Royal Caribbean has announced the decision to cancel the January 22, 2022 sailing aboard Independence of the Seas from Orlando, Florida. Like Norwegian Royal Caribbean is using the generic “due to Covid related circumstances” as a reason for canceling and doing so gives lots of room for speculation but canceling one sailing should be seen as a positive step in the battle between the cruise industry and Covid.

Statement From Royal Caribbean:

As a result of ongoing COVID-related circumstances around the world, we have decided to cancel the January 22, 2022 sailing onboard Independence of the Seas.  We regret having to alter our guests’ long-awaited vacation and appreciate their loyalty and understanding. Our top priority is always the well-being of our guests, our crew, and the communities we visit.    

Royal Caribbean

With the latest cancelation of Independence of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is continuing to offer a rich incentive to guests who are impacted by this decision. Guests are able to choose to receive a future cruise credit or refund.

125% Future Cruise Credit

• FCC to be automatically issued on or before February 4, 2022 (if a refund is not selected)
• FCC must be booked by and sail by December 31, 2022 or one year of the original sail date (whichever is further)

100% Refund

• Refund requests must be submitted on or before January 21, 2022
• Refunds estimated at 30-days from cancellation date.

Guests who wish to get a refund should click here

After nearly two years of cancelations, return to service schedules, and health and safety protocols, one thing is clear to me. The cruise industry is closer to what it was pre-pandemic, but there are and will continue to be steps forward and back. As a result, anyone wishing to go on a cruise in 2022 is going to have to adjust their expectations. Cruising isn’t the same as it was before Covid and won’t be for some time but having been on two Virgin Voyages cruises with five more on the calendar for 2022, being on a cruise is still a great way to see the world.