Royal Caribbean has changed the itinerary for Independence of the Seas' October 24 sailing from Cape Liberty after Subtropical Storm Josephine made Bermuda too rough to visit safely. Instead of sailing south, the ship will head north to Saint John, New Brunswick, arriving at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, October 26 and staying overnight before departing Tuesday afternoon.
To make up for the swap, Royal Caribbean is giving guests refundable onboard credit per cabin: $150 for inside staterooms, $200 for oceanview, $300 for balcony, and $500 for suites, plus $50 for each third or fourth guest. Prepaid Royal Caribbean excursions in Bermuda will be refunded as onboard credit, and any unused credit goes back to the card on file. The line warns that Canada entry rules apply, so a passport valid at least six months past the sailing is strongly recommended, and some nationalities may need a visa.
What it means for your sailing: if you are booked on Independence of the Seas' October 24 departure from Cape Liberty, you are no longer going to Bermuda. Expect mid-50s weather in Saint John, bring layers, and double check your travel documents meet Canada's entry requirements. Your onboard credit applies automatically, and unused amounts are refunded after the sailing.