Royal Caribbean has cancelled the January 27, 2026 sailing of Anthem of the Seas from Sydney, Australia, due to a major technical issue with the ship's propulsion system, leaving thousands of passengers scrambling to adjust their travel plans. The 10‑night New Zealand cruise was abruptly called off after the Quantum‑class vessel experienced azipod problems during its previous voyage, forcing the ship to limp back to Sydney for repairs. This last‑minute cancellation highlights the unpredictable nature of cruise travel and raises important questions about what travelers should do when their dream vacation gets cancelled.
How the Anthem of the Seas Cancellation Unfolded
Guests booked on the January 27 departure received email notifications from Royal Caribbean stating that the sailing would not proceed because of “a technical issue on its last sailing.” The cruise line’s message explained: “Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our 27 January sailing. As a result, we are canceling our Anthem of the Seas cruise.”
Anthem of the Seas is a Quantum‑class ship that launched in 2015 and can carry up to 4,905 passengers. The cancelled voyage was a 10‑night New Zealand itinerary scheduled to depart Sydney and visit ports such as Picton, Wellington, Napier and Auckland. According to Cruise Industry News, the ship is now expected to arrive in Sydney at 4 pm on Tuesday—about 10 hours later than originally planned—and will then proceed to Eden, New South Wales, for repairs.
Timeline: From Technical Failure to Cancellation
The chain of events that led to the cancellation began during the ship’s preceding sailing. Passengers on that voyage reported that Anthem of the Seas came to a complete stop in the ocean for about an hour. One guest posted, “Anthem stopped for an hour in the ocean. Now we are late going back to Sydney and next cruise is canceled.” Another passenger added, “I’m on the Anthem right now. We are limping back to Sydney with a bad prop. We were supposed to be there at 6:30 am and aren’t returning to port until after 4:30 pm.”
Royal Caribbean identified the problem as an azipod fault. Azipods are multidirectional propulsion pods that can rotate 360 degrees and are used on most modern cruise ships. The issue prevented the ship from sailing at full speed, making it impossible to complete the necessary repairs before the January 27 departure. The cruise line decided to cancel the sailing to allow for thorough repairs in Eden, a port on the Sapphire Coast of New South Wales.
Why This Cancellation Matters for Cruise Travelers
While mechanical failures are relatively rare in the cruise industry, they do occur—and when they do, they can upend vacation plans for thousands of people. This incident is a reminder that even well‑maintained ships can experience unexpected technical problems. For travelers, it underscores the importance of understanding a cruise line’s cancellation and compensation policies, as well as the value of having comprehensive travel insurance that covers trip interruptions and additional expenses.
Royal Caribbean’s compensation package for this cancellation is notably generous. According to the email sent to passengers, affected guests will receive:
- A 100% refund of the cruise fare, plus taxes, fees, pre‑paid packages, gratuities, and shore excursions purchased through Royal Caribbean.
- A 25% future cruise credit based on the cruise fare paid, usable toward a new booking.
- Reimbursement for non‑refundable travel expenses: up to $200 per guest for domestic flight changes, $400 for international flights; up to $250 per stateroom for up to two nights of hotel accommodations; and up to $100 per person per day for incidentals.
This level of compensation exceeds the minimum required by many cruise contracts and reflects Royal Caribbean’s effort to maintain customer goodwill after a disruptive last‑minute cancellation.
Where Things Stand Now: Repairs in Eden
As of the latest updates, Anthem of the Seas is en route to Eden, where it will undergo repairs to its propulsion system. Seatrade Cruise reports that the ship will dock in Eden for the necessary work, after which it is expected to resume its scheduled itineraries. Royal Caribbean has not announced any further cancellations beyond the January 27 sailing, but the line will likely provide updates as the repair timeline becomes clearer.
Passengers on the cancelled cruise have been advised to contact Royal Caribbean or their travel agents to process refunds and future cruise credits. The cruise line has also set up a dedicated assistance line for affected guests. Travel Weekly Australia notes that Royal Caribbean is working with local authorities in Eden to facilitate the repair operation while minimizing disruption to the port’s normal activities.
What Happens Next for Affected Passengers
For those whose cruise was cancelled, the immediate steps are to secure refunds and rebook travel. Royal Caribbean’s refund process is typically handled within 7–10 business days, while future cruise credits are issued electronically and can be applied to any new booking made within the next 12 months. Guests who incurred additional costs for flights, hotels, or other arrangements should keep all receipts and submit them through the cruise line’s reimbursement portal.
Looking ahead, this incident may prompt Royal Caribbean to review maintenance schedules for its Quantum‑class fleet, especially the azipod systems. While propulsion issues are uncommon, they can have significant operational and reputational consequences. For travelers, the key takeaway is to always have a backup plan and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers “cancel for any reason” or trip‑interruption benefits.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
The cancellation of Anthem of the Seas’ January 27 sailing is a stark reminder that even the best‑laid travel plans can change unexpectedly. Here are the essential points every cruise passenger should remember:
- Read the fine print: Understand your cruise line’s cancellation and compensation policies before you book.
- Invest in travel insurance: A comprehensive policy can cover non‑refundable expenses and additional costs if your trip is disrupted.
- Keep documentation: Save all emails, receipts, and correspondence related to your booking and any extra expenses.
- Stay informed: Monitor official travel updates from your cruise line, especially as your departure date approaches.
- Have a contingency plan: Know what you’ll do if your cruise is cancelled—whether it’s rebooking, claiming refunds, or arranging alternative travel.
While Royal Caribbean’s handling of this situation has been commendable, the experience underscores why proactive travel planning is essential. By being prepared, you can turn a disappointing cancellation into a manageable hiccup and get back to dreaming about your next adventure at sea.
