Royal Caribbean has announced on its corporate twitter account that Anthem of the Seas current sailing is to end early due to a storm threat in the Atlantic ocean. The Miami based cruise line is taking no chances after the same vessel got caught in a severe storm near Cape Hatteras on February 7. The new severe storm is forming in the same area as previously along the North Carolina coast. Cruise ships sailing between north American ports and the Caribbean will often have to sail through the region.
#AnthemoftheSeas will head back to Cape Liberty immediately to avoid a severe storm & provide guests with a comfortable journey back home.
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 27, 2016
Anthem of the Seas is sailing directly back to its homeport at Cape Liberty, New Jersey immediately to stay ahead of the new storm. The 168,888 gross ton vessel is sailing a 12-night southern Caribbean cruise which departed Cape Liberty of February 21. The ship wasn’t scheduled to arrive back until March 4.
We’ve been closely watching a large storm off the coast of Cape Hatteras. We want to be extra cautious when it comes to weather in the area.
— RCLcorp (@RCLcorp) February 27, 2016
As a result of the sudden sailing back home, scheduled calls to Barbados on February 28 and St.Kitss on February 29 will not take place. Guests will receive a refund for the 2 lost days and 50% of their ticket price towards a future cruise with Royal Caribbean.
It comes at no surprise the cruise line is being extra careful when it comes to storms. In early February Anthem of the Seas was caught in a horrific storm which caused some damage to the ship. As a result of that the vessel was forced to turn around and sail back home. The aftermath of that storm is still in play as passengers are now trying to sue the company for heading into the weather storm even when guests safety was at risk.
Cruise Hive will keep an eye on any new developments.
