Imagine starting your dream vacation with an unexpected twist! A recent event at the Royal Caribbean Terminal in Galveston, Texas, has left passengers in a bind. A power outage has thrown a wrench in the travel plans of eager vacationers, causing significant delays for those embarking on the Mariner of the Seas.
On January 19, 2026, guests were met with an unforeseen embarkation delay, despite the absence of the usual foggy weather that plagues the region during this season. The ship itself, Mariner of the Seas, was in perfect working order, but the terminal had other plans. The real culprit? A power outage that brought operations to a crawl.
This outage affected not only those disembarking the Voyager-class vessel but also the incoming passengers, who were eagerly awaiting their turn to board. Royal Caribbean has yet to issue an official statement, but word has spread among travelers. One incoming guest shared on Reddit, "The terminal has lost power, pushing back boarding times by 2 hours. Adjust your arrival accordingly!"
The cause of the outage remains a mystery, but its effects are clear. Guests described a terminal in darkness, with non-functioning equipment, including escalators. The process of getting through customs and security has become a lengthy affair, much to the frustration of all involved. But here's where it gets controversial—while the cruise terminal staff are undoubtedly working hard to fix the issue, the question remains: could this have been prevented?
The delay has a ripple effect, especially for those with post-cruise travel arrangements. The ship, having just returned from a 4-night sailing to Cozumel, Mexico, is scheduled for a 5-night voyage with stops in Costa Maya and Cozumel. With a full day at sea before reaching Costa Maya, there's room to make up for lost time, but at what cost? And this is the part most people miss—cruise ships often sail slower during sea days for guest comfort, which could further impact the schedule.
As the situation unfolds, guests are left wondering about potential itinerary changes. Will the ship be able to visit both ports as planned, or will one be sacrificed? The cruise line assures guests that they will be updated promptly. With a capacity of 3,114 guests, the Mariner of the Seas is a bustling hub, and the impact of this delay is far-reaching.
Interestingly, the power outage seems isolated to the Royal Caribbean terminal, as the nearby Carnival Legend remains unaffected. As the next Royal Caribbean ship due to dock in Galveston is the same Mariner of the Seas on January 24, there's a glimmer of hope that the issue will be resolved before then.
So, was this a freak occurrence or a sign of underlying issues? What do you think? Share your thoughts below, and let's discuss the challenges of maintaining smooth operations in the cruise industry!
