Royal Caribbean, like any cruise line, tries to minimize how often it changes itineraries.
Many people book their cruises around where the ship will stop and get upset when a change is made. That's because they have planned the excursions and what they will do in port that day.
Related: Another Caribbean Cruise Destination Raising Port Fees
A change means having to devise new activities and, sometimes, the new port is not as desirable as the previous one. That, of course, is a matter of opinion, as people have different favorite ports and sometimes visiting a new place is part of the reason people book a cruise.
However, changes are sometimes out of the cruise line's control. Weather, for example, may force a cruise line to skip a port.
Some ports do not have tugboats to help ships dock safely. Others may have bridges that certain ships cannot cross in inclement weather conditions.
Cruise lines do everything they can to deliver on the itinerary they promised, but that's not always possible. Royal Caribbean, however, has been forced to stop visiting two popular ports, one due to port damage and the other for safety reasons.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or first) cruise.
LOIC VENANCE/AFP via Getty Images
Royal Caribbean cannot visit San Juan
Royal Caribbean has been unable to dock in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Symphony of the Seas because the port's dock that can accommodate the Oasis-class ship has been under repairs.
The pier has been out of service since April and needs approval from the U.S. Coast Guard to resume operations.
“San Juan Pier 3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world. Since the loss of the facility's mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise operations,” said Captain Luis J. Rodríguez, commander of the USCG San Juan Sector. SeaTrade Cruise News reported.
That has forced Royal Caribbean to cancel stops in San Juan, and it canceled its Dec. 28 and Jan. 12 stops in the city. He shared it with passengers via email.
“We wanted to inform you about some changes to your next cruise. Due to ongoing construction at the San Juan dock, the port authority has informed us that the port will not be ready in time for our visit. “We understand how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you,” reported Royal Caribbean Blog.
Visits to Manzanillo and Mexico also suspended
While Royal Caribbean has not commented on the reason, the cruise line also stopped calling in Manzanillo, Mexico. This is probably because the US State Department warned against travel to that part of Mexico.
The warning is explicit.
“Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted killings against members of criminal organizations. Incidents with shootings between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and local permanent residents have been victims of kidnappings,” the State Department shared.
READ ALSO: Top travel agents share how to get the best price on your cruise
Royal Caribbean did not cancel any trips to the port. He just stopped programming them. In better times, the cruise line described the area as “Pure Pacific Chill.”
“Manzanillo may not be the first place on Mexico's Pacific coast you plan to visit, but its golden beaches, lively fishing port and emerald rainforest will leave memories that will last a lifetime. Have fun at Playa Miramar while the seagulls They dive into the waves in front of you so they can have lunch or learn from a local expert how to catch striped marlin, sailfish or tuna in the depths of the Pacific,” he shared on his website.
Are you taking a cruise or thinking about one? Visit our Come Cruise With Me website to get answers to all your questions.
