Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia See Itinerary Change as Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas Alters Course Due to Typhoon Threat

Published on December 3, 2025

Royal Caribbean International’s Ovation of the Seas had to modify its weekend cruise plans due to the impending threat of a typhoon, impacting its originally scheduled itinerary.

The ship, which set sail from Singapore on November 27, 2025, was initially scheduled to offer a three-night cruise to Penang, Malaysia. However, on the first day of the voyage, guests were notified that the route would be changed due to the approach of Tropical Cyclone Sanyar. The company explained that, after careful monitoring of the storm’s path with the assistance of meteorologists, it had been determined that avoiding the storm would require skipping the planned stop in Penang. Instead of visiting Malaysia, the ship spent the following days at sea before returning to Singapore on Sunday, November 30, 2025, as originally scheduled.

In a statement to guests, the cruise line emphasized that the change in the itinerary was made with safety as the top priority. Guests were informed that, although the itinerary had been altered at the last minute due to the weather, the cruise line’s decision was in the interest of ensuring the well-being of all passengers and crew. “We sincerely apologize for the last-minute change, and we assure you that your safety is our number one concern,” the statement read.

As a result of the change, all guests who had pre-paid for shore excursions through the cruise line were offered a refund in the form of onboard credit. This onboard credit could be used for a range of services and purchases while aboard the ship. In addition, the company assured guests that any remaining refundable amounts—those that were not used as credit—would be refunded directly to their credit cards within 14 business days.

Despite the alteration in the ship’s route, passengers were able to enjoy their time at sea. The Ovation of the Seas spent the next two days cruising the open waters, offering passengers a relaxing sea experience before its return to Singapore. This adjustment was a part of Royal Caribbean’s proactive approach to ensuring the comfort and safety of guests, who were kept informed throughout the process.

After a summer season on the West Coast, the Ovation of the Seas had recently arrived in Southeast Asia for its winter schedule. Based in Singapore, the ship, which can accommodate up to 4,204 guests, is currently offering short cruises to various destinations in Malaysia and Thailand. These itineraries include visits to popular ports such as Phuket and Penang, with a series of three- and four-night sailings planned for the upcoming months.

One of the ship’s most highly anticipated itineraries is a special eight-night cruise set to take place in December. This unique sailing will feature a New Year’s Eve celebration in Indonesia, with the ship making stops in destinations such as Bali, Lombok, and Celukan Bawang. The Ovation of the Seas is expected to offer guests a chance to celebrate the arrival of 2026 in a vibrant setting, with each destination offering its own cultural experiences and scenic beauty.

While the Ovation of the Seas is currently focused on providing shorter cruises in Southeast Asia, the ship’s winter season also reflects a growing trend in the region’s cruise tourism market. Southeast Asia, with its array of stunning coastal destinations and rich cultural offerings, has become a prime destination for short cruises, particularly for travelers from Singapore and neighboring countries. Royal Caribbean, with its modern fleet and diverse itineraries, is positioning itself to capitalize on this growing market, catering to a wide range of travelers looking for accessible and convenient getaways.

In conclusion, while the change in the Ovation of the Seas’ itinerary was unexpected, it highlighted the cruise line’s commitment to passenger safety and satisfaction. The decision to spend more time at sea instead of visiting Penang was made in direct response to the potential risks posed by Tropical Cyclone Sanyar. As the ship continues its winter season in Southeast Asia, guests can look forward to exploring new destinations, experiencing unique cultural offerings, and celebrating the holiday season on board a modern cruise ship.