Royal Caribbean’s Anthem of the Seas has been forced to slow its return to Sydney following a technical issue, resulting in a significant delay to debarkation and the cancellation of the ship’s subsequent sailing.
The Quantum-class cruise ship departed on 19th January 2026 for a South Pacific itinerary calling at destinations in New Caledonia and Vanuatu.
The voyage was originally scheduled to conclude with a morning arrival into Sydney on Tuesday, 27th January, but the ship is now expected to arrive at approximately 4 pm that afternoon.
Delayed Arrival And Guest Support Measures
Satellite tracking data shows Anthem of the Seas travelling at around 14 knots, well below its normal maximum speed of 22 knots. The reduced speed has been attributed to an unspecified technical problem, which has directly impacted the vessel’s ability to maintain its planned schedule.
Guests onboard were informed of the situation via a letter from the ship’s captain, which stated: “As previously announced by our Captain, we experienced a technical issue that has impacted our speed. As a result, our arrival into Sydney will be delayed and we’ll now arrive at approximately 4:00 PM on the 27th.”
With the original arrival time set for no later than 6:30 am, the delay is expected to disrupt onward travel plans for many of the more than 4,000 guests onboard.
In response, Royal Caribbean has implemented several measures to assist passengers, including free phone calls from Guest Services and a complimentary 120-minute internet voucher per stateroom for those without an existing internet package.
All drink and internet packages have also been automatically extended until debarkation at no additional cost. Once the ship arrives and clearance is granted, guests have been advised to follow their assigned departure groups and keep travel documents readily available to support an efficient disembarkation process.
Guests who booked flights through Royal Caribbean will have their air arrangements automatically adjusted, with confirmation emails sent once changes are finalised. Those who arranged flights independently have been advised not to rebook flights before 8:00 pm on 27th January.
The cruise line is offering reimbursement for flight change fees of up to $200 per person for domestic flights and up to $400 per person for international flights. If an overnight stay is required, up to $250 per stateroom is available for one hotel night. Receipts must be submitted to Royal Caribbean’s Guest Relations team for consideration.
Next Sailing Cancelled As Ship Returns For Repairs
Royal Caribbean has also confirmed that Anthem of the Seas’ next cruise, a 10-night New Zealand itinerary scheduled to depart on 27th January, has been completely cancelled due to the ongoing technical issue.
In a notification sent to affected guests, the cruise line said: “Anthem of the Seas experienced a technical issue on its last sailing, and we’re returning to begin required maintenance. Unfortunately, we will not be able to complete the needed repairs in time for our 27 January sailing. As a result, we are canceling our Anthem of the Seas cruise.”
All guests booked on the cancelled voyage will receive a full refund covering cruise fare, taxes, fees, prepaid packages, gratuities, and shore excursions purchased through Royal Caribbean. Refunds will be returned to the original form of payment within 14 business days, subject to individual banking processes.
In addition, passengers will receive a 25% future cruise credit, valid on a Royal Caribbean sailing departing within the next 12 months. These credits are expected to be available by 9th February 2026.
Further compensation includes reimbursement of up to $200 for domestic flight changes, $400 for international flight changes, up to $250 for two nights of hotel accommodation, and $100 per person, per day for incidental expenses. Receipts must be emailed to the cruise line for review.
While the exact nature of the technical issue has not been disclosed, it is believed to be related to the ship’s propulsion system.
Anthem of the Seas operates using diesel-electric Azipod engines, and any failure within this system would significantly limit speed and range, making longer itineraries such as voyages to New Zealand unworkable without full repairs. At this stage, it remains unclear whether the ship will require dry dock to complete the necessary maintenance.
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