An advisory circulated to guests aboard the Celebrity Beyond ship informed them that the departure from PortMiami will be postponed by a full day. The delay stems from a technical (engine or propulsion system) issue currently limiting the ship’s cruising speed and modifying both itinerary and disembarkation plans.
CruiseMapper's satellite AIS tracking reveals that Celebrity Beyond is progressing at approximately 17 knots off Cuba, which is significantly below the normal 22-knot speed.
Some cruisers have suggested on social media that the ship is operating on a single engine, though this remains unverified by Celebrity Cruises.
Originally scheduled to embark at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20th, the voyage has been deferred until Monday, July 21st, when arrival at PortMiami Terminal C is expected.
Celebrity's representatives have assured passengers that while the issue reduces speed, it does not jeopardise the vessel’s safety or seaworthiness.
Guests, totaling over 3,200, will thus experience an additional sea day before reaching Miami. In recognition of this alteration, the cruise line is offering onboard credit equivalent to one day’s fare. Pre-paid onshore packages—such as internet, beverage, or dining plans—will likewise be refunded for the lost day.
To assist with travel adjustments, up to US $250 per stateroom will be provided for Sunday night accommodation in Miami.
The delay will shorten the originally scheduled 7-night Eastern Caribbean voyage, which featured calls in Nassau, St Thomas, and St Maarten, to a 6-night journey and may necessitate the cancellation or rescheduling of at least one port call.
Discussion in online cruise forums has noted that one of Beyond’s main generator engines—accounting for around a quarter of power—may be undergoing routine overhaul, a procedure often performed at sea and known to reduce cruising speed by approximately 10%, without compromising safety.
For more Celebrity Beyond incidents and accidents see the ship's CruiseMinus page.