Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas experienced significant schedule disruptions after two medical emergencies during its current voyage, according to correspondence sent to passengers.
The ship, which was set to return to Cape Liberty in New Jersey on September 20, 2026, was delayed by eight hours due to the medical incidents. Passengers were notified to arrive between 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., with all guests required aboard by 9:30 p.m. The cruise line advised guests not to arrive early, as they would be turned away and asked to return at their assigned check-in time.
According to Royal Caribbean’s correspondence, one of the two passengers requiring medical care was a critically ill 7-year-old child. The ship returned to Nassau, Bahamas, on Friday, September 18, to debark the guests at the closest available hospital, over 100 nautical miles away at the time.
The medical emergencies forced broader itinerary changes. The 5,602-passenger Oasis Class ship canceled its scheduled stop at Port Canaveral in Florida. Instead, it will sail directly to Perfect Day at CocoCay, arriving at 7:45 a.m. on Wednesday, September 23. Royal Caribbean canceled all prepaid sponsored tours for Orlando and refunded them as Onboard Credit to passenger SeaPass accounts, with unused credits returned to the original payment method within 14 business days.
Current passengers must vacate cabins by 3:00 p.m., later than the usual early-morning departure, with assigned departure times running from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
To address inconveniences, Royal Caribbean offered tiered Onboard Credit compensation: $100 for inside and oceanview staterooms, $150 for balcony staterooms, $200 for suites, and $50 for third and fourth guests. The cruise line also provided 60 complimentary minutes of internet per stateroom.
Passengers with independently booked flights can receive reimbursement for air change fees up to $200 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel by submitting receipts through Royal Caribbean’s reimbursement portal. Those who booked flights through Royal Caribbean’s flight service had their reservations automatically adjusted.
The medical emergency is not uncommon in the cruise industry. Earlier in the same week, a passenger aboard Serenade of the Seas required airlift evacuation near Canada on September 14. Royal Canadian Air Force personnel lowered search and rescue technicians onto the vessel, safely secured the patient, and transported them to Port Hardy for further care.
Oasis of the Seas debuted in 2009 and remains Royal Caribbean’s flagship Oasis Class vessel. The 226,838-ton ship features 18 guest decks, over 2,800 cabins, and attractions including an ice skating rink, AquaTheater, and zip line. The ship will continue operating seven- to nine-night Caribbean voyages from New Jersey through October 2026 before relocating to Fort Lauderdale.
Key facts
- Oasis of the Seas delayed arrival in New Jersey by eight hours due to two medical emergencies
- One passenger requiring medical care was a critically ill 7-year-old child
- Ship returned to Nassau, Bahamas to debark patients at the closest available hospital
- Port Canaveral stop cancelled; ship will sail directly to Perfect Day at CocoCay instead
- Royal Caribbean offering tiered Onboard Credit compensation and up to $400 reimbursement for international flight changes