Anthem of the Seas is expected to dock in the NSW Far South Coast town of Eden today and undergo repairs after propulsion problems forced the cancellation of its 10-night itinerary to New Zealand.
The 2015-built vessel was scheduled to depart Sydney on January 27, but booked guests for were informed that the cruise would no longer be going ahead “due to a technical issue”.
“The Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance,” Royal Caribbean explained in the statement.
“We know how much time and effort go into planning your cruise, and we’re truly sorry for this disappointing news,” the statement continued.
Affected guests were fully reimbursed, receiving a 100 per cent refund of the cruise fare, as well as taxes, fees, pre-paid packages, gratuities, amenities and shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean, plus refunds for flights, hotel stays and rental car expenses.
Guests will be able to claim refunds for up to $200 per person for domestic flight changes or up to $400 per person for international flight changes.
“Additionally, to make up for this, you’ll also receive a 25 per cent Future Cruise Credit (FCC) to be used towards a future sailing departing within one year,” Royal Caribbean said.
Royal Caribbean is also reimbursing up to $250 per stateroom for up to two nights of hotel accommodation and up to $100 per person, per day for incidentals.
Anthem’s cancelled cruise was set to visit five ports of call in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin.
The 4,202-passenger ship was also set to offer scenic cruising at Fjordland National Park before returning to Sydney.
Its next scheduled cruise is 7 days, round-trip to Airlie Beach, Queensland. Royal Caribbean has been contacted for comment.
