Bahamas-bound Oasis of the Seas spends day in Halifax after storm diversion

Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas swapped the Bahamas for Atlantic Canada this week after stormy weather forced the ship off course. More than 5,000 passengers who booked a seven-day cruise to the Bahamas found themselves spending a day in Halifax, Nova Scotia, before the ship headed back to the United States.

Key facts

• The Oasis of the Seas left New Jersey on Sunday with more than 5,000 passengers.
• The original plan was a seven-day cruise: a half-day stop in Port Canaveral, Florida, then the Bahamas, then back.
• Stormy weather diverted the vessel to Halifax, Nova Scotia.
• Royal Caribbean International provided passengers with cash and travel vouchers.
• The ship was scheduled to depart Halifax at 6 p.m. Wednesday, followed by three days at sea before returning to New Jersey.

What happened?

Passengers boarded the Oasis of the Seas in New Jersey expecting warm-weather stops in Florida and the Bahamas. Instead, stormy weather rerouted the ship to Halifax, on Canada's east coast, where it docked for just one day before continuing to U.S. waters.

Travellers said they received only a few hours' notice before boarding and had to repack for a much cooler destination. Some arrived with winter hats and earmuffs but without a scarf, having planned for Caribbean heat rather than a Nova Scotia autumn.

How did the cruise line respond?

Royal Caribbean International gave passengers cash and travel vouchers to make up for the changed itinerary, according to travellers on board. Passengers quoted in the report described receiving "a little bit of money" to soften the disappointment of missing the Bahamas.

What did passengers do in Halifax?

The visitors had a single day to explore the city. The report said many walked the Halifax boardwalk, went shopping and took boat rides in the harbour. Reactions were mixed: some passengers said they were very disappointed, including one family that had driven seven hours from Toronto to New Jersey to board, while others made the most of the detour. One traveller from near Paterson, New Jersey, said simply that "Halifax is a beautiful city."

What this means for travellers

Anyone booked on a winter sailing to the Bahamas should be aware that bad weather can change an itinerary with little notice, and that the replacement port may have a very different climate. Packing at least one warm layer is worth considering, even on a Caribbean-bound cruise.

The Oasis of the Seas was due to leave Halifax at 6 p.m. Wednesday and spend three days at sea before arriving back in New Jersey. No further itinerary changes were announced in the report.