After Airlines and Rail Travel Chaos During Christmas Rush, Royal Caribbean Cancels Stops to Puerto Rico

The Symphony of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world at 228,081 gross registered tons, was originally slated to visit San Juan as part of its Caribbean voyages. However, due to months of ongoing construction at the pier, Royal Caribbean has been forced to make significant changes to its planned itineraries, impacting passengers who were eagerly anticipating their stops in Puerto Rico.

Affected travelers were notified of the itinerary changes via email. In these communications, Royal Caribbean cited construction delays as the primary reason for the disruption. The company expressed regret over the inconvenience and emphasized that they were working diligently to provide alternative destinations that would still deliver memorable experiences for their guests.

For the December 28, 2024, sailing, passengers received notification of the itinerary change earlier this month. The revised schedule replaces the San Juan stop with alternate ports, though specific details on the substituted destinations vary depending on the itinerary. Similarly, the January 12, 2025, voyage will no longer include a stop in San Juan, with other Caribbean locations being added to the itinerary as replacements.

Royal Caribbean has reiterated its commitment to delivering exceptional experiences for its passengers, even in the face of unforeseen challenges. The company has assured affected travelers that they will receive updates on any further changes and that efforts are being made to minimize disruptions to their vacations.

In addition to revising itineraries, Royal Caribbean has also taken steps to enhance onboard activities and entertainment options for guests. These measures aim to ensure that passengers continue to enjoy a world-class cruising experience despite the alterations to their travel plans.

In the meantime, cruisers are encouraged to stay informed about itinerary changes and to remain flexible as the cruise line works to provide memorable alternatives. The hope is that once the construction project is completed, San Juan will regain its status as a premier destination for Caribbean cruises, welcoming travelers from around the world to experience its rich culture and vibrant attractions.