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October 29, 2024 – Royal Caribbean International has announced a change in the itinerary of its Utopia of the Seas cruise, which departed from Port Canaveral on October 28. Citing adverse weather conditions in the Bahamas, the company has redirected the ship from its planned stops in Nassau and CocoCay, opting instead for a visit to Labadee, Haiti.
According to Royal Caribbean, the decision was made in coordination with Chief Meteorologist Craig Setzer to ensure passenger and crew safety. “We’ve been monitoring some adverse weather along our intended path. In order to steer clear of any inclement weather conditions, we’ll need to cancel our visits to Nassau, Bahamas, and Perfect Day at CocoCay,” the company stated in a message sent to booked guests.
Utopia of the Seas will now visit Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private destination in Haiti, on October 30. The revised itinerary also includes two days of cruising in the Caribbean Sea before returning to Port Canaveral on November 1. Royal Caribbean reassured guests that they are prioritizing safety, adding, “Being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather.”
This adjustment also highlights the recent reopening of Labadee, which had been closed due to safety concerns in Haiti. The destination welcomed its first ship, Adventure of the Seas, earlier this month after a seven-month hiatus.
The Utopia of the Seas, part of Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class and newly built by Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France, began service in July 2024. The ship typically offers three- and four-night cruises to the Bahamas, including stops in Nassau and CocoCay. However, as demonstrated by this adjustment, the cruise line is prepared to alter itineraries to prioritize passenger safety.
