Royal Caribbean has changed upcoming Freedom of the Seas itineraries, dropping Cozumel, Mexico in favor of Nassau, Bahamas just months before sailing. Passengers received updated itinerary notifications, but Royal Caribbean did not share why the port change was necessary.
The change has left many cruisers frustrated, especially as the timing aligns with the debut of the cruise line’s new private beach club in Nassau, Royal Beach Club Paradise Island.
Passengers scheduled to sail on February 16, 2026, received an email notifying them of the change. Royal Caribbean’s email, which was shared on Reddit, cited general itinerary-planning flexibility but did not give a specific reason for the port swap.
“As part of our ongoing itinerary planning process, we’ve modified our upcoming sailing,” the email states. “Sometimes, these changes are the result of a weather impact or issue avoidance, speed restrictions, berth or scheduling conflicts, and agreements we have with the ports we visit.”
Freedom of the Seas is scheduled to visit Cozumel, Mexico throughout the winter, meaning this could be affecting many sailings.
Despite Royal Caribbean’s vague explanation, impacted guests say they’re upset about the change. Many stated that they booked the itinerary specifically to visit Cozumel, Mexico with little desire to visit Nassau.
In fact, Nassau is infamous for being one of the worst cruise ports for many travelers with pushy vendors, little to do near the port area, expensive excursions, and crowds of people.
No reason was provided for the itinerary change
According to the email posted on Reddit, Freedom of the Seas will now visit Nassau on Day 5 rather than Cozumel, which was previously scheduled for Day 4. This was specifically for the February 16, 2026 voyage.
Royal Caribbean’s message reassured guests that the change was meant to offer a “refreshed experience,” adding:
“While these itinerary changes are occasionally necessary, please know they’re made thoughtfully, with your experience and enjoyment in mind.”
Frustrated cruisers also posted about the change on Facebook with similar disappointment.
One Royal Caribbean cruiser stated on Facebook: “I am SO disappointed, we are no longer going to Cozumel and have to go to Nassau. Of course the app is not updated, I didn’t even get an email on this. I found out on Facebook.”
“I’ve been there twice did not like it so did not do any excursions, however this time we have kids with us. We had an amazing excursion booked in Cozumel that included manatees, a sea lion show, swim with dolphins, food, and drinks, needless to say, we are very disappointed,” the cruiser continued.
Many commenters echoed the cruisers’ frustrations, with one person responding, “I would be soooo mad! I hate Nassau! But, I loved Cozumel and would definitely go back. It seems like a lot of people have been changed from Cozumel to Nassau. That stinks!”
Another person questioned why the ship wouldn’t be able to visit Cozumel, and one person responded, “Most likely to reroute you to their brand new expensive beach club on Nassau.”
One cruiser replied, “Us too. Found out on my sailing group then checked through my email. Most are unhappy. Including us”
Royal Caribbean just happens to be opening a new Royal Beach Club in Nassau
The cruise line didn’t provide a specific reason for the change, but many cruisers are noting a coincidental timing. Royal Caribbean’s soon-to-open Royal Beach Club Paradise Island is debuting in December 2025.
The new 17-acre beach destination in Nassau will feature two beaches, multiple pools, private cabanas, dining venues, and a dedicated adults-only area. It’s designed as a premium, resort-style day experience exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests.
The cruise line even highlights the opening of the new beach club as an optional excursion to purchase for the new port of call. In the itinerary-change notice, Royal Caribbean promoted the new beach club directly beneath the port-change announcement:
“You can also soak up the sun at the brand-new Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island (opening December 2025), where exclusive meets all-inclusive in the ultimate beach day escape.”
Contracts give cruise lines broad authority to change ports at any time, for nearly any reason. This does not have to be related to weather or logistical issues, although these reasons are often better received by guests.
Royal Caribbean reiterated that point in its notice by stating, “Itinerary planning is an ongoing process that requires cruises to have a certain level of flexibility, as modifications can occur at any time.”
But, it’s pretty easy to read between the lines here. The change seems directly related to the opening of Royal Caribbean’s new beach club in Nassau. Bringing thousands of passengers to Nassau will certainly drive demand and revenue for the cruise line’s latest investment.
The new Royal Beach Club Paradise Island requires an admission cost and drinks are not included. Day passes start at $169.99 per person for the Unlimited Open Bar & Dining pass while non-alcoholic packages are $129.99 per person.
Although the switch may make sense from a business standpoint, many passengers feel the change is unfair and undermines the itinerary they originally paid for.
Norwegian Cruise Line received backlash for similar itinerary changes
Royal Caribbean isn’t the only cruise line facing criticism for sudden itinerary swaps. Just last month, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) received widespread backlash after replacing several Caribbean and Bahamian ports.
As reported by Candid Cruise and Travel, the new schedule replaced stops in the Bahamas, including Bimini, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, with a visit to Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. Some itineraries had an additional sea day added as a replacement for the removed port.
What frustrated passengers even more was the reason NCL gave. In a statement shared with impacted cruisers, Norwegian said the changes were made to “strengthen partnerships” with certain ports and destinations.
That explanation prompted immediate backlash across social media, with many cruisers arguing that the company was prioritizing business relationships over delivering the itineraries guests originally booked.
