Royal Caribbean cancelled the current cruise of the Serenade of the Seas on Tuesday, September 1, 2026.

Guests had already boarded the vessel in Vancouver for an itinerary to Alaska when the decision was announced in a statement.

According to the letter, the cancellation was related to a technical issue that had also prevented the ship from sailing as scheduled on August 30, 2026.

“Despite our team’s around-the-clock efforts to complete the necessary repairs, we were unable to resolve the issue in time for the ship to safely depart. As a result, we must cancel this cruise,” Royal Caribbean said.

To make room for necessary maintenance, the company had previously postponed the ship’s departure from Vancouver to September 1, 2026.

“We understand how disappointing and upsetting this news is. We know how much our guests look forward to their vacation. That’s why we made every effort to deliver the cruise experience planned,” the company continued.

Royal Caribbean added that it is now shifting its focus to supporting and helping guests return home as smoothly as possible.

“To give time to make onward travel arrangements, we are making the ship available as a hotel with guests off of the ship by 11:59 pm,” the company said, noting that the Serenade needs to vacay Vancouver’s cruise terminal at that time.

Royal Caribbean is offering guests a full refund of the cruise fare, including taxes and fees, and the cost of any pre-paid amenities and shore excursions.

Passengers also received a refundable onboard credit equivalent to two days of the cruise fare paid per guest.

As a token of appreciation for guests’ patience, the company is offering affected passengers a 100 percent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year.

According to guest reports, the company will also refund select out-of-pocket travel expenses and change fees related to the cancellation.

According to guests reports, the company will also refund select out-of-pocket travel expanses and change fees related to the cancellation.

The Serenade of the Seas was initially scheduled to offer a seven-night cruise to Alaska and Canada on August 30, 2026.

Sailing roundtrip from Vancouver, the itinerary included visits to Prince Rupert, Ketchikan, Juneau and Sitka, in addition to scenic cruising at Tracy Arm Fjord.

Approximately one week prior to the departure, Royal Caribbean informed guests that the sailing had to be shortened by two nights due to necessary maintenance.

While plans called for sailing a revised itinerary to Alaska, the company offered guests the option of cancelling their bookings for a full refund.