Anthem of the Seas: Azipod Failure Forces Royal Caribbean to Cancel Cruise

Von Dickelbers - Eigenes Werk, CC BY-SA 4.0, Link
A technical malfunction in the propulsion system of the Anthem of the Seas is currently causing major disruptions in the Australian cruise market. On the morning of January 26, 2026, it was officially confirmed that Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class flagship is struggling with significant mechanical problems. One of the two Azipod units—steerable propulsion pods located beneath the hull—has failed.

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The issue arose during the current voyage toward New Caledonia and Vanuatu. As the vessel requires both Azipods for full cruising speed and precision maneuvering, the speed had to be reduced to approximately 14 to 15 knots. Repairing such complex systems at sea is impossible, as they often require divers or even dry-docking. Most critically, without full maneuverability, the ship cannot safely navigate the narrow fjords of New Zealand.

The current voyage will conclude in Sydney with a delay of roughly ten hours. Arrival at the Overseas Passenger Terminal is now scheduled for the afternoon of January 27. This delay means many guests will miss their return flights. Royal Caribbean is already supporting passengers on board with free internet and phone services to assist with rebooking.

However, the impact is far greater for the 4,905 passengers of the subsequent voyage: The scheduled 10-night New Zealand cruise (originally set for January 27) has been completely cancelled. The ship must be taken out of service for urgent repairs. It is possible that the Anthem of the Seas will be moved to Newcastle for these works, as the port offers superior industrial capacities.

To mitigate customer frustration, the cruise line has introduced a comprehensive package:

  • Refund: 100% of the cruise fare, including taxes and fees.
  • Bonus: 25% Future Cruise Credit (FCC) for a future booking.
  • Flights: Reimbursement of change fees (up to 200 USD domestic / 400 USD international).
  • Additional Costs: Allowances for hotels (up to 250 USD) and daily incidentals (100 USD per person).

Royal Caribbean hopes to resume service on February 6, 2026. Whether the repairs can be completed within this tight timeframe remains to be seen. Guests booked for February departures are advised to closely monitor official communications from the cruise line.