World · North America · 1 hr ago
Storms reroute Royal Caribbean cruise from Bahamas to Nova Scotia
Royal Caribbean rerouted the Oasis of the Seas to Halifax instead of Florida and the Bahamas because of storms off the US East Coast.
The ship left New Jersey on Sunday with about 5,000 passengers aboard for a seven-day cruise.
The change sends passengers to Nova Scotia, a much colder destination than the warm-weather trip many had packed for.
The ship is scheduled to stay in Halifax overnight, with the stop extended until Wednesday evening so passengers can take excursions.
Some guests said they brought mostly summer clothes, though a waterfront shop sells warmer clothing.
Royal Caribbean is offering onboard credits of $200 to guests in inside or outside cabins, $300 for balcony cabins and $600 for suites, as well as a 50 percent future cruise credit.
The ship’s next stops remain unclear, but it is due back on Sunday.
Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas changed course from its planned Florida and Bahamas itinerary to Halifax, Nova Scotia, to avoid stormy weather off the East Coast.
The ship carries about 5,000 passengers, many of whom had packed for warm weather.
Passengers were told the ship would make an overnight stop in Halifax, and the stay was later extended to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore welcomed the unexpected visitors, while some passengers expressed surprise and concern about the colder conditions.
Royal Caribbean offered passengers credits, with amounts varying by cabin type, and a 50 percent Future Cruise Credit.
- Who
- About 5,000 passengers aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.
- What
- The ship was rerouted to Halifax instead of following its planned Florida and Bahamas itinerary.
- When
- The ship departed New Jersey on Sunday for its October 18, 2026, sailing; it was due in Halifax on Tuesday.
- Where
- The ship sailed from Cape Liberty, New Jersey, to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
- Why
- Heavy weather and storms off the East Coast made the planned journey to Florida and the Bahamas difficult to provide safely and comfortably.
Passengers surprised by the reroute
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore
Change of itinerary
Passengers surprised by the reroute
Some passengers were surprised and said they had packed mostly summer clothes.
Halifax Mayor Andy Fillmore
Fillmore welcomed the unexpected visitors and encouraged them to explore Halifax.
Oasis of the Seas departed New Jersey on its planned cruise.
Royal Caribbean said it was monitoring inclement weather affecting the sailing.
The ship was scheduled to dock in Halifax at 6:30 p.m. for an overnight stay.
The Halifax stay was extended to 6 p.m.
- Ship
- Oasis of the Seas
- Passengers
- About 5,000
- Original itinerary
- Florida and the Bahamas
- Rerouted destination
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Initial Halifax arrival
- 6:30 p.m. Tuesday
- Passenger credit
- $200 for inside and outside staterooms, $300 for balcony cabins and $600 for suites
3 sources
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What people are saying
After exploring all of our options, we’ve decided to sail to Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, for an overnight stay instead,
The weather’s impact makes it hard to provide you with a safe and comfortable journey to Florida and the Bahamas.
We can’t promise you tropical temperatures, but we can promise you a warm welcome – with zero chance of sunburn,
We mostly packed summer clothes, tank tops, booty shorts,