Royal Caribbean International has announced changes to the itinerary of the Liberty of the Seas for the second consecutive voyage this month, citing safety concerns related to Hurricane Erin. The decision comes just weeks after the cruise line was forced to cancel a visit to Bermuda on the same vessel earlier in August.
Bermuda Stop Cancelled for Safety Reasons
The Liberty of the Seas was scheduled to visit King’s Wharf, Bermuda, on August 23, 2025, but the stop has been cancelled due to adverse weather conditions linked to Hurricane Erin. Guests onboard received a statement from Royal Caribbean explaining that the decision was made after continuous monitoring of the storm’s path.
“Along with our Chief Meteorologist, Craig Setzer, we’ve been monitoring Hurricane Erin as she continued moving north,” the statement read. “While the storm is not expected to directly impact our location, its projected path will pass near our itinerary, generating significantly larger waves ahead of its track.”
Safety Takes Priority
According to the cruise line, the cancellation was a precautionary measure to ensure safe navigation and provide a more comfortable experience for passengers. “To ensure safe navigation and to provide a more comfortable experience for everyone onboard, we’ll now enjoy a sea day instead of visiting Royal Naval Dockyard, Bermuda,” the company stated.
Royal Caribbean reassured guests that cruise ships are among the safest places to be during severe weather events, as they can adjust course to avoid dangerous conditions. “Your safety is our top priority. Please know, being onboard is one of the safest places because our ship can quickly move out of the way of any inclement weather,” the company added.
Updated Cruise Itinerary
The Liberty of the Seas departed Cape Liberty, New Jersey, on August 21, 2025, for a nine-night cruise originally set to include stops in Bermuda, Grand Turk, San Juan, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
With the cancellation of the Bermuda call, Royal Caribbean has made adjustments to help balance the loss of a port day. The cruise line announced that the vessel will now arrive in Philipsburg, St. Maarten, at 10:00 AM instead of 2:00 PM on the scheduled day, giving guests an additional four hours in port. The ship’s departure from St. Maarten has also been moved up slightly, from 8:00 PM to 7:00 PM, to maintain the overall sailing schedule.
Impact on Guests and Refund Policy
All pre-paid shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean for the cancelled Bermuda stop will be automatically refunded in the form of onboard credit. This ensures that passengers are compensated for the lost activities without the need for manual refund requests.
The cruise line acknowledged the disappointment that comes with itinerary changes, particularly for guests who were looking forward to visiting Bermuda. “We’re truly sorry for this disappointing news caused by weather,” Royal Caribbean said, emphasizing that the decision was made in the interest of passenger safety.
Hurricane Erin’s Influence on the Route
Hurricane Erin, currently moving north in the Atlantic, is not expected to make landfall near the Liberty of the Seas. However, its projected path will bring it close enough to the ship’s route to generate significantly larger waves, which can create discomfort and potential safety hazards for passengers and crew.
Maritime experts note that even when a storm does not directly threaten a ship’s location, the extended impact zone of hurricanes can influence sea conditions hundreds of miles away. This includes increased swells, unpredictable wind patterns, and shifting currents, all factors cruise operators must consider when planning safe routes.
Second Consecutive Itinerary Change This Month
This marks the second time in August 2025 that the Liberty of the Seas has altered its route due to weather conditions. Earlier in the month, the vessel was forced to skip another planned Bermuda visit, highlighting the unpredictability of Atlantic hurricane season, which typically peaks from mid-August to late September.
Royal Caribbean’s decision to modify routes reflects standard industry safety protocols, which prioritize avoiding any possible hazards over adhering strictly to scheduled port calls.
Commitment to Passenger Comfort and Safety
Cruise industry analysts point out that these decisions, while sometimes disappointing for travelers, are part of a company’s responsibility to maintain high safety standards. Royal Caribbean’s inclusion of an extended stay in St. Maarten is seen as an effort to offset guest dissatisfaction and preserve the overall vacation experience.
By adding more time in port, passengers can enjoy additional shore excursions, beach time, and shopping opportunities. The cruise line has also enhanced onboard programming for the unexpected sea day, ensuring that guests have entertainment, dining, and leisure options while at sea.
Looking Ahead
As Hurricane Erin continues to move through the Atlantic, Royal Caribbean and other cruise operators will keep monitoring weather conditions closely. Additional itinerary adjustments may be necessary for ships sailing in the region over the coming weeks.
For the passengers currently aboard Liberty of the Seas, the rest of the nine-night voyage is expected to continue as planned following the changes. The cruise line remains optimistic that the combination of safety measures and adjusted scheduling will ensure an enjoyable experience for all guests.
