Royal Caribbean Schedules Dry Dock for Allure of the Seas to Fix Cruise Ship Issues

Royal Caribbean has scheduled a one-week dry dock in January for Allure of the Seas, necessitating the cancellation of a previously scheduled cruise.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean said the dry dock is being scheduled to "allow for the cruise line to conduct standard maintenance work." However, Allure of the Seas has been plagued by non-specific propulsion problems for several weeks, forcing the ship to sail at reduced speeds and the line to alter port calls on Eastern Caribbean sailings.

Royal Caribbean passengers booked on future sailings are reporting on the Cruise Critic forums that they are noticing changes to their itineraries as well.

Member Dizneefreak28 wrote, "We are sailing on Allure of the Seas September 3rd. I logged into the cruise planner today and noticed that St. Kitts was removed and San Juan added. St. Thomas is also moved."

Other members with cruises booked as far in the future as November are reporting the same.

Royal Caribbean did not comment on the propulsion problems when asked by Cruise Critic, but Cruise Critic members are posting copies of letters they've received in which the line cites a "speed restriction" as the cause of the changes.

The dry dock, which will take place at the Grand Bahamas shipyard will begin January 21, 2018. The cruise that was scheduled to depart Ft. Lauderdale on the same day has been canceled.

"We understand that our guests' vacation time is precious and the inconvenience this may cause. Those affected by the cancelled sailing will be provided with alternative options to make the most of their vacation time."