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Royal Caribbean suspends travel to popular cruise destination

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Thursday, September 11th 2025 at 12:03 GMT by Cleveland.com
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Royal Caribbean Suspends All Itineraries to the Bahamas Amid Port Closure

By [Your Name]
September 12, 2025 | Cleveland, OH

Royal Caribbean International, the world’s largest cruise operator, announced this week that it will suspend all sailings to the Bahamas for the remainder of the summer season. The decision, which came after a series of port disruptions in Nassau and Freeport, will affect more than 10,000 passengers and crews scheduled to disembark in the Caribbean’s most popular cruise hub. While the exact length of the suspension remains uncertain, the company has pledged to keep travelers updated and to provide refunds or rebooking options as soon as alternative ports are confirmed.

Why the Suspension?

The crux of the issue lies in the port of Nassau’s Nassau Harbor Authority (NHA), which has been closed since September 4 for extensive safety inspections and repair work prompted by damage sustained in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. According to a statement released by the NHA, the harbor’s main dock suffered a partial collapse, and a new, “critical safety protocol” review is underway. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew, and we must adhere to international maritime safety standards,” the NHA spokesperson told Cleveland.com.

While the NHA works to secure the harbor, Royal Caribbean’s own safety team evaluated the risk and concluded that any attempts to dock at the temporarily closed facility would pose unacceptable safety concerns. A press release from Royal Caribbean on September 6 reiterated the company’s decision, citing the harbor’s “current state does not meet our stringent operational standards.” The company also noted that the Freeport port on Grand Bahama Island, a frequent alternate for Royal Caribbean’s Caribbean itineraries, has been temporarily closed for “ongoing port infrastructure upgrades” that coincide with the same hurricane season.

The Impact on Passengers and the Local Economy

Royal Caribbean’s website lists 12 ships—Quantum of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Viva Class vessels, and others—that were slated to call at Nassau or Freeport during the peak summer window. Passengers on these voyages, many of whom had booked in advance from the U.S., Canada, and Europe, were notified by email and through the company’s mobile app that their itineraries would be delayed or redirected. Royal Caribbean has promised to offer full refunds or rebooking on any other cruise line that can accommodate the same dates.

The economic fallout for the Bahamas, which draws roughly 2.4 million cruise passengers annually, is significant. According to the Bahamas Tourism Board, cruise guests typically spend an average of $3,500 each per voyage, contributing heavily to the islands’ hospitality sector. “This suspension will affect not only Royal Caribbean but also the thousands of local businesses that rely on cruise traffic,” said Tourism Board Director Janelle Williams in a statement.

What Royal Caribbean Is Doing Next

Royal Caribbean’s spokesperson, Eliot Kessler, explained that the company is working closely with port authorities in the U.S., as well as in the Dominican Republic and Panama, to identify alternative ports that can accommodate the affected vessels. “We are actively exploring options in San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; and San Salvador, Panama,” Kessler told reporters at the company’s headquarters in Miami.

The company also noted that it will be providing additional accommodations for passengers stranded at the port of origin. “We are offering discounted accommodation and transportation to any affected traveler to ensure their journey remains as smooth as possible,” Kessler added.

Broader Industry Response

The suspension of Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas itineraries is not an isolated incident. Carnival Cruise Line and Norwegian Cruise Line have both announced temporary adjustments to their Caribbean sailings in response to the same port closures. Carnival’s chief executive, Mark Brown, stated that the company is “monitoring the situation closely and will adapt its itineraries accordingly.”

Moreover, the United States Coast Guard has issued a travel advisory for the Bahamas, warning visitors about potential delays and recommending that travelers confirm their itineraries before departure. “While we are closely monitoring the situation, we advise the public to remain flexible and be prepared for last‑minute changes,” the Coast Guard’s message reads.

What Travelers Can Do

Royal Caribbean recommends that affected passengers:

1. Check the Cruise Line’s App: Real‑time updates and rebooking options are available.
2. Contact Customer Service: Call 1‑800‑RCRUISE or email cruise@royalcaribbean.com for assistance.
3. Monitor Port Status: Follow the NHA’s official website for updates on the harbor’s reopening schedule.
4. Consider Alternative Ports: Many cruise lines are offering rerouted itineraries to ports like San Juan or Santo Domingo.

The company also advises travelers to keep a copy of all documentation—tickets, insurance, and receipts—in case of claims.

Looking Ahead

While the exact timeline for the resumption of sailing to the Bahamas remains unknown, experts say that the port repairs are likely to take six to eight weeks, given the scale of the damage and the need to meet safety regulations. “Once the harbor is cleared and certified, we anticipate a smooth return to service,” said Dr. Luis Marquez, a maritime safety consultant at the University of Miami.

In the interim, Royal Caribbean and the Bahamas tourism industry are collaborating on a coordinated effort to mitigate the economic impact. The Royal Caribbean Foundation has pledged a $500,000 donation to local community projects that support families affected by the suspension.

As the cruise industry navigates the challenges posed by natural disasters, the suspension of Royal Caribbean’s Bahamas itineraries underscores the delicate balance between safety, logistics, and the economic lifeblood that cruise tourism provides to island economies. Passengers, ports, and cruise operators alike will be watching closely to see when the next wave—both literal and figurative—will crest.

For ongoing coverage, keep an eye on the Cleveland.com news portal and follow Royal Caribbean’s official social media channels.