More than 100 Australians among those trapped on Royal Caribbean ship in Japan

Over 100 Australians and other passengers have spent two days trapped aboard their cruise on Spectrum of the Seas in Japan after “maintenance” problems put their cruise on pause

A letter from Royal Caribbean explained the situation to guests.

“As announced by our captain, due to a technical concern we will be in Yokohama, Japan for the next two days and will delay our return to Shanghai, China, until November 11, 2024. At this time, while we stay in Yokohama, guests will need to remain onboard – however, we’re working closely with the local authorities to secure some time ashore, and we will update you once we have more information.

“We’re sorry for the last-minute change to our itinerary. Please know, that this situation remains fluid, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.

“Below, please find our updated itinerary plus information to help you plan your time onboard and your onward travel.”

Melbourne woman and passenger of the cruise Karen Dermietzel told Sydney Morning Herald of the frustrated energy aboard the ship and passenger complains of a lack of communication throughout the situation.

“We’re sorry for the last-minute change to our itinerary.

“Please know, that this situation remains fluid, and we are committed to keeping you informed every step of the way.”

“People are grumpy… it’s changed everything. We’re all on holiday, but people can’t get back. You can’t get off.

“It is frustrating, seeing as we’re sitting here. We just can’t do anything when you’re meant to be on your holiday… We’re stuck. You’ve just got to deal with it.”

Per Royal Caribbean policy, passengers handed over their passports to the cruise line and are currently unable to get them back.

The situation is further complicated by disruptions to travellers, such as Dermietzel, travel plans for after the ship was meant to disembark.

Royal Caribbean has offered US$200 per passengers who need new domestic flights and USD$400 for passengers who need international flights.

However, for example in the case of Dermieztel and her husband Steve, they already had a four-day trip to Hong Kong planned out, she puts the cost of missing two days at around $1000.

“It’s just such an inconvenience. It’s more frustrating that they just won’t give you any information.

“We are not allowed off the ship at all, but they’re not giving us any information. All they’re saying is, ‘It’s Japanese authorities’.”

Having spoken to other people onboard, Dermieztel says she’s heard plenty of horror stories. For example, one passenger could face losing their job if they can’t disembark soon, and another booked through a specific travel agency and has now lost $1000s of dollars on their flights.

One passenger contacted the Australian Embassy in Tokyo and received the following correspondence.

“Unfortunately, we are told that there is no longer enough time for passengers to disembark the ship at this point.

Another Royal Caribbean statement reads: “We are conducting unplanned maintenance and have adjusted our current itinerary and cancelled our next sailing. We apologise to our guests for the inconvenience and are communicating with our guests directly.”

The following cruise that was scheduled to arrive on November 9th, a four-night cruise from Nagasaki to Shanghai, has been cancelled.