Icon of the Seas to Remain in Miami Overnight for Maintenance, Port Cancelled

Royal Caribbean has pushed back the departure of Icon of the Seas by 24 hours due to required maintenance, affecting a 7-night sailing scheduled to leave September 26. The ship will now depart Miami at 4 p.m. on Sunday, September 27, 2026, which means passengers must still board on Saturday as planned but will spend an extra night in port. The delayed departure forces cancellation of the ship's September 28 stop in Costa Maya, though all other ports remain on the itinerary.

Guests boarding on Saturday can explore Miami between 8 p.m. Saturday and 2:30 p.m. Sunday, when the all-aboard deadline takes effect. Most onboard amenities including dining, bars, lounges, entertainment, and the spa will operate normally during the overnight stay. The casino and shops must remain closed until departure. Royal Caribbean is offering refundable onboard credit as compensation for the schedule change and missed port.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection requires all passengers to clear immigration and board on the original Saturday date regardless of the delayed departure. The cruise line has not disclosed details about the specific maintenance work needed. Icon of the Seas, which carries 5,610 guests, is the newest ship in Royal Caribbean's fleet and one of the world's largest cruise ships.

For passengers with flexibility, the extra night in Miami offers an unplanned opportunity to explore the city or nearby beaches. Those with tight connections or port plans should contact Royal Caribbean about rebooking options.

Originally reported by Cruise Hive, Melissa Mayntz (September 23, 2026).