Royal Caribbean cancels 6 Empress of the Seas sailings from Miami

Travelers hoping to set sail on Royal Caribbean International’s newly renovated Empress of the Seas later this month and in early April will have to make alternate plans.

The cruise line canceled six sailings — March 30, April 4, April 7, April 11, April 16 and April 21 — from PortMiami for three-, four- and five-night voyages in the Caribbean.

Empress of the Seas’ extensive makeover to take it from a Pullmantur Cruises ship, one of Royal Caribbean Cruises’ brands, to a Royal Caribbean International ship is going to take a little longer than expected, the cruise line told travel agents Friday.

“Like many large renovation projects, we are going to need more time to ensure the ship meets the high standards for quality our guests expect from Royal Caribbean,” the line said in a letter to agents.

Instead, guests who have already booked their vacation can switch to a voyage in the same cabin type on Majesty of the Seas sailings through April 29 for no additional cost. Passengers can also rebook on the 1,602-passenger Empress of the Seas when it sets sail again on April 25 for the cost of their original cruise fare — as long as no other delays occur. Guests who rebook will get $100 in on-board credit.

Those who choose not to book again will receive a full refund, the cruise line said.

When the Empress of the Seas, which was launched in 1990, completes its renovations, the vessel will have some of the features of Royal Caribbean’s newer ships, including a rock climbing wall, VOOM high-speed Internet and steakhouse Chops Grille.

A spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean said the cruise line is working to inform guests directly or through their travel agents.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 4:28 PM with the headline "Royal Caribbean cancels 6 Empress of the Seas sailings from Miami."