Royal Caribbean announced it has decided to redeploy Independence of the Seas in 2020 from the UK market, and instead keep her in Port Everglades, Florida to offer more cruises to Perfect Day at CocoCay.
As a result of the change in homeport, Royal Caribbean has begun informing guests that had cruises booked on Independence of the Seas from Southampton in 2020 that their sailings are canceled.
On Royal Caribbean's UK website, the cruise line explained the change, "Responding to strong booking interest in our exciting new Caribbean private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International has announced a 2020 deployment change for Independence of the Seas. The ship will now sail from Fort Lauderdale, Florida rather than Southampton. Guests affected by the itinerary change will be offered full refunds and a ‘Future Cruise Credit’ for use on alternative sailings. The popular Quantum Class ship Anthem of the Seas will return to the UK market for 2020, adding more options for guests sailing from Southampton."
Responding to strong booking interest in its exciting new Caribbean private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean International has announced a 2020 deployment change for Independence of the Seas. Click here: https://t.co/dv6aoXOnjx for more details.
— Royal Caribbean UK (@MyRoyalUK) May 9, 2019
As a result of the change, Independence of the Seas will remain in the Caribbean instead of sailing to Southampton in 2020.
Royal Caribbean UK also apologized for canceling sailings some guests have booked, "Our goal is provide our guests with the best itineraries that take you to exclusive parts of the world and have decided to make these changes for the 2020 season to maximize our capacity in the Caribbean. We are terribly sorry. We know this news is disappointing."
