Royal Caribbean, like any cruise line, tries to minimize how often it changes itineraries.
Many people book their cruises around where the ship will stop, and they get angry when a change is made. That's because they have planned excursions and what they will do in port that day.
Related: Another Caribbean cruise destination raising port fees
A change means having to figure out new activities, and sometimes, the new port is not as desirable as the previous one. That, of course, is a matter of opinion as people have different favorite ports, and sometimes getting to visit someplace new is part of why people book a cruise.
Changes, however, are sometimes out of the cruise line's control. Weather, for example, can force a cruise line to skip a port.
Some ports don't have tugboats to help ships dock safely. Others may have bridges that can't be crossed under by certain ships in rough weather.
Cruise lines make every effort to deliver the itinerary they promised, but that's not always possible. Royal Caribbean, however, has been forced to stop visiting two popular ports, one because of damage at the port and the other for safety reasons.
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Royal Caribbean can't visit San Juan
Royal Caribbean has not been able to dock in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with Symphony of the Seas because the port's dock that can accommodate the Oasis-class ship has been undergoing repairs.
The pier has been out of commission since April and it needs U.S. Coast Guard approval to resume operations.
"San Juan’s Pier 3 West receives the largest cruise ships in the world. Since the loss of the facility's mooring structure, Coast Guard Prevention personnel have been actively working with the San Juan Cruise Port and the Puerto Rico Ports Authority to determine if the structure remains sound for cruise ship operations," said Capt. Luis J. Rodriguez, commander of USCG Sector San Juan SeaTrade Cruise News reported.
That has forced Royal Caribbean to cancel stops in San Juan, and it has canceled its Dec. 28 and Jan. 12 calls on the city. It shared that with passengers via email.
“We wanted to inform you about some changes to your upcoming cruise. Due to ongoing construction at the pier in San Juan, the port authority has advised us that the port will not be ready in time for our visit. We understand how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you," Royal Caribbean Blog reported.
Manzanillo, Mexico visits halted as well
While Royal Caribbean has not made any comment on the reason why, the cruise line has also stopped calling on Manzanillo, Mexico. That's likely due to the U.S. State Department warning against travel to that part of Mexico.
The warning is explicit.
"Do not travel due to crime and kidnapping. Violent crime and gang activity are widespread. Most homicides are targeted assassinations against members of criminal organizations. Shooting incidents between criminal groups have injured or killed bystanders. U.S. citizens and LPRs have been victims of kidnapping," the State Department shared.
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Royal Caribbean did not cancel any sailings to the port. It simply stopped scheduling them. In better times, the cruise line described the area as "Pure Pacific Chill."
"Manzanillo might not be the first place on Mexico's Pacific Coast you think to visit, but its golden beaches, lively fishing harbor, and emerald rainforest will leave memories that will last a lifetime. Frolic on Playa Miramar as seagulls dive into the waves in front of you to catch their lunch, or learn from a local expert how to fish for striped marlin, sailfish, or tuna in the depths of the Pacific," it shared on its website.
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