RCI Swaps Jewel and Grandeur Deployments for 2026–27

The Grandeur of the Seas cruise ship moored in port
The Americas Cruise Industry
By
Updated Published

Royal Caribbean International is exchanging ship assignments for the 2026–27 season, shifting Jewel of the Seas to Florida and Grandeur ofthe Seas to Latin America, according to a notice sent to booked guests.

“Our original plan for the Jewel of the Seas was to offer a summer 2026-27 season with sailings departing from Cartagena, Colombia, and Colón, Panama, beginning May 1, 2026, through April 18, 2027,” Royal Caribbean stated.

“Instead, the Jewel of the Seas will offer sailings from Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and the Grandeur of the Seas will offer the sailings from Colombia and Panama,” the company added.

Despite the change in hardware, the line said itineraries and departure dates during that window remain intact.

“We know how much time and effort go into planning your vacation, and we’re terribly sorry for the inconvenience,” the statement continued.

“Your vacation is important to us, along with flexibility to make the best decision for you and those in your party.”

Guests have three choices. The default option is an automatic transfer to the same sailing operated by the alternate ship.

“We’ll move you to a like-for-like stateroom, and your original stateroom category price will be protected,” Royal Caribbean explained.

The company clarified that taxes, fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare purchases are not included in the protection.

“If your booking was already paid in full and your cruise fare rate decreases, we’ll provide you with a refund for the difference,” Royal Caribbean added.

Travelers may also switch to any other Royal Caribbean voyage, with non-refundable deposit change fees waived; guests would cover any fare difference. Alternatively, impacted bookings can be canceled for a full refund of all paid amounts.

Under the redeployment, Grandeur of the Seas will now operate from Panama and Colombia between May 2026 and April 2027, offering seven-night Southern Caribbean cruises to Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao. The ship carries approximately 1,950 passengers.