Royal Caribbean International has contacted customers on several upcoming cruises from quantum of the seasadvising them of engine problems resulting in route changes which include shortened port times and route modifications.
Since the ship is sailing in Alaska, some of these changes are removing the Glacier Scenic Cruise days from the affected itineraries for the next few weeks.
quantum of the seas Engine problems
According to communications sent to reserved customers, the routes on quantum of the seas needs to be adjusted due to engine issues that affect overall cruising speed.
This means that the distance between some ports of call along the ship’s previously planned Alaskan routes is too great to safely cover while still allowing passengers sufficient time in port.
The email reads, “Due to a speed restriction caused by a technical issue with one of the ship’s engines, we have reduced our speed between ports and as a result we have adjusted some of our arrival and departure times by Alaska and British Columbia.”
The “technical problem” is not defined and further details on the mechanical performance of the vessel are not available. No crossings are canceled at the moment, so it is likely that the problem can be corrected with maintenance at the port, possibly when the necessary parts are available.
Several modified routes
In the meantime, several routes are adjusted due to available speed change. Affected passengers have reported that crossings departing on August 1, August 8 and August 15 have already been adjusted, and it is likely that additional crossings could also be affected if the problems cannot be repaired.
An example of a route change is as follows:
- Port time in Ketchikan, Alaska now 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., changed to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Shipping time in Sitka, Alaska now 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., changed to 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (one hour shorter)
- Tracy Arm Fjord cruise time removed from itinerary completely
- Shipping time in Juneau, Alaska now from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., changed from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. (1h30 more)
- Port time in Victoria, British Columbia now 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., changed from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. (one hour shorter)
Passengers also reported removing Icy Strait Point from some itineraries, removing the Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier cruise, removing Skagway as a port of call or replacing it with Ketchikan, and other times of port changed or shortened.
Passengers who have booked on the next cruises of quantum of the seas should contact their travel agent or cruise line for details on their exact navigation.
Departure and arrival times in Seattle are unchanged and shore visits affected by changed itineraries are automatically rescheduled, if applicable.
The 168,666 gross tons quantum of the seas currently offering 7-night return sailings from Seattle, Washingtonwith slightly different routes depending on the departure date.
Changes to the various itineraries likely depend on the ship’s departure date and accommodations that may be made at various ports of call based on other ships that may be scheduled for the same days and times.
Remuneration offered
Royal Caribbean is offering passengers on affected cruises an onboard inconvenience credit, with amounts varying by stateroom type. Inside and ocean view staterooms receive $75, balcony staterooms receive $100, and suites receive $200 (all values are in USD and per stateroom, not per passenger).
The credit can be used on board, and if not used in full during the cruise, it will be refunded to passenger accounts.
However, not all passengers are happy with the compensation, as the scenic cruise and the chance to see Alaska’s massive glaciers up close is often a highlight for unique crossings to the final frontier. With the scenic cruise removed from itineraries, passengers will no longer have that experience.
Technical issues can happen anywhere
It is important for all passengers to remember that technical issues can occur with any cruise ship, in any region, on any itinerary. As cruise ships undergo thorough inspections and regular maintenance, problems can develop, just as mechanical problems can develop on even the most carefully maintained car.
Read more: How to enjoy a cruise vacation in uncertain times
Since these issues only affect the cruise speed of the ship, other activities on board are not affected. quantum of the seas has a number of popular features including Royal Caribbean’s signature rock climbing wall, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, laser tag, escape room, quirky Bionic Bar, North observation pod Star, game shows, movie nights and more.
The first of the exceptional class of Quantum ships, quantum of the seas can accommodate 4,180 passengers in double occupancy and up to 4,905 guests when fully booked.
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