Gowanda Mercury
Gowanda Mercury
min read · August 13, 2025 · Entertainment

Diana Ross Cancels Cruise Performance: Health Concerns Loom

Diana Ross, 81, has sparked concerns for her health as she is forced to pull out of her upcoming performance for Royal Caribbean's Star of the Sea's showcase cruise; seen in July in England

Diana Ross Pulls Out of Royal Caribbean's Star-Studded Cruise, Leaving Fans and Crew Baffled

In a shocking turn of events, music legend Diana Ross has been forced to cancel her upcoming performance on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Sea showcase cruise. The 81-year-old singer-songwriter was set to kick off the three-day extravaganza on August 20 as the ship's official "godmother," but it appears that unforeseen circumstances have gotten in the way.

According to a statement from Ross's representative, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear." The reason behind her sudden absence remains a mystery, leaving fans and crew members alike scratching their heads. Despite this setback, the iconic singer is still set to embark on her Beautiful Love tour in the United States on August 16, with stops in California, New Jersey, Missouri, New York, and Nebraska.

However, the star's representative said in a statement to People on Tuesday, 'Due to unforeseen circumstances, Diana Ross will be unable to appear'; seen in July in London

This cancellation comes as a disappointment to Royal Caribbean, which had been "thrilled" to have Ross ring in the debut of their new ship. Michael Bayley, president and CEO of the cruise line, had expressed his enthusiasm for having the legendary singer on board, saying, "We couldn't imagine a more fitting godmother for Star than Diana Ross, who is a true icon known for creating music that transcends generations while celebrating life and bringing people together..."

Ross's involvement with Royal Caribbean was first announced in June, when she was named the official godmother of the Icon Class ship. She had been set to take part in a special naming ceremony with guests and celebrate the launch of the Star of the Seas cruise from Port Canaveral in Orlando, Florida. However, it seems that her duties as a busy performer have taken priority over her royal duties.

The Beautiful Love tour, which kicks off on August 16 in Saratoga, California, promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans. Ross will perform hits like "I'm Coming Out," "Endless Love," and "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," among others. She will also share stories from her illustrious career as a member of The Supremes and as a solo artist.

'I am truly honored to join the Royal Caribbean family,' the Wiz actress expressed in a press release at the time, per PR Newswire

In recent months, Ross has been open about prioritizing her health and well-being. In an interview with People in June, she revealed that she had been focusing on getting enough sleep, eating healthy (mostly), and staying active through swimming to maintain flexibility. She also expressed gratitude for her family's love and support, stating, "My family is equally everything to me." Ross has five children, including Evan Ross, who is married to actress Ashlee Simpson, and eight grandchildren.

Ross's dedication to her craft and her passion for life have been evident throughout her illustrious career. As a former member of The Supremes, one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time, she has dropped numerous hits like "You Can't Hurry Love" and "Where Did Our Love Go." After leaving the group in 1970, Ross launched a successful solo career, releasing iconic songs like "Chain Reaction," which has become an anthem for fans worldwide.

The cancellation of Ross's performance on Royal Caribbean's Star of the Sea cruise may have left fans disappointed, but it is clear that her duties as a performer and family matriarch take precedence over any other commitment. As she embarks on her Beautiful Love tour, we can expect to see the legendary singer shine brighter than ever before.

Over the past weekend on Sunday, she shared the U.S. dates to her fans on Instagram and penned, 'It's good to be back home'

Sources:

  • People (June 2023)
  • Royal Caribbean Press Release (June 2023)
  • Diana Ross's Instagram account (@dianaross)

When asked what she has been 'up to these days,' the performer replied, 'Health and well-being'; seen in 2022 in L.A.

She is notably the mother of five children - including Evan Ross who is married to Ashlee Simpson - and the grandmother of eight

Diana gained recognition as a former member of The Supremes - one of the world's best-selling girl groups of all time; seen above (middle) with The Supremes in 1965 in London