Pier problem forces another change to Symphony of the Seas’ itinerary

With the largest cruise pier in San Juan, Puerto Rico still unable to accommodate an Oasis class ship, we have now received confirmation of an additional ship Symphony of the Seas The trip changed dramatically from the original planned itinerary.

The affected cruise is a January 12, 2025 departure, a 7-day Eastern Caribbean vacation from Miami. The ship was originally scheduled to call at Perfect Day in CocoCay, San Juan and St. Maarten.

Instead, Symphony of the Seas will go in the opposite direction, the same changes made to several Eastern Caribbean cruises in recent weeks.

“Due to ongoing construction at the San Juan pier, the port authority has informed us that the port will not be ready in time for our visit.” The email notification has been read. “We know how important each destination is to your vacation, so we have worked diligently to find the best alternatives for you.”

The ship will continue to make its scheduled call Perfect day at CocoCay in the Bahamas on Monday, January 13, and the next day will still be a full day at sea.

Wednesday, January 15, is now scheduled to visit Labadee, Haiti, instead of San Juan, Puerto Rico – 400 miles further west than the original itinerary, on a different island and in a different country.

To Labadee, Symphony of the Seas will travel to Jamaica and call at Falmouth on Thursday, January 16, the day originally scheduled for Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

The final two days of the voyage will be days at sea, just like the original itinerary, with the ship returning to Miami on Sunday, January 19th.

Booked passengers may well be disappointed by the change in itinerary, particularly because they are trading the richness and history of a destination like Puerto Rico for the much more limited, private destination of Labadee. Although there are some great options in Labadeethe two ports are radically different and offer very different experiences.

Additionally, some travelers may be concerned that the U.S. State Department is identifying Haiti as a “Level 4: Do not travel”Advice on kidnapping, sexual assault, robbery and more.

For several months, Royal Caribbean had Visits to Labadee suspended due to these concerns. However, the cruise line resumed visits in October, with limited options available to travelers. Options include the dragon tail roller coaster, relaxing on the beach and a small craft village.

So many changes in the travel plan

Symphony of the Seas In recent months, several Eastern Caribbean itineraries have undergone similar changes as repairs to Pier 3 in San Juan continue. This particular pier is the only one that can accommodate the massive ship, which is 1,187 feet long.

Also Read: What are the Different Oasis Class Cruise Ships?

The pier was apparently damaged by an MSC Cruises ship in April 2024. While repair work is underway, inspections by the United States Coast Guard (USCG) are required before cruise ships can use the pier again.

“Pier-3 West at the Port of San Juan will remain closed to cruise ships until further notice pending the completion of requested satisfactory assessment studies, followed by an on-site inspection of the facility by the Coast Guard.” the USCG said in November.

So far the ship has continued Redirection of affected departures to Labadee and JamaicaOccasionally also Nassau as an additional port of call if possible.

While travelers may be frustrated when their itinerary is changed just weeks – or even days – before departure, it’s clear that the cruise line is trying to stick to the original schedule whenever possible.

Because circumstances are beyond Royal Caribbean’s control, guests should remain patient and hopeful about their upcoming Eastern Caribbean cruises, but prepare for the possibility that additional itineraries may also be changed.