Anthem in trouble again

We’ve heard all about how Anthem was caught up in a storm recently which caused substantial damage, viral videos of flying furniture and now, people suing!!!  (Let’s not even go there)

Anyway, it seems the Captain has taken the decision to be even more cautious now – and can you blame him when people are submitting legal claims against the cruise line for the WEATHER!?  I’ve heard rumours of Noro on the ship, someone suing because they got Noro on the ship on their honeymoon – is it all about a claim nowadays?

This statement from RCI regarding the cruise Anthem is currently taking.

Dear Travel Partners,

We wanted to provide you with important information regarding a decision that was made for your client’s current sailing on Anthem of the Seas.

As I’m sure you are aware, Royal Caribbean monitors weather constantly during the cruise. Not just the weather in our immediate area, but also the weather in the path of the rest of our voyage. We have been closely watching a weather system gaining strength off the coast of Cape Hatteras. Based on the most recent weather forecast, if we were to continue on the regular scheduled itinerary, we would have encountered the brunt of a large and powerful storm on our return to Cape Liberty.

The safety and comfort of our guests and crew is always our first priority. On a recent sailing, we experienced bad weather that was much worse than forecast; therefore, we want to be extra cautious when it comes to weather in the area. That is why we have decided to return to Cape Liberty immediately so that we can stay a safe distance from the storm and provide your clients with a comfortable journey back home. The ship is now currently scheduled to return on March 2nd at 6 a.m. EST.

Every time one of our ships sets sail, our single focus is to give your clients a wonderful, outstanding vacation. Clearly, due to the weather, we have been unable to deliver the entire Royal Caribbean cruise vacation that was anticipated. As a gesture of goodwill, and to thank you clients for their understanding, Royal Caribbean will provide each guest with onboard credit in the amount of two days of the cruise fare they paid for their February 21, 2016, sailing on Anthem of the Seas. It will be applied directly to their onboard account and may be used for any onboard purchase or service. Any unused balance will be refunded to their form of payment.

Royal Caribbean would also like to provide your client with the opportunity to sail with us again. We will be providing each guest with a future cruise certificate for 50% of the cruise fare paid on the February 21, 2016, Anthem of the Seas sailing. This certificate may be used for a future cruise on any Royal Caribbean ship within the next year. Future cruise certificates will be mailed to you, as the travel agency of record within six to eight weeks.

Any shore excursions in Bridgetown, Barbados, and Basseterre, St. Kitts, through Royal Caribbean International, will also be refunded in the form of a credit to your client’s onboard account.

We regret that we had to cut this cruise vacation short because of weather, but feel it is in the best interest and safety of our guests and crew. There are many things we can control; however, Mother Nature is not one of them. We thank you for your understanding, and sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused you and your clients.

 Sincerely,

 Royal Caribbean International®