (USD) for domestic flight changes, or up to $400 per person (USD) for international flight changes. Royal Caribbean directed guests to keep documentation showing the charges were tied to the cancelled sailing.
• Hotel accommodations: Up to $250 per stateroom, with guest communications referencing coverage for up to two nights. The reimbursement is tied to documented, eligible costs connected to the cancellation.
• Incidentals: Up to $100 per person, per day, with receipts required. The cruise line told guests to submit proof of expenses as part of the reimbursement process.

Onboard assistance during the delayed return to Sydney

During the delayed arrival, Royal Caribbean outlined steps intended to help guests adjust onward travel plans. The cruise line permitted no-charge phone calls from Guest Services, and guests without an internet package were offered a voucher for 120 minutes of internet access to make arrangements.

Royal Caribbean also told guests that beverage and internet packages would be extended through debarkation at no extra cost due to the later-than-planned arrival.

Repairs, a stop in Eden, and what’s next on the schedule

Anthem of the Seas was expected to call at Eden, New South Wales, for repair work connected to the technical issue. Royal Caribbean has not provided a public estimate for how long the ship would remain there or whether additional maintenance time beyond the cancelled cruise window would be required.

As of the latest schedule information referenced in guest communications, Anthem of the Seas was slated to resume operations with a Sydney departure on February 6, 2026. Royal Caribbean has not announced any additional cancellations, and it said there was no indication of safety or navigational risks for passengers and crew while the ship operated at reduced speed.

Ship background and prior disruptions

Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum Class ship launched in 2015. The vessel is listed at 168,666 gross tons, spans 1,141 feet, and has a maximum capacity of 4,905 passengers, with the cancelled sailing affecting thousands of guests.

The latest disruption follows earlier operational impacts. In March 2023, Anthem of the Seas experienced mechanical issues that required minor itinerary changes, though sailings were not cancelled at that time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why did Royal Caribbean cancel Anthem of the Seas’ January 27, 2026 cruise from Sydney?

Royal Caribbean said the ship experienced a technical issue on the prior sailing and the required maintenance could not be completed in time for the January 27 departure. The company has linked the problem to the propulsion system but has not publicly provided detailed technical specifics.

What refunds and compensation are being offered to guests booked on the cancelled sailing?

Royal Caribbean said guests will receive a full refund of cruise fare, taxes and fees, plus refunds for pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions purchased through Royal Caribbean. The cruise line is also offering a Future Cruise Credit worth 25% of the original cruise fare, with guest communications describing it as applicable to a new sailing departing within 12 months.

Will Royal Caribbean reimburse flights, hotels, or other non-refundable travel costs?

Yes. Royal Caribbean said it will reimburse certain eligible expenses within stated caps, including up to $200 per person for domestic flight change fees or up to $400 per person for international flight change fees, up to $250 per stateroom for hotel accommodations (with communications referencing up to two nights), and up to $100 per person, per day for incidentals. Guests were instructed to submit receipts and documentation.

When is Anthem of the Seas expected to sail again?

Based on the schedule information referenced in guest communications, Anthem of the Seas is slated to depart Sydney on February 6, 2026. Royal Caribbean has not provided a public repair timeline beyond noting that the January 27 sailing was cancelled to allow additional time for maintenance, and it has advised guests to monitor official updates.