Passengers embarking on Quantum of the Seas' January 5, 2026, cruise out of Los Angeles were told to arrive later than planned.
The Quantum Class cruise ship won't return to its homeport in California as originally scheduled due to a medical emergency on the previous voyage.
"Due to a delay in our previous sailing, Quantum of the Seas will be arriving [at] the pier later than planned, and the terminal will be closed until 3:30 PM," read an email sent to impacted guests.
The earliest arrival time was pushed from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., while the latest arrivals must check in at 6:30 p.m. All guests are required to be on the ship by 7:00 p.m.
(Credit: Andrew Schile/Facebook)
"If you have not completed check-in, please arrive at 6:30 PM. Arriving [at] the terminal earlier than your adjusted time will result in you being turned away until your new time," the email continued.
In addition to later arrival times, passengers can't access the parking lot until 3:00 p.m, as they must wait until the current guests have left.
Although the letter didn't explain why the ship was delayed, one guest shared that they were in Cabo San Lucas when one passenger "got critically ill." They had already departed but needed to return, so the guest could receive proper medical attention ashore. Consequently, they did not depart Mexico until around 9:45 p.m.
"Captain is really trying hard to make up time. There just isn’t enough time to do it. Captain told us today that we should expect to [dock] at noon to 12:30. 1st luggage will not be off [the] ship until 1:30 at the earliest," they added.
(Screenshot showing Quantum of the Seas' location at 10:55 a.m. EST. Credit: Cruise Mapper)
According to Cruise Mapper, Quantum of the Seas was sailing off the coast of Encinitas, California, around 10:55 a.m. EST on Jan. 5. The vessel has yet to pass Catalina Island.
Passengers will have more time to enjoy Ensenada, Mexico
Royal Caribbean doesn't offer many 2-night cruises. Although incoming guests will have less time to enjoy the Quantum of the Seas cruise ship, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the itinerary's schedule to give passengers more time in port.
"Additionally, while we'll be departing from Los Angeles later than originally planned, this will not affect our arrival time in Ensenada," the cruise line said.
"As a bonus, our departure from Ensenada will now be at 6:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM, giving you even more time to enjoy everything this beautiful destination has to offer."
About Quantum of the Seas
Quantum of the Seas is the namesake Quantum Class ship that debuted in 2014. The ship has 14 guest decks, over 2,900 cabins, and measures 168,666 gross tons.
Known for its technological innovations, Quantum of the Seas is known for amenities like the Bionic Bar, Ripcord by iFly skydiving simulator, North Star observation capsule, and virtual balcony inside staterooms.
Quantum of the Seas will offer cruises from Los Angeles, California, to Ensenada, Mexico, and the Mexican Riviera through Sept. 2026. Then, she'll reposition to Australia for a seasonal stint exploring the South Pacific.
In April 2027, Quantum of the Seas will move to Seattle, where she will offer a series of Alaskan cruises, giving guests the chance to witness glaciers firsthand, try delicious seafood, and marvel at rugged landscapes.
Read more: Quantum of the Seas Food Review
