Royal Caribbean has canceled three scheduled Bahamas port calls for the 5,734-passenger Oasis of the Seas on the October 18–25, 2026 sailing from Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey. Instead of calling at Port Canaveral, Perfect Day at CocoCay, and Nassau, the ship will dock in Halifax, Nova Scotia, arriving at 6:00 pm on October 20 and departing at 8:00 am on October 21, providing a 14-hour port window.
Nor’easter and Atlantic Storm Prompt Itinerary Alterations
The itinerary change responds to a developing East Coast nor’easter and Atlantic storm system creating unsafe conditions along the U.S. East Coast and in the Bahamas. Oasis of the Seas, at 362
meters one of the world’s largest cruise ships, cannot safely navigate high seas, especially around shallow or tender-served ports like Perfect Day at CocoCay. Tender operations have been suspended due to significant Atlantic swell, and the storm makes calling at Port Canaveral and Nassau operationally challenging.
Compensation Packages for Affected Passengers
Royal Caribbean is providing up to $600 in refundable onboard credit per passenger plus a 50% future cruise credit based on the paid cruise fare, to be issued by November 1, 2026. Refundable onboard credit varies by cabin type: interior and ocean-view cabin guests receive $200 each for the first two guests, balcony and
neighborhood balcony cabins receive $300 each, and suite guests receive $600 each. Third and additional guests receive $100 each in refundable onboard credit. Shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for the canceled Bahamas ports will be refunded as onboard credit, but independent bookings are not eligible for reimbursement by the cruise line.
Traveler Impact: No Bahamas Calls, Cooler Weather, and Documentation Requirements
Passengers will miss all scheduled Bahamas stops and instead experience an overnight port call in Halifax, where temperatures will be around 12°C (mid-50s °F). Royal Caribbean advises passengers to pack warmer clothing. Passengers are required to carry passports for Canadian entry and re-entry to the United States. Non-U.S.
citizens may need Canadian visas such as a Temporary Resident Visa or Electronic Travel Authorization, depending on nationality. Shore excursions at Halifax are being offered via the Royal Caribbean app, but independent bookings for canceled Bahamas excursions are not refunded by the cruise line.
Halifax Port Call: Schedule and Sightseeing Options
Oasis of the Seas will dock in Halifax at 6:00 pm on October 20, remaining until 8:00 am on October 21. The 14-hour stop mostly occurs overnight, limiting extensive sightseeing. Recommended nearby attractions include the Historic Properties waterfront offering restaurants and shops, the Seaport Farmers’ Market adjacent to the terminal, and Alexander Keith’s Brewery tours. Visits
to Peggy’s Cove and Citadel Hill are unlikely given the time constraints and ship departure schedule.
Legal Authority and Past Precedent for Itinerary Changes due to Weather
Royal Caribbean reserves the right under its cruise contract to alter or omit ports for safety and operational reasons without refunding the cruise fare. This authority, agreed to by passengers at booking, is supported by maritime law which does not provide statutory refunds for itinerary changes as aviation regulations do. The cruise remains operational despite the altered itinerary. Previously, Royal Caribbean rerouted the Vision of the Seas from Bermuda to Saint John, New Brunswick under similar weather conditions.
