A recent itinerary change aboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas has sparked a noticeable divide among passengers, with some expressing significant disappointment while others celebrated the alteration as a major benefit. The unexpected modification involved the cancellation of a scheduled port call in Costa Maya, a popular cruise destination on Mexico's Caribbean coast.
The change stemmed from a maintenance issue that reportedly kept the vessel in Miami for an additional night. Originally slated to depart Miami on a Saturday, the ship remained in port until Sunday, according to information shared with passengers. An official notice circulated among travelers confirmed the revised schedule, stating that the ship would now depart on Sunday, September 27, instead of Saturday, September 26. Consequently, what was planned as a visit to Costa Maya on Day 3 of the voyage was replaced with a relaxing day at sea.
In response to the inconvenience, Royal Caribbean offered passengers onboard credit as compensation, with amounts starting at $300 and varying based on cabin type.
Mixed Reactions Among Travelers
The news of the itinerary shift brought about a spectrum of reactions from those on board and within the wider travel community. Surprisingly, a significant number of travelers voiced approval for the change, particularly regarding the omission of Costa Maya.
“Just got this. $350 to miss the worst port of the itinerary made my day!” one traveler remarked, adding, “Might go to the Supper Club with that, lol.”
Another passenger echoed this sentiment, stating, “Three hundred dollar credit, and you don’t have to go to Costa Maya? That’s a gigantic win.”
These strong opinions prompted inquiries from other travelers curious about the negative perceptions surrounding Costa Maya. Explanations for the port’s unpopularity included descriptions of it as