Royal Caribbean announced on August 21, 2026, that it has canceled several planned cruises for August 2026 and parts of the 2027 season aboard the Navigator of the Seas and Ovation of the Seas. These cancellations affect itineraries scheduled to depart from Los Angeles and include stops at ports in Mexico.
Redeployment of Ships to Asia-Pacific for 2027-28
The Navigator of the Seas will be redeployed to the Asia-Pacific region, operating year-round from October 2026 through October 2027. It will offer two- to five-night cruises around Southeast Asia with destinations in Vietnam, Malaysia, and Thailand, along with a 12-night voyage from Tokyo to Singapore.
The Ovation of
the Seas will reposition to Brisbane, Australia, beginning November 2027 for the 2027-28 season. It will run itineraries ranging from short four-night trips to Airlie Beach in Queensland’s Whitsunday region to cruises lasting three to eight nights around Australia and nearby locations.
Operational Planning Drives Cancellations and Redeployment
The cancellations result from Royal Caribbean’s strategic operational planning to expand its fleet presence in the Asia-Pacific market for the 2027-28 season. The cruise line adjusts itineraries as needed to align with scheduling, port agreements, and other operational factors. Deployment plans are dynamic, regularly reviewed based on market demand and fleet capacity.
Passenger Notifications and Options
Royal Caribbean has directly contacted guests
and travel partners affected by the itinerary cancellations to provide details and available options. Passengers booked on these cruises can choose alternative sailings on other Royal Caribbean ships or receive full refunds including any prepaid add-ons if no suitable alternatives are available.
Official Statements on Redeployment and Commitment
A Royal Caribbean spokesperson said, “Royal Caribbean is committed to providing the best vacation experiences. This process includes making updates to itineraries, as necessary, to accommodate scheduling, port agreements, and other operational considerations.” The spokesperson added, “Deployment planning is dynamic and regularly reviewed based on demand, capacity requirements, and broader fleet considerations.”
The cruise line also previously canceled
over 20 summer 2027 Freedom of the Seas sailings after deciding to redeploy the ship to Southampton, England. Guests affected by that redeployment were similarly contacted with options.
