“It is frustrating, seeing as we’re sitting here. We just can’t do anything when you’re meant to be on your holiday... Basically, we’re stuck. You’ve just got to deal with it.”
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Passengers surrendered their passports to staff when they boarded as per company policy, but Dermietzel said passengers remained confused as to why they could not leave the ship in Yokohama.
The delay has also reportedly led to the cancellation of a different upcoming voyage upon Spectrum of the Seas.
To compensate passengers, Royal Caribbean have offered to contribute $US200 ($300) towards domestic air travel, or $US400 ($600) for international flights. There is also an automatic extension of onboard amenities.
This won’t cover costs for Dermietzel, whose upcoming four-day trip to Hong Kong has been cut in half. She estimates that the missed days will cost her around $1000.
“It’s just such an inconvenience. It’s more frustrating that they just won’t give you any information,” Dermietzel says.
Spectrum of the Seas in Hong Kong.
“We are not allowed off the ship at all, but they’re not giving us any information. All they’re saying is, it’s Japanese authorities.”
In a brief statement, Royal Caribbean apologised to guests for the unscheduled delay.
“We are conducting unplanned maintenance and have adjusted our current itinerary and cancelled our next sailing. We apologise to our guests for the inconvenience and are communicating with our guests directly,” a spokesperson says.
Spectrum of the Seas can carry up to 4246 passengers. It celebrated its inaugural season in China in 2019.
In 2020, the ship was diverted to Sydney due to pandemic regulations. It later offered free cruises to firefighters who had worked during the year’s bushfire season.
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