Passengers onboard Odyssey of the Seas' transatlantic cruise from Italy to Cape Liberty were informed they'd no longer be visiting Valencia, Spain.
Deadly flash floods caused by heavy downpours in eastern Spain have resulted in at least 205 fatalities, according to the Associated Press. It's the country's deadliest storm in living memory and has been classified as a level two crisis on a scale of three.
Spain's meteorological agency said a year's worth of rain fell on the region in less than 8 hours. The catastrophic flooding happened with little to no warning, trapping residents in their homes and vehicles.
By the time an emergency alert was sent out around 8:00pm, many were already overwhelmed by the rising waters. As the water came rushing down the rivers and tributaries toward the Mediterranean Sea, bridges were destroyed, and cars were swept away.
Valencia's president, Carlos Mazón, has deployed over 500 soldiers, joining the 1,200 from the Military Emergency Unit. An additional 500 soldiers will arrive on Saturday to help rescue victims, clear debris, and provide food and water.
While the waters have receded, it will take Spain months to recover from the destruction. Many are still without power or running water. CNN reported that Valencia's highways are blocked or only partially useable. Additionally, the train tracks are so badly damaged that rail services will be unavailable for weeks.
Royal Caribbean emailed booked passengers and travel agents on Friday, Nov. 1, saying flash flooding has made it difficult to navigate the area.
"We're terribly sorry for the last-minute change - the safety and well-being of our guests, crew, and the communities we visit are always our top priority," the notice reads.
Instead of calling at Valencia, Odyssey of the Seas will visit Palma de Mallorca, Spain, on Wednesday, Nov. 6 before resuming its original itinerary, including stops in Cartagena and Malaga, Spain, and Madeira (Funchal), Portugal, followed by six days at sea en route to New Jersey.
"The Spanish island of Mallorca is waiting for you, with its towering mountains and dramatic cliffs rising over clear, blue water. Its hidden gem is Palma de Mallorca, the island's capital, and largest city, where you'll find quaint historic streets, Gothic castles, and gastronomic delights," the email continues.
"If you're feeling adventurous, journey through Palma de Mallorca's Drach Caves, home to the largest underground lake in the world. Or hike through the city's historic 15th century royal path to the town of Banyalbufar."
Guests with shore excursions booked in Valencia will receive a refund in the form of an onboard credit on their SeaPass accounts, and they can be used anywhere onboard—from the Bionic Bar to one of Odyssey's specialty restaurants or another tour in Palma de Mallorca.
Any remaining credits not used during the sailing will be refunded to the card on file up to 14 business days after disembarkation.
The next Royal Caribbean ship scheduled to call at Valencia is Voyager of the Seas on Nov. 12, followed by Adventure of the Seas on the 25th. After that, Valencia won't see another Royal Caribbean ship until next year, when Brilliance of the Seas visits in April, marking the beginning of the cruise line's European season.
Read more: I stayed in a windowless cabin onboard Odyssey of the Seas that cost $2,300
Odyssey of the Seas is repositioning to New Jersey
After she arrives in mid-November, the 1,138-foot-long ship will make regular voyages to Florida and The Bahamas. She'll also embark on a few longer sailings to the Southern Caribbean in January.
Odyssey will return to Europe in May 2025, following a 14-night transatlantic cruise to Italy. The vessel will remain homeported in Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, through October 2025, offering sailings to the Greek Isles.
As a Quantum Class ship, Odyssey features innovative design and advanced technology, ranging from the SeaPlex, a multi-purpose indoor venue that hosts activities such as bumper cars and roller skating, to the North Star, a glass observation capsule that takes passengers high above the ship for views of the surrounding ocean and ports of call.
