Cruise Rerouted to Canada Instead of Bahamas, Stranding Thousands
A Royal Caribbean cruise scheduled for the Bahamas was diverted to Halifax, Nova Scotia, due to stormy weather, leaving over 5,000 passengers disappointed with the unexpected change.
More than 5,000 passengers aboard Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas experienced a significant itinerary change this week, with their planned seven-day cruise to the Bahamas rerouted to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
The ship departed from New Jersey on Oct. 18, with passengers expecting warm weather and tropical destinations. However, forecasts of stormy conditions along the East Coast prompted the cruise line to alter the route. The decision was announced the evening before the ship set sail, leaving passengers with little time to adjust their plans and packing.
Instead of sunny beaches, passengers found themselves in chilly Canada. Daytime temperatures in Halifax hovered in the upper 40s to low 50s, with overnight lows in the 30s. For some, like New Jersey resident Marie Durning, the surprise destination required a scramble to adapt. "My husband said to me, 'This is a joke, right?'" she told CTV News. "I have my winter hat and earmuffs, but I forgot my scarf."
The ship stopped in Halifax for approximately 24 hours, allowing passengers to explore the city, shop, and take harbor tours. The vessel departed on Wednesday evening and is scheduled to return to New Jersey on Sunday after three days at sea.
While many passengers expressed disappointment, some sought to make the best of the situation. "I’m grateful and I’m going to make the best of it," said Jim Matthews, who had traveled from near Paterson, New Jersey, to board the ship. "And I have found out that Halifax is a beautiful city."
Others were less pleased. Nicholas Meli, who drove seven hours with his family from Toronto to New Jersey to embark, stated, "I am already from Canada, and I wanted to go to the Bahamas." Online comments echoed this sentiment, with one Reddit user noting, "Halifax is gorgeous, but it is not the Bahamas."
Passengers received a 50% travel voucher and refunds for any pre-booked shore excursions. According to Royal Caribbean's website, the company reserves the right to alter or substitute ports due to weather and other circumstances and is not always obligated to provide refunds or compensation.