Passengers aboard Independence of the Seas were met with a surprise announcement this week as Royal Caribbean International confirmed a last-minute itinerary change due to ongoing propulsion system maintenance. The 7-night Norwegian Fjords cruise, which departed from Southampton, England, originally included a highly anticipated stop in Ålesund, Norway on July 1, 2025. That visit has now been cancelled.

The cruise line explained that the ship’s propulsion system, while fully functional, is currently undergoing maintenance. As a result, the vessel must operate at a reduced speed, which makes it impossible to maintain the original port schedule. For safety and operational efficiency, the decision was made to replace the Ålesund stop with a full day at sea.

While the cancellation of Ålesund may come as a disappointment, Independence of the Seas will now arrive in Molde, Norway, one hour earlier than originally planned, giving guests extra time to explore the scenic town.

This adjustment follows a similar delay earlier this month, when Independence of the Seas arrived two hours late in Rotterdam due to related maintenance work. While not ideal, these technical interruptions appear to be part of a broader effort to maintain peak operating standards without compromising safety.