alaska cruise cancelled today

@lilmel.16//TikTok IanDewarPhotography/Adobe Stock (Licensed)

‘They are kicking you off the ship in Vancouver tomorrow’: Royal Caribbean suddenly cancels Alaskan cruise after guests boarded

‘yup.’.

Grace Fowler

Posted on May 2, 2024     Updated on May 2, 2024, 3:39 pm CDT

The Royal Caribbean International Alaska Cruise canceled its travels after guests had already boarded the ship, USA Today reports. Online, passengers didn’t take the news kindly.

A passenger on the cruise posted a video to TikTok giving insight to the trip’s cancellation. The user @lilmel.16 posted their video with the caption, “Yup, cruise got canceled.” 

In the 5-second video clip, @lilmel.16 records themselves on the balcony of what seems to be their room while staying on the Royal Caribbean. The audio used in the clip is from Beyoncé’s hit song, “Texas Hold’Em,” off of Cowboy Carter , using the line that sings, “This ain’t Texas.” 

In replace of the word “Texas” in the clip, @lilmel.16 added an on-screen caption to say “Alaska,’ joking that the ship will never make its way to Alaska. 

@lilmel.16 also put another on-screen caption to their video that says, “POV: your Alaska cruise gets canceled and they are kicking you off the ship in Vancouver tomorrow.”

@lilmel.16 gave more insight to viewers in the caption of their video saying that “Royal Caribbean is taking great care of us and refunding the trip and everything. It’s just sad.”

Why did Royal Caribbean cancel its Alaskan cruise?

The Radiance of the Seas canceled the voyage due to “propulsion issues, forcing it to shorten and eventually scrap the weeklong itinerary.”

“The sailing was originally set to depart from Vancouver on Friday,” they confirm. 

A passenger on board with her family, named Charlene Chong , told USA Today that “passengers were notified Saturday afternoon that the cruise was canceled.” She says passengers were warned several days before boarding that Saturday that there was a “technical issue with its propulsion system.” Royal Caribbean proceeded to board the ship as planned. 

Chong said that after traveling toward a nearby cargo port, “the captain announced Saturday afternoon that the sailing could not proceed and that guests would need to disembark by Sunday at 4 p.m.”

Royal Caribbean shared to guests in a letter that they “truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruptions to your vacation.”

@lilmel.16 Yup, cruise got canceled. Royal Caribbean is taking great care of us and refunding the trip and everything. Its just sad. #radianceoftheseas #royalcaribbean ♬ TEXAS HOLD 'EM – Beyoncé

USA Today states that the cruise line reimbursed guests their money back money “as onboard credit, with any remaining amount refunded, increased their future cruise credit to 100% of their fare and kept its open-bar policy for the remaining time on board.” Royal Caribbean also offered to “reimburse trip change fees up to $250 for guests traveling domestically and $400 for international travel and additional reimbursements for hotel and transportation costs, among other compensation.”

Thinking about taking an Alaskan cruise? They’re plentiful and popular… and TikTokers love posting the pros and cons in viral travel videos .

The Daily Dot reached out to @lilmel.16 via TikTok direct message request and Royal Caribbean Cruise Line via email. 

*First Published: May 2, 2024, 3:38 pm CDT

Grace Fowler is a summer reporting and media fellow with the Daily Dot. She’s a recent graduate of Texas State University, where she studied mass communications.

• Cruise News
• Cruise Tips
• All Cruise Lines
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Disney Cruise Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Royal Caribbean
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Videos
• Port Webcams

• Advertiser Disclosure

Royal Caribbean Cancels Alaska Cruise After Guests Already on Ship

The cruise line has promised to compensate guests for the cancelled cruise.

Royal Caribbean announced the cancellation of a cruise to Alaska on Radiance of the Seas today as the ship will require repairs that took longer than expected.

A letter was sent to guests who were already on the ship.  These guests were expecting to start the voyage to Ketchikan and Icy Strait Point today from Vancouver.

The first scheduled stop to Juneau had already been canceled to allow for extra time to make the needed repairs.

But apparently more time will be needed to make sure the vessel is in working order.

“ As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have the Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26, 2024 sailing, ” the cruise line said in a notice sent to passengers onboard.

“ Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our cruise ,” Royal Caribbean added.

This announcement was made after passengers had already been on the ship for two days, waiting for the vessel to be repaired while in port in Vancouver.

The ship was brought back from its previous cruise early due to propulsion issues.  It was expected that the technical issues would be repaired before the ship set sail on a 5-day cruise to Alaska, which was originally 7 days in duration before the need for repair cut the trip short.

“ We understand the disappointment due to this unfortunate turn of events. We truly extend our sincerest apologies for the continued unforeseen disruption to your vacation, ” Royal Caribbean stated in the letter.

Every passenger on Radiance of the Seas was required to disembark the ship today as the vessel remained in port.

Royal Caribbean Offering Compensation

Royal Caribbean has promised to compensate guests for the cruise cancellation.

Passengers will receive a refund in full, which will include taxes, fees, and pre-paid onboard packages.

Also, a Future Cruise Credit valued at 100% of the original cruise fare will be issued on May 10th, 2024.

For guests who had booked flights directly through Royal Caribbean, the company will automatically reschedule flights to accommodate the cancellation.

Travelers who booked their own flights will be reimbursed for change fees up to a specified limit – $250 for domestic flights and $400 for international flights.

Royal Caribbean also noted that hotel costs up to $250 per night for two nights would be covered by the cruise line.

This would help provide ample time for passengers to make arrangements to get back home.

While delays and itinerary adjustments can happen at the last minute, this also underscores the importance of cruise travel insurance .

Flights and hotel costs are being covered by the cruise line, but some situations may require other extra costs to be paid that are a direct result of this cruise cancellation.

Learn the cruise secrets most people don't know and cruise like a boss. Check out Intelligent Cruiser here for a better cruise vacation. (Sponsored)

Princess Cruises Offering Double Points for a Limited Time

Carnival cruise ship hosting the cruise line’s first brazilian carnival, 4 things cruise lines want you to ignore, cruise gym dispute: passenger told to “move out of the way” as influencer films, related articles, sneak peek at royal caribbean’s newest cruise ship, utopia of the seas, royal caribbean’s next new cruise ship debuts in less than 50 days, royal caribbean adds status matching across all 3 cruise lines, 3 royal caribbean cruise ships will visit grand turk this summer, recent popular posts.

Two brothers started Cruise Fever in 2011 when they decided they couldn't stop cruising so they might as well write about it. Do you have Cruise Fever too? Follow along on this incredible voyage!

© 2011-2024, Cruise Fever ®. All rights reserved

• Privacy Policy
• Cruise Newsletter

Passengers off cancelled Royal Caribbean ship in Seward, ‘no one stranded’

SEWARD, Alaska (KTUU) - The estimated 2,200 passengers on the Royal Caribbean ship, Radiance of the Seas, are off of the vessel, a representative with Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska said on Sunday in Seward.

There were constant coaches taking passengers from the ship Saturday and Sunday. The only people from the cruise who remain in Seward are choosing to stay, the representative said, adding that there are no longer crowds of cruise passengers frequenting the town. There were local tourism companies, such as Seward Ocean Excursions that were completely booked with the extra people in town Saturday, Seward mayor Sue McClure said. A lead reservation agent with Kenai Fjords Tours said that they were overwhelmed by extra visitors on Saturday, saying that they had more than double the people they usually get on a Saturday during this time of year.

The Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines ship named Radiance of the Seas announced to its passengers on Friday that the planned sail from Seward due to depart on Sept. 1 has been cancelled due to mechanical issues with the vessel.

The Radiance of the Seas was due to leave port on Friday for a 7-day cruise making calls in Juneau, Skagway, Ketchikan and Haines before reaching its final destination of Vancouver, British Columbia. Passengers were informed on Friday that the cruise would not be taking place.

A letter distributed to passengers cites issues with the vessel’s propulsion system as the reason for cancellation.

“As you may know, on your return to Seward, Alaska, Radiance of the Seas’ propulsion system experienced a technical issue which impacts the ship’s speed,” read a letter distributed to passengers. “Unfortunately, our teams were unable to complete the needed repairs to be able to depart today on our sailing. As a result, we’ll be cancelling this current sailing.”

Passengers will be refunded the complete cost of their cruise and any shore excursions booked through Royal Caribbean. Those who also booked their air travel through Royal Caribbean will have their flights rebooked, and those who did not will receive a up to a $600 credit to change pre-booked return flights.

Passengers are permitted to stay on the Radiance of the Seas until Sunday, Sept. 3 and will receive complementary services including internet, beer and wine, and a shuttle into Seward.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines has not yet responded to inquiries about the cancellation. It is unknown if the mechanical issues will affect future sailings.

Royal Caribbean letter to passengers by Alaska's News Source on Scribd

How to watch Alaska's News Source your way with our family of streaming apps

Copyright 2023 KTUU. All rights reserved.

Bodies of 2 found inside plane after Kenai Peninsula crash, troopers say

Alaska convicted serial killer Joshua Wade dead at 44

JBER airman found dead in Anchorage home

Sinkhole on Glenn Highway slows traffic near Palmer

Fourth officer-involved shooting in less than 40 days after woman shot and killed in Northeast Anchorage

Latest news.

Sport fishing to shut down in Ship Creek for 2 weeks

In Depth Alaska: A conversation with the new police chief

Morning FastCast June 26, 2024

Alaska Airlines credit card holders to see changes in loyalty plans

Anchorage Assembly passes HOME Initiative proposal in effort to expand housing options in city

Royal Caribbean canceled 2 Alaska cruises last minute, leaving passengers scrambling to book 'plan-b' vacations

• Royal Caribbean canceled two back-to-back Alaska cruises in one week due to propulsion issues. 
• The Radiance of the Seas repairs impacted hundreds of customers. 
• The cruise line issued customers a full refund and a future cruise credit. 

Royal Caribbean canceled two back-to-back cruises with less than a week's notice — leaving many travelers scrambling to make alternative travel arrangements.

The company's Radiance of the Seas ship was scheduled to depart from Seward, Alaska on September 1 and Vancouver, Canada on September 8 for seven-night cruises along the Alaskan coast . Both voyages were canceled due to a technical issue with the ship's propulsion system, a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said.

The ship is currently undergoing repairs and is expected to sail as planned on September 15, the spokesperson told Insider.

The September 1 cruise was canceled on the same day the ship was scheduled to depart, meaning many customers had already traveled to the ship's port of departure.

While the ship underwent repairs, affected travelers were permitted to use the vessel as a hotel for two nights , local NBC news affiliate KTUU reported. During their stay, the ship's crew provided complimentary alcohol and WiFi, as well as a free shuttle into the city, a letter from Royal Caribbean to impacted customers said.

Some passengers had already flown in from distant countries for the cruise

The last-minute cancellations impacted hundreds of passengers, including Jennifer Hessler McPhillips, a 50-year-old realtor from Ohio who had planned to celebrate her birthday on the September 8 cruise with her husband and friends.

The morning of Tuesday, September 5, the same day the cruise was canceled, McPhillips received an email from Royal Caribbean with boarding day information such as arrival and luggage drop-off time slots, according to emails viewed by Insider.

Related stories

The notification gave passengers a "glimmer of hope" that the ship would be fixed in time, McPhillips said. The cruise was canceled later that evening.

Royal Caribbean is issuing affected customers a full refund, plus a future cruise credit that can be used for a sailing departing within one year. For the September 8 cancellation, the cruise line will also reimburse non-refundable, pre-purchased travel fees (such as a flight, hotel, train ticket, or rental car) of up to $250 per guest for domestic travel, or up to $500 per guest for international travel.

Passengers will receive the refund within 14 business days, according to emails from Royal Caribbean viewed by Insider — a delay that McPhillips said made it difficult for people to book alternative travel arrangements.

While McPhillips said she is satisfied with the overall compensation package, she's concerned that the refund won't be enough money for a balcony room on a future cruise.

When she first booked the cruise, she paid $349 per person for a balcony room, she told Insider. Balcony rooms for the same cruise typically cost between $800 and $2,000, the Royal Caribbean website shows.

"I found a bargain, and I'm not going to get to utilize that," she said. "That upsets me a little bit."

Fortunately, McPhillips had not yet left for Alaska by the time the cruise was canceled. Other travelers were not so lucky.

In a Facebook group for Radiance of the Sea passengers, one user wrote that she had flown from Australia to San Francisco for the cruise and is now stuck figuring out a "plan-b" vacation with her family.

"Nine months of planning, anticipating, deciding excursions, watching Alaska videos for ideas on what to do, all for naught," another user posted in the group.

Are you a cruise ship crew member or passenger? Email this reporter at [email protected] to share your story.

Watch: The rise and fall of the cruise industry

• Main content

Royal Caribbean cancels second Alaska sailing after technical issue

For the second week in a row, Royal Caribbean canceled an Alaska sailing on its Radiance of the Seas cruise ship.

“On its return to Seward, Alaska from a 7-night voyage that departed on Aug. 25, Radiance of the Seas experienced a technical issue with its propulsion system,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told USA TODAY. “Due to this, Radiance’s Sept. 1 and Sept. 8 sailings have been cancelled. All guests and travel partners have been notified.”

The cruise line is offering full refunds and future cruise credit to impacted guests. The credits may be used toward sailings departing within a year. 

The reimbursement will include taxes and fees, pre-paid packages and gratuities, amenities, shore excursions and any flights purchased through the company, Royal Caribbean told Cruise Industry News .

“Repairs are currently underway, and Radiance is expected to sail as planned on Sept. 15 from Seward, Alaska,” Royal Caribbean said.

That Sept. 15th sailing is scheduled for seven nights, leaving Seward and continuing on to Hubbard Glacier, Juneau, Skagway, Haines, Icy Strait Point and Ketchikan, Alaska before traveling to British Columbia’s Inside Passage and wrapping up in Vancouver, Canada, according to its published itinerary .

Radiance of the Seas made its maiden voyage in 2001, but has since undergone multi-million dollar updates . The ship can carry 2,466 guests and 894 crew members, according to the cruise line.

Royal Caribbean cruise cancels voyage to Alaska after the guests already boarded

• Updated: May. 06, 2024, 11:25 a.m. |
• Published: May. 06, 2024, 11:05 a.m.

A Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska was scrapped after guests already boarded the ship. TNS

• Katherine Rodriguez | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

A Royal Caribbean cruise to Alaska was scrapped after guests had already boarded the ship.

The ship, “Radiance of the Seas,” had been experiencing some propulsion issues , causing the cruise liner to shorten and eventually cancel the weeklong itinerary through Alaska.

The cruise was initially planned to set sail from Vancouver, but the cruise liner announced it would remain in port for two days before setting sail. But then, the captain announced Saturday afternoon that guests would need to disembark the ship by Sunday at 4 p.m.

“Due to a technical issue, we have made the difficult decision to cancel the April 26 sailing,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in an emailed statement . “Guests will receive a full refund and 100% future cruise credit, and have been notified directly.”

Guests on board the cruise had mixed reactions.

“While I’m still very sad I didn’t get to see Alaska this year, I believe I’ll have another opportunity to go, and this cancellation provided an additional opportunity to get to know Vancouver, which is truly a very cool city,” one passenger wrote on the Royal Caribbean blog.

Another passenger, however, said she doesn’t think she’ll use Royal Caribbean the next time she goes to Alaska.

“I would like to go to Alaska,” passenger Charlene Chong told USA Today. “I’m not sure if I want to go with them.”

This isn’t the first time a Royal Caribbean cruise has had to change its itinerary recently.

The cruise liner stopped ships from docking at a private island port in Haiti due to ongoing violence in the region.

This decision by Royal Caribbean to change the itinerary on that cruise came after the U.S. issued a warning to tourists to avoid traveling to Haiti at this time due to an increase in gang-related violence.

Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com .

Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at [email protected] . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

• Cruise News

Royal Caribbean Ship Set for Alaska Cruise Following Cancellation

Doug Parker

• April 30, 2024

The recent update from Royal Caribbean International has brought a sigh of relief to many. Just hours after indicating an upcoming notification, the cruise line confirmed that the Radiance of the Seas will depart as scheduled on May 3, 2024.

This decision comes after the previous cruise was cancelled over repairs due to a propulsion issues.

The technical troubles began while the ship was repositioning from Los Angeles to Vancouver, leading to the cancellation of two ports on a previous 4-night journey. The aim was for the ship to reach Vancouver early enough to allow sufficient time for repairs.

However, complications persisted, forcing the cancellation of what would have been the first Alaska cruise of the season scheduled for April 26. Initially, passengers were allowed to board with a delayed departure, only to learn the next day that the voyage was canceled, giving them less than 24 hours to vacate the ship.

The Radiance of the Seas will now set sail from Vancouver on a 7-night, one-way journey to Seward, Alaska.

Throughout the Alaska season, Radiance of the Seas will alternate between northbound and southbound sailings transiting between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska .

After her last northbound journey departing from Vancouver on September 6 and her final southbound voyage from Seward on September 13, the vessel will embark on one more roundtrip voyage from Vancouver on September 20, before repositioning to Tampa for the upcoming season.

This round of cancellations follows a series of cancellations at the end of the 2023 Alaska cruise season which also involved technical issues involving a propulsion unit.

Recent Posts

Cruise line hit with lawsuit following alleged assault at sponsored hotel, carnival inks a 10-year docking agreement with port of seattle, viking cruise ships by size: smallest to largest, fire reported on world’s largest cruise ship in mexico, share this post, related posts.

Cruise from NYC with the Original Cast of TV’s ‘The Love Boat’

Viking Orders Two New Ocean Cruise Ships for 2028 and 2029

Bringing you 15 years of cruise industry experience. Cruise Radio prioritizes well-balanced cruise news coverage and accurate reporting, paired with ship reviews and tips.   

Quick links

Cruise Radio, LLC © Copyright 2009-2024 | Website Designed By   Insider Perks, Inc

Cruise lines have officially started to cancel Alaska sailings

The Alaska cruise cancellations have begun.

The two biggest cruise lines operating in Alaska, Princess Cruises and Holland America , on Wednesday canceled all of their 2021 Alaska sailings that begin or end in Vancouver, British Columbia.

A third, smaller line -- Seabourn -- canceled all its Alaska sailings for the year.

All three of the lines, which are owned by the same parent company, said they were acting in the wake of Canada's announcement earlier this month that it would ban cruise ships from its waters until 2022 due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

For more cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's new cruise newsletter.

The cancellations will affect tens of thousands of vacationers on dozens of sailings.

"We share in our guests' disappointment over these canceled voyages especially as we have been preparing our ships for our return to service," Princess Cruises president Jan Swartz said in a statement accompanying the announcement. "We understand how much of Alaska is dependent on the cruise economy. We are going to do all we can to help our business partners and the communities of Alaska."

Princess and Holland America on Wednesday also canceled all 2021 voyages along the Pacific Coast of the United States that begin or end in Vancouver.

Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises

Princess also canceled a 2021 sailing to Canada that was scheduled to begin and end in Southampton, England. Holland America also canceled three New England and Canada sailings.

For now, Princess and Holland America are not canceling 2021 sailings to Alaska that are roundtrip out of Seattle, even though the trips also include stops at Canadian ports that, by law, cannot be dropped from the itineraries.

Princess and Holland America operate foreign-flagged cruise ships that legally cannot cruise between U.S. ports without visiting at least one foreign port.

Related: Cruise lines begin removing Alaska departures from their schedules

Both of the lines suggested they were trying to negotiate a way to continue such sailings despite the law, which was enacted in 1886 and is known as the Passenger Vessel Services Act. The law was designed to give America's maritime industry a monopoly on travel between U.S. ports.

"Princess is engaged with various United States and Canadian government officials to try to preserve a portion of the Alaska and Canada [and] New England 2021 cruise seasons," Princess said in a statement announcing Wednesday's cancellations.

Princess also pledged to keep three resorts and hotels that it owns in Alaska -- the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge on the Kenai Peninsula; the McKinley Chalet Resort at Denali National Park; and the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel -- open for the year.

The cruise line traditionally packages stays at the properties with the cruises it operates to and from Vancouver. Without those cruises running, occupancy at the properties will, in theory, drop sharply this year. But Princess on Wednesday said it's developing land-tour packages for the coming summer season in Alaska that would include stays at the properties without an associated cruise.

Related: Canada cruise ban 'devastating' for Alaska

A spokesperson for Princess Cruises told TPG the line had canceled 51 sailings to Alaska in all.

A spokesperson for Holland America did not immediately respond to a question about the number of Alaska cruises it had canceled. But in a statement, the line said the cancellations included all voyages to Alaska on four ships: Koningsdam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Noordam and Zuiderdam.

The cancellations at Seabourn affected 19 sailings.

Princess, Holland America and Seabourn are all owned by Carnival Corp. -- the world's largest cruise company.

Also canceling more sailings on Wednesday was a fourth Carnival Corp.-owned brand, Carnival Cruise Line , as well as Windstar Cruises and Disney Cruise Line .

Carnival said it was extending its pause to operations from all U.S. ports through the end of May. Until Wednesday, it only had canceled sailings through the end of April.

Windstar extended its pause to operations by a month to early June. Four of Windstar's six ships now are scheduled to return to service between June 10 and June 19, with two more scheduled to restart operations in July.

Disney Cruise Line canceled all sailings until early June and sailings on one ship, Disney Magic, through Aug. 18. Disney Magic had been scheduled to spend the summer in Europe.

The lines are just the latest to cancel more cruises in recent days . Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises last week pushed out their return to service by a month, until at least the end of May.

All cruise lines around the world halted departures in March of last year as the coronavirus outbreak grew and many have yet to restart operations. Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Holland America and Celebrity Cruises and Holland America are among the major lines that haven't operated a single departure since March.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

• Favorites & Watchlist Find a Cruise Cruise Deals Cruise Ships Destinations Manage My Cruise​ FAQ Perfect Day at CocoCay Weekend Cruises Crown & Anchor Society Cruising Guides Gift Cards Contact Us Royal Caribbean Group
• Back to Main Menu
• Search Cruises " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-2-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruises" target="_self"> Search Cruises
• Cruise Deals
• Weekend Cruises
• Last Minute Cruises
• Family Cruises​
• 2024-2025 Cruises
• All Cruise Ships " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-4-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-ships" target="_self"> All Cruise Ships
• Cruise Dining
• Onboard Activities
• Cruise Rooms
• The Cruise Experience
• All Cruise Destinations " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-5-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/cruise-destinations" target="_self"> All Cruise Destinations
• Cruise Ports
• Shore Excursions
• Perfect Day at CocoCay
• Caribbean Cruises
• Bahamas Cruises​
• Alaska Cruises
• European Cruises​
• Mediterranean Cruises​
• Royal Destinations
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Book a Flight
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Required Travel Documents
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Redeem Cruise Credit
• All FAQs " id="rciHeaderSideNavSubmenu-7-1" class="headerSidenav__link" href="/faq" target="_self"> All FAQs
• Boarding Requirements
• Future Cruise Credit​
• Travel Documents​
• Check-in​ & Boarding Pass
• Transportation​
• Perfect Day at CocoCay​
• Post-Cruise Inquiries
• Royal Caribbean
• Celebrity Cruises

ADVENTURE ON THE WILD SIDE

Alaska cruises.

Adventure comes first on the last frontier.

Endless breathtaking tundra, four gamechanging ships, one epic summer adventure — this is the boldest Alaska season ever. Experience once-in-a-lifetime moments every single day.  Like whale watching in Juneau. Grizzly spotting in Haines. And totem touring in Sitka. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 21 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2025 Alaska sailings are now open.

{{error.text}} {{error.link.label}}

KIDS SAIL FREE

Get Royal Deals, Sign Up Today

Sign up to receive information about our special offers and deals. You can unsubscribe at any time. For more details about how we use your information, view our Privacy Policy .

OF ICE AND MOUNTAINS

Adventuring in Alaska is all about getting to know this state's stunning landscape. It might seem cold and unforgiving at first glance, but the best Alaska cruises allow you to explore the quiet lakes,  imposing glaciers  and breathtaking mountain views, you'll have only warm impressions of this wilderness. 

JOURNEY INWARD

Exploring the interior of Alaska will give you an entirely different perspective on this vast and rugged state. Take an Inside Passage cruise and gaze upward at the sky that is as blue as the lakes below. Hop on the Alaskan Railroad near Anchorage and see the spruce-lined, mountainous landscape whir by from a new perspective.

GLACIERS WILL MOVE YOU

In Alaska, ancient rivers of ice wind between mountains and grind out of valleys. Towering walls of ice like the Hubbard Glacier, Endicott Arm Dawes and the twin Sawyer Glaciers thunder as they calve  massive icebergs . Some shore excursions allow up close interaction with these natural wonders.

JOURNEY TO "THE GREAT ONE"

In the center of the state,  Denali National Park  is blanketed in wildflowers punctuated with mountains, raging rivers and serene lakes. Denali, "The Great One," formerly known as Mt. McKinley, rises to the tallest peak in North America and can be seen from as far away as Anchorage on a clear day. An up-close view is more than worth the expedition during your vacation.

FEEL THE RUSH

Alaska is tailor-made for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Whether you sail its icy bays trying to spot huge cold-water whales or fly high above this rough-and-tumble landscape from the vantage of a helicopter, you're sure to come away with memories you couldn't have made anywhere else during your cruise to Alaska. 

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT?

In some parts of the state, dog sledding is still the primary mode of transportation through the winter months. Visit Alaska and get the experience for yourself at the  Skagway Yukon Discovery and Dog Sled Tour . The Siberian Huskies are sweet and energetic, and the ride is a thrill.

WHERE ARE THE WHALES AT?

Head to Kenai Fjords National Park in Seward for a  whale watching tour . There's nothing like seeing these behemoths hurl themselves out of the water, to splash back into the sea. Don't pass up an opportunity to watch these giants feed and play in the water.

Planes are plentiful in Alaska, where they're a common form of transportation across the state. Charter a helicopter or fixed-wing flightseeing tour at Juneau and get an unforgettable perspective of the mountains and glaciers of this vast landscape.

RELEASE YOUR WILD SIDE ON THE BEST ALASKA CRUISE

Embark on an unforgettable Alaska adventure cruise and experience the ultimate vacation. Immerse yourself in the thrilling destinations that Alaska has to offer, each brimming with its own unique style and vibe. Discover the wonders of Alaska with the Best Cruise Line for 21 years running.

QUANTUM OF THE SEAS

Quantum of the Seas® heads to the Last Frontier from Seattle . This adventure packed ship offers glacier gazing from the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship and activities you can enjoy in any weather. Edge of your seat entertainment, all weather activities like the fan-favorite Flowrider®* and unparalleled views from every room.

EXPLORE MORE

ANTHEM OF THE SEAS

Making its Alaska debut, Anthem of the Seas ® is full of family-favorite thrills and chill. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Whether you’re challenging friends to bumper cars at the SeaPlex® or catching record-setting views from North Star®, make unforgettable memories on these 7-night cruises.

SERENADE OF THE SEAS

Bring your adventure crew to the Last Frontier for a 7-night sailing to can’t-miss glaciers and quaint seaside cities brimming with rugged charm. Go peak seaking in Sitka or and take-on rugged adventures in Haines . Once onboard, snag some adults-only time at the Solarium or treat your tastebuds to plated perfection at Izumi Japanese Cuisine. Getting to your coolest getaway yet is easy for the whole family with sails roundtrip from Vancouver .

RADIANCE OF THE SEAS

Sail into the Last Frontier from Seward or Vancouver onboard Radiance of the Seas®. With over three acres of windows and glass exterior viewing elevators, you can watch for whales along Alaska’s Inside Passage when you aren’t wandering wilderness paths from Ketchikan to Juneau. And for the ultimate outdoor adventure, take a CruiseTour into Alaska’s interior where you can hang with huskies in Denali, and scale glaciers in Alyeska.

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Alaska Cruises Insider

The sheer size of Alaska lends itself to a wide variety of terrain and travel experiences. This diversity means you need to be prepared for a lot of change while traveling.

The best time to travel to Alaska depends on your priorities. If you're interested in the Midnight Sun, the longest day of the year is June 21, when you can experience close to 20 or more hours of sunlight in some parts of the state. If you're more interested in the Alaska Northern Lights, the earlier sunset in later summer will allow more contrast and better views of this natural wonder.

No two days will be the same, and you'll need to pack your clothing to prepare for temperature changes throughout the day. Think layers: zip-up sweaters, boots, rain jackets.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

June 7, 2024

Plan your romantic Alaskan cruise with our adventurer’s guide to discovering the coziest vacation spots and most scenic restaurants for couples traveling in Alaska.

The Best Craft Breweries in Alaska

For all the beer lovers planning an Alaskan cruise vacation, we’ve curated the ultimate zythophile guide to visiting 5 of the best craft breweries in Alaska.

The Most Instagrammable Places in Alaska

Find the most Instagrammable places for your next vacation cruise to Alaska. Come discover the prettiest spots to take pictures with our travel photo guide.

Top Tips for Planning a Cruise to Alaska

Discover the top tips for planning a cruise to Alaska and uncover the best times of the year to spot Alaskas wildlife, locate must-see attractions, find Alaskan cruise deals and more.

The Best Alaska Cruises

June 6, 2024

Your Guide to the Best Cruises From Alaska. Learn more about the most stunning destinations you can visit on an Alaska cruise from Seattle or Vancouver.

The Best Time to Visit Banff | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 22, 2024

The best time to visit Banff is also the best time to cruise from Vancouver, so go ahead and pair your sailing with a side trip.

Alaska Souvenirs to Take Home With You So You Never Forget Your Trip | Royal Caribbean Cruises

May 20, 2024

After traveling somewhere new, you want to bring something back with you to remember all of your fun adventures. Don't miss these Alaska souvenirs.

Best Vacation Spots in Alaska in the Summer

Alaska in the summer is a must for adventure travelers looking for wilderness hiking, epic glaciers, dog sledding, and sea kayaking

The Top Things to Do Onboard Brilliance of the Seas | Royal Caribbean Cruises

March 8, 2024

Brilliance of the Seas makes it impossible to feel bored during a vacation! These top things to do onboard this beloved cruise ship make it a fan favorite for many.

Planning a Trip To Alaska: Land vs. Sea | Royal Caribbean Cruises

When planning a trip to Alaska, many travelers wonder if it's better to explore the state by land or by sea. Here's why travel by cruise ship is best here.

Best Brilliance of the Seas Family Cruises | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Enjoy an insider’s guide to discovering the best family cruises for your next vacation onboard Brilliance of the Seas. Start sailing today.

Our Family Alaska Cruise: A Vacation We'll Never Forget | Royal Caribbean Cruises

On our family Alaska cruise, we created lifetime memories by sharing glacier spotting, dog sledding, flightseeing and other adventures with our teens.

What to Pack for a Cruise to Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Take the guess work out of what to pack for a cruise to Alaska with this guide that tells you what to bring and why you'll be glad you did!

Alaska Food: Where to Find the Best Food in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

The best Alaska food to try on a cruise includes king crab, salmon, fry bread, birch syrup, wild berries and more.

Fun Activities for kids in Alaska | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fun activities for kids abound on an Alaska cruise. Embark on a thrilling journey with young explorers through breathtaking landscapes.

Dive Into Alaska Traditions on Your Next Cruise | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Whether you're curious about Alaska native culture or other Alaska traditions, here's how to make these an integral part of your trip up north.

What Is the Best Way to See Alaska? | Royal Caribbean Cruises

As you plan your Alaska vacation, you might be torn between traveling by cruise ship, plane or even car. Here's how to decide the best way to see Alaska.

Top 10 Most Beautiful Port Cities | Royal Caribbean Cruises

Cruising is a wonderful thing. It can bring you to some of the most beautiful port cities in the world.

Why You Should Take an Alaska Summer Vacation Cruise

Most people tend to focus on the Caribbean for summer cruises, but an Alaska summer vacation can be a great option, too.

Hiking on Alaska Glacier Tours

Ever wanted to go on an Alaska glacier tour to experience hiking in its open nature? Here is your travel guide for planning the best adventure vacation.

Honeymoon Cruise in Alaska

Planning a honeymoon cruise to Alaska? We’ve curated the ultimate guide to visiting some of the most romantic destinations to vacation for couples.

Must-Sees for Your Once in a Lifetime Alaska Cruise Vacation

Whether you're a history buff or a nature nut, there are numerous bucket list destinations to experience while traveling on your Alaska cruise vacation.

Conquer the World's Longest Zip Line in Alaska

Don’t wait any longer, riding the world's longest zip line in Alaska will be an experience you'll never forget while on your next Alaskan mountain adventure.

Dog Sledding Tours

There's nothing like an amazing adventure during an Alaskan vacation, and if you're looking for things to do then dog sledding is a bucket-list experience.

Alaska Helicopter Tours

There's nothing quite as exhilarating as a helicopter tour over Alaska's sprawling landscapes. Take your breath away as you travel above its amazing glaciers.

Alaska is not a formal place; people even wear jeans to the opera. Focus more on comfort when deciding what clothing to pack.

Cameras, binoculars, rain ponchos and jackets are useful, but add these to the souvenirs you'll be picking up and soon your bag will be too heavy to tote around. Bring along a quality day pack to make it easier to hold your necessities.

Learn a few words in Alaska's local lingo: The "Alcan" is the Alaska-Canada Highway, for example, and "fish stories" are the local version of tall tales — unreliable yarns of mythological proportions, often told by fisherman.

ALASKAN CUISINE WILD IS THE WAY 

Alaskan food focuses on locally sourced ingredients that reflect the state's rugged terrain and the vast oceans surrounding it. These nutrient-rich waters serve up some gorgeous fish and shellfish, from super-fresh salmon to huge Alaskan King Crabs that can feed a crowd, while game meats and berries from the wilderness form a perfect marriage of flavor.

SALMON IS CENTRAL

Fresh-caught wild salmon is served up at backyard BBQs and the finest restaurants. For something different, try the sweet and savory treat Indian Candy, salmon that is sweetened and smoked till hard.

SOURDOUGH WON'T LET YOU GO

Sourdough is such an important part of Alaskan culture that long-time Alaskans are actually called sourdoughs in local parlance. Try a sourdough bread bowl filled with salmon chowder for a hearty lunch.

GO WILD FOR BERRIES

Alaskan wild berries are sweet and pack a powerful punch of flavor. Whether served up in jams, candies, pies or cobblers, Alaskan blueberries, high-bush cranberries and other local wild berries are a staple when it comes to Alaskan summer eats.

RELATED PORTS

Whether you're interested in hiking through a forest, trekking to glaciers or a shopping spree downtown, the towns along Alaska's inside passage provide a variety of adventurous activities. Alaska cruise ports such as Juneau and Ketchikan are small cities with their own personalities. Anchorage is the state's largest city and a gateway to the rest of the state. Denali National Park takes you out of the city altogether, into a wilderness full of spruce forests and snow-capped mountain peaks.

Icy Strait Point, Alaska

Juneau, Alaska

Ketchikan, Alaska

Sitka, Alaska

Alaska Inside Passage, Alaska

Hubbard Glacier, Alaska

Inside Passage, Canada

Tracy Arm Fjord, Alaska

Endicott Arm & Dawes Glacier, Alaska

Skagway, Alaska

Glacier Bay (Cruising), Alaska

Haines, Alaska

Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska

Seward, Alaska

Related Destinations

Previewing: Promo Dashboard Campaigns

My Personas

Code: ∅.

I've Taken More Than 20 Alaska Cruises, but I've Never Been More Impressed by My Most Recent Trip — Here's Why

A s Alaska works to bring its Indigenous cultures to the fore, cruise passengers can expect more engaging experiences, on land and at sea.

I was having a fangirl moment at Saxman Native Village. Master artist Nathan Jackson had put down his chisel and was taking a break from carving a totem pole to chat with me and my husband. Jackson, a member of the Chilkoot-Tlingit tribe, has been carving for more than 60 years, and today his red cedar creations are exhibited in museums around the world. Yet there we were, just outside the city of Ketchikan, getting a private audience with the man himself.

Every year, millions of people go to Alaska for the chance to watch a startlingly blue glacier shed a house-size chunk of ice, or to witness pods of humpback whales breaching. But getting to know the state through descendants of its original inhabitants has, historically, been more difficult.

I’ve taken more than 20 cruises through southeastern Alaska, navigating often thronged ports to suss out interesting adventures, such as snorkeling in the chilly Pacific or learning to make salmon chowder. I was still surprised, given how popular Alaska cruises are these days, to have an intimate chat with somebody like Jackson on a cruise excursion — particularly one from our ship, the Holland America Line Westerdam, which can accommodate nearly 2,000 guests.

But momentum is building around Alaska Native tourism . One big step came this year, when information about the state’s 229 tribes and 20 distinctive cultures appeared in a special section of Alaska’s official tourism brochure for the first time.

Another marker of progress is the inclusion of a permanent seat for an Indigenous person on the board of the Alaska Travel Industry Association, a nonprofit. Both efforts were led by Camille Ferguson, an Indigenous tourism expert and economic development director for the Sitka Tribe of Alaska.

“I’m the one that stirred up the pot,” said Ferguson, who is Tlingit, when we met over lunch in the town of Sitka, a popular port for cruise ships. “The state did not have a connection to make sure they were doing it right, which is very essential when you are talking about cultural tourism.”

Alongside her community, Ferguson has worked to “enhance the narrative,” she explained. For example, Tribal Tours , an operator owned by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, makes a point of developing excursions in partnership with Indigenous elders, who help shape the commentary. “I look at the forest in a different way,” Ferguson said. “You might say, ‘There’s a spruce tree.’ I look at it as the means of creating the basketry that was woven for collecting berries.”

During my visit aboard the Westerdam, I explored Sealaska Heritage , a Native institution in Juneau, accompanied by a cultural interpreter, John Lawrence. Together with a small group, we toured a re-creation of a 19th-century clan house while Lawrence marveled at the fact that schoolchildren in the state capital today take classes in Native languages. That wasn’t an option back when Lawrence was growing up, so he only knows a few words of Tlingit and Haida, the tongues of his parents.

I also had the chance to see how Sealaska Heritage has recently expanded its reach, having raised a dozen totem poles along the Juneau waterfront with funding from the Mellon Foundation. The 12 cedar artifacts, many of which stand alongside the city’s cruise port, were hewn by Haida, Tlingit, and Tsimshian artisans.

Cruise visitors can even learn about Native culture without leaving the ship. These days, brands including American Cruise Lines , Cunard , Holland America Line, and Lindblad Expeditions have agreements with the Indigenous-owned company Alaska Native Voices for onboard cultural seminars and performances. For its part, Holland America plans to do more cultural storytelling in 2024, working in partnership with Sealaska Heritage, says Bill Prince, the company’s vice president of entertainment.

Alaska Native people I spoke with were encouraged by the shift. “This is totem-pole country,” said Tommy Joseph, a master artist who carves and repairs totems at Sitka National Historical Park. “It’s part of our culture, and there’s a whole lot to it. A totem pole is a visual tool for telling a story: our history.”

Seven-day Alaska sailings with Holland America Line from $649 per person. 

A version of this story first appeared in the December 2023/January 2024 issue of Travel + Leisure under the headline “The New Wave."

For more Travel & Leisure news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Read the original article on Travel & Leisure .

This is the announcement bar for Poornima to test the Close Button.  It will expire May 31 2024.

• Pre-Cruise FAQ
• Onboard FAQ
• Post-Cruise FAQ
• Cruisetours FAQ
• Special Offers Sign Up
• Cruise Deals

You have been logged out

Your window will update in 5 secs

Double the cruise credits, double the love

For a limited time only! Purchase Princess Plus® or Princess Premier® at least two days before you sail, between August 1 through December 1, 2024, and we’ll double your cruise credits and you’ll also move up through Princess Captain’s Circle® faster.

Are you already booked? Please log in to add Princess Plus or Premier Package to your booking.

Level up – faster.

Double the love. Double the credits.

After your first cruise.

After completing 3 cruises or 30 cruise days.

After completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days.

After completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.

Why Purchase Before Sailing?

Convenience – get on board and get to the fun. It’s already attached to your booking and available to be used. No need to wait in line.

Peace of Mind – enjoy your vacation without checking your folio or worrying about overspending on fees. 

Know your trip cost – By bundling Princess Plus/Premier with your fare, you will know what your full trip cost is and not have to worry about things you’ll cover later like drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities.  

More Value  - These packages are different than the stand-alone Plus and Premier Beverage Packages because they include MORE like Wi-Fi, gratuities, casual dining, fitness classes, premium desserts and photo packages.

Get the Princess Plus or Premier Package Today and Double Your Cruise Credits!

Frequently asked questions.

For a limited time, guests who add the Princess Plus package or Princess Premier package to their cruise booking will have that cruise count twice towards loyalty level tier achievement in the Captain’s Circle loyalty program.

Guests sailing on any Princess cruise that departs between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 who add the Princess Plus package OR the Princess Premier package to their booking.  The Princess Plus or Princess Premier package must be added to the booking at least 2 days prior to embarkation day.  All guests, (this includes all U.S. and all non-U.S. resident guests) who meet these criteria are eligible.

ANY guest who purchases Princess Plus or Princess Premier package at least two days prior to sailing and who sails during the sailing time period (August 1 – December 1, 2024) qualifies and will have their cruise and # of days cruised count double towards their Captain’s Circle level achievement.

There is no promo code to enter.  Any booking that sets sail between August 1 and December 1, 2024 which has also added either a Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to the booking at least 2 days prior to applicable embarkation date will automatically have their cruise credits doubled.  Cruise credits are how each Guest’s Captain’s Circle tier level is achieved.  Both cruises taken and cruise days count towards calculating a guest’s loyalty tier and both will be doubled for eligible guests.  A guest’s cruise credits will appear on their “My Princess” page, on the Captain’s Circle tab within a few days of completion of their cruise.

For reference, current Captain’s Circle Tiers are:

Example:  Guest is booked on a 7-night cruise that sails on August 1, 2024 and the guest adds Princess Plus to their booking.  That one cruise will count as 2 cruises and 14 cruise days towards their Captain’s Circle tier qualification.

Within 2-3 days after the completion of the cruise.

Cruise credits refer to the number of cruises that a guest has sailed with Princess and/or the number of days cruised with Princess and are used to determine the guest’s Captain’s Circle loyalty level. 

We value your loyalty and thank you for being a loyal Princess Guest.  While you are already at the highest level of Captain’s Circle, your cruise credits continue to be tallied (and celebrated such as being recognized as the most traveled guest at the Captain’s Circle party onboard).  All guests, including Elite-level guests, who meet the promotional criteria will have their cruise credits doubled. 

Yes!  (And smart choice!  Enjoy getting the most out of your cruise!)  Note that an email will be sent in mid-July to guests who already purchased Princess Plus or Princess Premier and who are sailing between August 1, 2024 and December 1, 2024 to advise that they are automatically included in this offer.

Captain’s Circle is Princess’ loyalty program which provides loyal guests with increasingly more benefits and perks the more they sail with Princess.  For more details about the program, please visit: Princess.com/CaptainCircle

Princess Plus and Princess Premier are packages which include beverages, Wi-Fi, crew appreciation and many other benefits.  Both packages provide significant savings.  Click here for details on each .

Terms & Conditions

Loyalty Accelerator Terms:  The Loyalty Accelerator “Offer”  is only available to legal residents of US/DC, Australia, & Canada and allows a guest booking an eligible cruise with the Princess Plus or Princess Premier package to receive double cruise credits for such booking. To be eligible , guest must book on, or upgrade to, Princess Plus or Princess Premier package no later than 2 days prior to embarkation on a Princess Cruise departing between 8/1/2024 and 12/1/2024. Upon completing the eligible cruise, the eligible guest will receive the credits. Doubled credits shall be automatically deposited into guest’s Captain Circle account after completion of eligible cruise sailing. All Captain’s Circle™ and Princess Plus and Princess Premier terms and conditions apply (including that Captain’s Circle tier calculation and doubling only applies to cruise portion of the trip). Offers and their parts (if any) are not substitutable. Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd. (“PCL”) is not responsible or liable for any errors, including technological or other errors. PCL may change or revoke Offer at any time.

• WEATHER ALERT Severe Thunderstorm Warning Full Story
• WEATHER ALERT Severe Thunderstorm Watch Full Story
• WEATHER ALERT Heat Advisory Full Story
• Live Stormtracker 6 and Sky 6 Watch Now
• philadelphia international airport

Storm, understaffing blamed for dozens of American Airline cancellations, delays at PHL

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Dozens of flights were canceled and delayed at Philadelphia International Airport on Sunday.

The vast majority of these were American Airlines flights.

Many people ended up camped out and sleeping on the floor at PHL.

Sunday night's bumpy weather played a role for sure, but it turned out that most of those issues involved American Airlines, and the result was hundreds and hundreds of frustrated travelers.

RELATED: American Airlines flight attendants end talks without agreement, prepare for possible strike

Regina Carini, from Connecticut, has been trying to get to Salt Lake City since Sunday. She says she's missing a wedding and having trouble getting refunds on her car and hotel rentals.

While it remains unclear why American Airlines operations were hit so hard, the customers we spoke with say it seems to have been a perfect storm of bad weather, understaffing, and lackluster communication.

Kayla Hayden was supposed to fly to Seattle on Sunday to catch an ocean cruise to Alaska with her family that sails off on Tuesday. Not only is she unsure if she'll make it, she has no idea where her luggage is.

"We have no clothes. I have none of my bags -- two are on a flight to Seattle. I don't know which ones are in Seattle and which ones are lost here."

RELATED: Heavy rain, strong winds bring down trees across Philadelphia region

Meanwhile, Keith Johnson and Kayla Renart just want to go home to Phoenix.

"So, I got a manager and I was like, 'Hey, I understand we can't get a flight out right now, but like what are we supposed to do?' He goes, 'That's a rhetorical question.' And I go, 'No, it's a pretty direct question, like, what are we supposed to do?' And he's like, 'Out of my hands. That's a rhetorical question.' And then hung up the phone," recalls Johnson.

Action News received an email update from American Airlines, which basically says their baggage departments are fully staffed Monday and they expect to have everything resolved over the next several hours.

Meanwhile, another reason for these issues is the sheer volume of travelers across the country on Sunday.

The TSA reported they broke the record for the most people screened in a single day, with 2.99 million people screened on Sunday alone.

Related Topics

• PHILADELPHIA
• PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
• AFRICAN AMERICANS

Philadelphia International Airport

American Airlines flight attendants prepare for possible strike

TSA stops man with antique gun at Philadelphia International Airport

Health Dept. warns of possible measles exposure at Phila.Int'l Airport

Nonstop round-trip flight to Brazil for Eagles game to go on sale

Top stories.

4 women held captive in shipping container; 2 suspects arrested

• 2 hours ago

AccuWeather: Tracking possible strong, severe evening storms

• 35 minutes ago

NJ mother charged with murder in deaths of her 2 young children

1 dead, 1 injured in shooting outside corner store

• 36 minutes ago

Jason Kelce meets young fans at Jersey Shore bartending fundraiser

Bam Margera gets 6 months probation after plea over family altercation

Man killed by lightning at NJ shore while trying to warn kids of storm

Retired Teacher in her 80s volunteers as ESL Instructor

• Log in/Log out (Opens in new window)
• All content
• Rural Alaska
• Crime & Courts
• Alaska Legislature
• ADN Politics Podcast
• National Opinions
• Letters to the Editor
• Nation/World
• Film and TV
• Outdoors/Adventure
• High School Sports
• UAA Athletics
• National Sports
• Food and Drink
• Visual Stories
• Alaska Journal of Commerce (Opens in new window)
• The Arctic Sounder
• The Bristol Bay Times
• Today's Paper (Opens in new window)
• Legal Notices (Opens in new window)
• Peak 2 Peak Events (Opens in new window)
• Educator of the Year (Opens in new window)
• Celebrating Nurses (Opens in new window)
• Top 40 Under 40 (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Spelling Bee (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Craft Brew Festival
• Best of Alaska
• Spring Career Fair (Opens in new window)
• Achievement in Business
• Youth Summit Awards
• Highland Games VIP Experience Giveaway
• Teacher of the Month
• 2024 Alaska Summer Camps Guide (Opens in new window)
• 2024 Graduation (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide 2024 (Opens in new window)
• Bear Paw Festival 2024 (Opens in new window)
• 2023 Best of Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Health Care (Opens in new window)
• On the Move AK (Opens in new window)
• Senior Living in Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Youth Summit Awards (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Visitors Guide
• ADN Store (Opens in new window)
• Classifieds (Opens in new window)
• Jobs (Opens in new window)
• Place an Ad (Opens in new window)
• Customer Service
• Sponsored Content

Sitka and Juneau residents propose hard caps on cruise ships as tourism grows

Passengers from the Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas cruise ship wait to board buses into Sitka's downtown at the Sitka Sound Cruise Terminal on Tuesday, June 7, 2022. (Michelle Theriault Boots / ADN)

On June 18 a group of Sitka residents submitted a proposed cruise ship-limiting ballot measure to city officials for legal review.

Two days later, in Juneau, a different group of Alaskans submitted the last batch of signatures needed to put a different limit on the local ballot this fall.

With as many as 1.6 million cruise ship tourists expected to visit Southeast Alaska this year, a growing number of the region’s residents are seeking to put hard limits on the industry.

That comes even as Juneau prepares for a softer, voluntary limit that would be the first of its kind in Alaska.

In Sitka, it’s the third time that local residents have tried to put a limit on the ballot. Two prior attempts were rejected by the city’s attorney.

After those failures, organizers created a nonprofit, raised money, hired an attorney of their own, and are trying again with a new draft.

Klaudia Leccese is president of Small Town SOUL, the new nonprofit. She believes Sitka residents are fed up with overcrowding.

“I’m generally not much of a rabble-rouser. I’m a retired social worker,” she said.

This year, as many as 9,300 cruise ship passengers will visit Sitka on its busiest days, more than the town’s population of about 8,400. On 75 days, the number of tourists will be greater than half the population.

Sitka has only 14 miles of paved roads, and Leccese said the traffic caused by tour boats and tour buses has gotten out of hand. Lincoln Street, at the heart of downtown, is sometimes closed because the crowds are too large.

Tour buses run from one end of the town’s road network to the other, shuttling between the cruise ship dock and Fortress of the Bear, where animals live in captivity.

She said she and her husband frequently take their small boat down the coast for a getaway, but even there, they’re awoken by the wakes of passing tour boats.

“You go, wow, I think these wildlife and fishing charters are just a few too many,” she said.

The newly drafted Sitka proposal would limit the number of cruise ship passengers to 300,000 per year, with no more than 4,500 per day. Sitka is expected to see about 600,000 cruise tourists this year.

Small ships — those with fewer than 250 passengers — wouldn’t be included in the limit. That would protect locally run companies, including Alaskan Dream Cruises , which is based in Sitka.

Large ships wouldn’t be allowed before May 1 or after Sept. 30, and the city Assembly could shrink that window.

“Some businesses are uncomfortable with cruise ships starting in April,” Leccese said, because high school and college students — who make up much of the seasonal workforce — aren’t yet available.

Sitka officials are reviewing the proposed measure for legality and will respond by July 2, the city clerk’s office said. If the measure passes legal muster, backers would need to gather 334 signatures to place it on the local October ballot. To call a special election, 556 signatures would be needed.

In Juneau, a proposed ballot measure would install “ship-free Saturdays,” forbidding large ships from landing on that day.

Karla Hart, one of the measure’s backers, said supporters had needed 290 more signatures on their petitions after a preliminary review, and on Thursday, she drove to city hall to drop off 427 more.

If the signatures are certified, the initiative will be on Juneau’s Oct. 1 municipal ballot .

“We should be good to go,” Hart said.

Originally published by the Alaska Beacon , an independent, nonpartisan news organization that covers Alaska state government.