- Cancellation of Anthem of the Seas’ January 27, 2026, cruise from Sydney due to technical issue.
- Itinerary included visits to Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin, and Fjordland National Park.
- Full refunds for cruise fare, taxes, fees, packages, gratuities, and excursions.
- Reimbursements for travel changes: up to €184 domestic or €368 international per person for flights, €230 per stateroom for hotels, €92 per person daily for incidentals.
- 25pc future cruise credit for sailings within one year.
Royal Caribbean International hads confirmed the cancellation of the Anthem of the Seas’ scheduled ten-night cruise from Sydney on January 27, 2026, due to a technical issue encountered on the previous sailing.
The 2015-built ship was set to visit New Zealand ports including Picton, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, along with scenic cruising at Fjordland National Park. The vessel will now proceed to Eden for repairs, preventing completion of maintenance before the departure date. Affected guests will receive a full refund of cruise fare, taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities, and shore excursions booked through the company. Additionally, a 25pc future cruise credit will apply to sailings departing within one year.
The company expressed regret for the disruption, acknowledging the planning involved in vacations. Refunds for non-refundable travel expenses include up to €184 per person for domestic flight changes or €368 per person for international ones. Hotel reimbursements cover up to €230 per stateroom for two nights, plus €92 per person per day for incidentals. The Anthem of the Seas accommodates 4,202 passengers and operates winter seasons from Australia. The cancellation impacts the ship’s itinerary focused on New Zealand destinations.
Royal Caribbean International shared in a written statement “The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance. We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news. Additionally, to make up for this, you’ll also receive a 25pc Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.”
