Royal Caribbean International has cancelled a cruise on the Rhapsody of the Seas because one of the ship’s lifeboats was damaged.

The cruise was supposed to depart from Puerto Rico on 15 September 2024, but it was called off to ensure everyone’s safety.
The lifeboat, which is also used as a tender boat to transport passengers to shore, was damaged on a previous trip, so the ship can’t meet safety regulations.
Royal Caribbean promptly informed passengers about the cancellation. They are providing a full refund and a Future Cruise Credit (FCC) equal to the original cost. This credit can be used for another cruise at a later date.
The company will also reimburse non-refundable travel expenses, such as flights or train tickets, up to $200 per person for changes within the country and $400 for international changes.
The Rhapsody of the Seas was scheduled for a seven-night trip through the Southern Caribbean, stopping in destinations such as Puerto Rico, St. Croix, St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, and Barbados.
Obviously it’s an awful experience having a cruise cancelled at such short notice before it sets sail, but cruise lines can’t take risks with guests’ safety.
The fact that guests will get a refund, as well as Future Cruise Credit to essentially give them a free cruise in future, hopefully mitigates the disappointment.
NEW DEALS JUST RELEASED!
Don’t miss the latest Royal Caribbean offers…
Related posts
- Cruise Ships DO NOT Have Enough Lifeboats! (But Here’s Why It’s OK)
- Cruise Myths Debunked
- Rhapsody of the Seas Cabins to Avoid

Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
Carnival To Pour Coca-Cola Again – Here’s Exactly What Will Be On The Menu
Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed that the soft-drink fountains on its North-American ships will soon sparkle with Coca-Cola once more. The line first moved to Pepsi in January 2020 but…
Luxury Cruise Line Rolls Out Updated Loyalty Programme (With Status Match)
Explora Journeys has just rolled out a very tempting updated loyalty programme, which could tempt other cruisers to consider switching allegiances. The luxury cruise line has launched phase two of…
Urgent Search For Missing Cruise Guest
Authorities in Juneau, Alaska, have launched a large-scale search for a missing cruise guest after 62-year-old Marites Buenafe failed to return to Norwegian Bliss on Tuesday 1st July 2025. Buenafe,…
Backlash Over Ridiculous Rental Prices Causes Carnival Backtrack – But Not Far Enough
Just days after cruise fans erupted in disbelief over the cost of a basic pool noodle rental at Celebration Key, Carnival Cruise Line has quietly reduced the price by 45%….