Anthem of the Seas Propulsion Failure Cancels Next Cruise After Return to Sydney – 24 January 2026

Anthem of the Seas propulsion failure was reported on 24 January 2026, after Royal Caribbean confirmed a technical issue with the ship’s propulsion system during a South Pacific voyage.

Passenger reports described a period of reduced propulsion power, a temporary halt in open sea and a return toward Sydney at about 16 knots, below the vessel’s reported 22-knot cruising speed. The ship reached Sydney on the afternoon of January 27, later than scheduled, and the next cruise departure was cancelled.

The issue was linked to the ship’s hull-mounted ABB Azipods. The affected 8-day South Pacific Cruise operated roundtrip from Sydney from January 19 to 27, with calls in New Caledonia and Vanuatu. The cancelled voyage was a 10-day New Zealand Cruise scheduled to depart Sydney on January 27.

Royal Caribbean reportedly offered affected bookings a full refund, a future cruise credit equal to 25% of the cruise fare and reimbursement for certain non-refundable travel costs. Repairs were conducted at Port Eden, New South Wales, from January 29 to February 4.

This log records a propulsion and itinerary disruption. No death or injury connected with the incident was reported.