Technical Slowdown Grounds Celebrity Beyond Departure at PortMiami – July 20, 2025

Introduction
Celebrity Cruises’ flagship vessel, Celebrity Beyond, experienced a delay in its scheduled return to PortMiami on July 20, 2025, due to a technical issue affecting its propulsion system. The ship’s reduced cruising speed has led to an adjusted disembarkation schedule and shortened itinerary for its upcoming Eastern Caribbean voyage.

Details of the Delay

Reduced Speed and Postponed Arrival:

• Celebrity Beyond is reportedly sailing at only ~17 knots—well below its standard 22 knots—due to an unspecified engine or propulsion issue.
• The ship’s arrival at PortMiami was postponed from Sunday, July 20 to Monday, July 21.
• While some passengers speculated that the vessel was operating on a single engine, this remains unconfirmed by the cruise line.

Impact on Itinerary and Guests:

• Over 3,200 passengers will now disembark a day later and spend an unexpected additional sea day.
• The 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruise has been reduced to a 6-night voyage, potentially altering or canceling scheduled stops in Nassau, St. Thomas, and St. Maarten.

Compensation and Assistance:

• Guests will receive onboard credit equivalent to one day’s cruise fare.
• Prepaid packages (beverage, Wi-Fi, dining) will be refunded for the missed day.
• Celebrity Cruises will reimburse up to US$250 per stateroom to assist with Miami hotel accommodations for affected travelers.

Safety and Operational Context:

• Celebrity has reassured passengers that while the slowdown limits speed, it does not compromise the ship’s seaworthiness or safety systems.
• Industry observers speculate that one of the ship’s main generators is undergoing an at-sea overhaul, a routine operation that can reduce speed by around 10%.
• CruiseMapper satellite tracking confirmed the vessel’s reduced pace south of Cuba en route to Florida.