alaskan cruise ship evacuated

• 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
• Food and Drink
• Visual Stories
• Alaska Journal of Commerce (Opens in new window)
• The Arctic Sounder
• The Bristol Bay Times
• 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
• Lynyrd Skynyrd Ticket 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)
• 2023 Best of Alaska (Opens in new window)
• Alaska Health Care (Opens in new window)
• Merry Merchant Munch (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
• Real Estate/Open Houses (Opens in new window)

Passengers and crew evacuated from small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay after fire breaks out

The cruise ship Sapphire Princess and the vessel Wilderness Discoverer in Glacier Bay National Park on Monday after a fire was reported on the smaller vessel. (U.S Coast Guard photo via Facebook)

Nearly 70 people were evacuated from a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park after a fire Monday morning, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

There were no reports of injuries.

Crew members on the 178-foot vessel Wilderness Discoverer reported a fire at 7:30 a.m., the Coast Guard said in a statement. The boat is owned by UnCruise Adventures, a small-ship cruise company based in Juneau with itineraries in Southeast Alaska.

The 51 passengers and 16 crew members aboard the Wilderness Discoverer were “safely disembarked aboard the cruise ship Sapphire Princess,” a much larger cruise ship that was in the area, the Coast Guard said. Tender boats were used to ferry passengers from the smaller ship to the Sapphire Princess, a far larger ship that can carry 3,670 passengers and crew.

The two boats were in the west arm of Glacier Bay, transiting the main channel, UnCruise owner Dan Blanchard said by phone Monday. The busy area sees frequent boat traffic.

The fire was likely caused by a generator and was extinguished by an onboard fire suppression system, Blanchard said. Evacuated passengers will get off the larger cruise ship and go back to Juneau on Monday night, he said. A skeleton crew of Wilderness Discoverer staff remained onboard to be with the boat

The damaged vessel will be towed to Ketchikan, the Coast Guard said.

Blanchard said his crew handled the fire smoothly.

“I’m super happy about the response of the crew; you respond the way you are trained,” he said. “They just did the right things.”

A separate and unrelated helicopter medevac of a passenger on the Sapphire Princess cruise ship was underway by the Coast Guard Monday afternoon, according to Petty Officer Third Class Ian Gray.

Michelle Theriault Boots

Michelle Theriault Boots is a longtime reporter for the Anchorage Daily News. She focuses on in-depth stories about the intersection of public policy and Alaskans' lives. Before joining the ADN in 2012, she worked at daily newspapers up and down the West Coast and earned a master's degree from the University of Oregon.

Dozens forced to evacuate from small cruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

JUNEAU, Alaska — A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska ’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday.

No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

The Associated Press

• Alaska Insight
• Watch KAKM Live
• Indie Alaska
• Ways to Watch
• There is Hope
• AK Passport
• In My Family
• KSKA Schedule
• Hometown, Alaska
• Listen to KSKA Live
• All Radio Programs
• Outdoor Explorer
• Addressing Alaskans
• State of Art
• Alaska Economic Report
• Hear me now
• Military Voices
• One Small Step
• Alaska Morning News
• Talk of Alaska
• Alaska News Nightly
• Traveling Music
• Black History in the Last Frontier
• Latest News
• Environment
• Mental Health
• Rural Health
• Alaska Legislature
• Washington, D.C.
• Public Safety
• ANCSA, 50th Anniversary
• Midnight Oil
• Daily Digest
• AKPM Community Education Engagement
• Race Matters
• Ready to Learn
• Library Explorers
• Molly of Denali
• Learning Media
• Parent Resources
• Watch PBS KIDS
• Workforce Development
• Ways to Give
• Benefits of Membership
• Together We Are Stronger
• AKPM Merchandise
• E-Newsletters
• Organization
• Public Documents
• Public Meetings
• Accessibility Commitment
• Donor Portal

Passengers evacuated after fire breaks out on cruise ship in Glacier Bay

Nearly 70 passengers and crew were evacuated from a small cruise ship on Monday morning after an engine room fire disabled UnCruise’s Wilderness Discoverer in Glacier Bay.

The fire was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m.

“By the time we got there, they had put the fire out,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Ian Gray said. “All of the passengers were taken off and were in good health.”

The Sapphire Princess, a larger Princess Cruises ship that was sailing nearby, responded to radio calls from the Wilderness Discoverer and used one of its lifeboats to bring over the 51 passengers and 16 crew members. A handful of crew members stayed behind on the ship, which is being towed to a shipyard in Ketchikan.

Local and federal authorities will examine the damage in the coming days. 

“Once it’s moored up at the pier, we’ll start the investigation process,” Gray said. “We’ll get Coast Guard personnel aboard and probably more than likely the Alaska State Troopers.” 

A different UnCruise ship picked up the Wilderness Discoverer’s passengers and brought them back to the company’s headquarters in Juneau on Monday afternoon. UnCruise representatives said all of the passengers would get full refunds.

Correction: 51 passengers and 16 crew members were taken off the Wilderness Discoverer.

Anna Canny, KTOO - Juneau

Related articles more from author, iditarod’s iconic burled arch collapses in nome, well-known new york forest ranger dies in denali ice climbing accident, alaska tribal health consortiums are legally immune in many cases, state supreme court says.

• Today's news
• Reviews and deals
• Climate change
• 2024 election
• Fall allergies
• Health news
• Mental health
• Sexual health
• Family health
• So mini ways
• Unapologetically
• Buying guides

Entertainment

• How to Watch
• My watchlist
• Stock market
• Biden economy
• Personal finance
• Stocks: most active
• Stocks: gainers
• Stocks: losers
• Trending tickers
• World indices
• US Treasury bonds
• Top mutual funds
• Highest open interest
• Highest implied volatility
• Currency converter
• Basic materials
• Communication services
• Consumer cyclical
• Consumer defensive
• Financial services
• Industrials
• Real estate
• Mutual funds
• Credit cards
• Balance transfer cards
• Cash back cards
• Rewards cards
• Travel cards
• Online checking
• High-yield savings
• Money market
• Home equity loan
• Personal loans
• Student loans
• Options pit
• Fantasy football
• Pro Pick 'Em
• College Pick 'Em
• Fantasy baseball
• Fantasy hockey
• Fantasy basketball
• Download the app
• Daily fantasy
• Scores and schedules
• GameChannel
• World Baseball Classic
• Premier League
• CONCACAF League
• Champions League
• Motorsports
• Horse racing
• Newsletters

New on Yahoo

• Privacy Dashboard

Fire on small cruise ship in Alaska forces evacuation of 67 people, Coast Guard says

A fire on a small cruise ship in Alaska forced 67 people aboard to evacuate Monday, according to the US Coast Guard.

A total of 51 passengers and 16 crew members on the 178-foot expedition vessel Wilderness Discoverer were evacuated to another passenger ship after the blaze, according to a news release from the Coast Guard.

UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said there were no injuries from the fire, which was contained to the engine room.

“Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” said Dan Blanchard, the company’s owner and CEO.

The US Coast Guard in Juneau received a call at 7:30 am from crew aboard the vessel about the fire. The boat was traveling in Glacier Bay National Park , the news release said.

“The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue,” Coast Guard Lt. Junior Grade Maximilian Carfagno said in the release.

The Coast Guard added that in addition to there being no injuries, there was no pollution in the water or impact to travel for other vessels.

The Sapphire Princess, a large Carnival cruise ship, helped the Coast Guard to evacuate passengers. Crew on that ship used a water shuttle to transfer people aboard.

A tug boat will tow the Wilderness Discover to Ketchikan with 11 crew members who remained on the damaged ship.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, according to UnCruise Adventures, which is refunding its passengers and providing hotels and flights to those impacted.

According to the company website, the ship was built in 1992 . It has 34 guest cabins.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com

Recommended Stories

2024 nfl draft grades: denver broncos earn one of our lowest grades mostly due to one pick.

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Broncos' 2024 draft.

Formula 1: Miami Grand Prix sends cease and desist letter to prevent Donald Trump fundraiser during race

Race organizers say they'll revoke a Trump fundraiser's suite license if he holds an event for the former president on Sunday at the race.

NFL Draft: Packers fan upset with team's 1st pick, and Lions fans hilariously rubbed it in

Not everyone was thrilled with their team's draft on Thursday night.

NFL Draft: Bears take Iowa punter, who immediately receives funny text from Caleb Williams

There haven't been many punters drafted in the fourth round or higher like Tory Taylor just was. Chicago's No. 1 overall pick welcomed him in unique fashion.

NFL to allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps in games beginning with 2024 season

The NFL will allow players to wear protective Guardian Caps during games beginning with the 2024 season. The caps were previously mandated for practices.

The expanded 12-team College Football Playoff is here — and it already has problems

There is cause for excitement around the new playoff format. There's also lots of complaints and criticism to go around.

Joel Embiid not happy that Knicks fans took over 76ers home playoff games: It 'pisses me off'

"I don't think that should happen. It's not OK."

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones compared his 2024 NFL Draft strategy to robbing a bank

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made an amusing analogy when asked why the team selected three offensive lineman in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Korey Cunningham, former NFL lineman, found dead in New Jersey home at age 28

Cunningham played 31 games in the NFL with the Cardinals, Patriots and Giants.

2024 NFL Draft grades: Kansas City Chiefs get even richer with one of the best hauls this year

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Chiefs' 2024 draft.

Michael Penix Jr. said Kirk Cousins called him after Falcons' surprising draft selection

Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. said quarterback Kirk Cousins called him after he was picked No. 8 overall in one of the 2024 NFL Draft's more puzzling selections.

Panthers owner David Tepper stopped by Charlotte bar that criticized his draft strategy

“Please Let The Coach & GM Pick This Year" read a sign out front.

2024 NFL Draft grades: Baltimore Ravens do what they do best — let good players fall into their laps

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Ravens' 2024 draft.

Falcons ownership endorsed the Michael Penix Jr. pick and put Kirk Cousins on the clock. Now what?

Cousins doesn’t have a track record inside the team. Unlike Alex Smith, Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers, there are no entrenched locker room soldiers behind him.

Legendary basketball star Candace Parker announces her retirement

Candace Parker announces her retirement from women's basketball after 16 seasons in the WNBA and a stellar college career at Tennessee.

2024 NFL Draft grades: Minnesota Vikings risked a lot to get J.J. McCarthy and Dallas Turner

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Vikings' 2024 draft.

Ford Ranger vs Chevy Colorado: 2024 Comparison

Expert advice comparing the 2024 Chevrolet Colorado and 2024 Ford Ranger's power, towing, mpg, safety, price and specs, including the Raptor and ZR2.

2024 NFL Draft grades: Green Bay Packers' stockpile of picks put to good use

Yahoo Sports' Charles McDonald breaks down the Packers' 2024 draft.

NBA playoffs: Shorthanded Bucks fall in 3-1 hole to Pacers after losing Bobby Portis to ejection

A shorthanded Bucks roster and red-hot 3-point shooting by the Pacers put Milwaukee on the brink of elimination.

New Bills WR Keon Coleman makes hilarious first impression with Macy's shopping advice and more

If nothing else, the Bills have a player who can recognize a good deal.

Fire forces evacuation of 51 passengers from cruise ship in Southeast Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska (KTUU) - Members of the U.S. Coast Guard responded to a fire onboard a small cruise ship in Glacier Bay National Park on Monday.

All members on board the ship Wilderness Discoverer were safely rescued, according to the Coast Guard.

In a press release , a fire was reported on the 176-foot expedition ship around 7:30 a.m. on Monday morning.

Crews of the cutters Pike and Anthony Petit were dispatched from Juneau to Glacier Bay, where all 51 passengers and 16 crew members were rescued from the vessel, which houses 34 cabins. Air Station Sitka also assisted with the deployment of their MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter, and resources from the National Parks Service were used as well.

No injuries were reported and the fire has been extinguished, Coast Guard crews report.

”Our primary concern is ensuring the safety of the passengers and the crew,” Sector Juneau command duty officer L.t. j.g. Maximilian Carfagno said. “The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue.”

Those onboard the Wilderness Discoverer were transferred to the Sapphire Princess cruise ship. Some crew of the Wilderness Discoverer have stayed aboard and will rendezvous with the tug boat Taku Wind for tow to Ketchikan.

The owner and CEO of Uncruise, which operates the vessel, expressed gratitude that no one was injured in the emergency.

“We are relieved to confirm that there have been no injuries resulting from the fire. Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” Dan Blanchard said in a press release .

Uncruise, which bills itself as an environmentally-conscious alternative to large cruise ships, also said that the efforts to extinguish the fire and relocate passengers did not result in significant impacts to the environment.

“In adherence to our commitment to environmental responsibility, we have conducted thorough assessments, and we are pleased to report that there are currently no discernible environmental impacts within the affected area. Local and federal authorities have been promptly notified, and we are working closely with them to ensure a coordinated response in the area,” Uncruise said in a press release.

The cause of the fire, which was confined to the engine room of the ship, has yet to be determined.

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

Copyright 2023 KTUU. All rights reserved.

No survivors found after plane crashes in Fairbanks area, officials say

Police: Tractor trailer hits pedestrian on Glenn Highway, forcing brief closure

Glenn Highway reopened after rollover crash with serious injuries near Eagle River

Climber dies after fall on Denali National Park peak, partner rescued

Teenager arrested in stabbing death at Wasilla movie theater

Latest news.

Morning FastCast April 29, 2024

Bronson, LaFrance address weekend violence during Alaska Black Caucus mayoral candidate forum

Candidates react to Anchorage's weekend of crime at mayoral forum

Large police presence in Spenard on Saturday night

Reported stabbing at in Downtown Anchorage leaves woman with life-threatening injuries

• Tour Operators
• Destinations
• Hotels & Resorts
• Agent Feedback
• Deals & Incentives
• On Location
• Industry Experts
• Sphere – HomeBased
• Digital Editions
• Subscribe today!

• Hotels and Resorts
• Types of Travel
• Subscribe Now

Dozens evacuated from UnCruise ship in Alaska after engine room fire

Post date: Jun 6 2023

Date: Jun 6 2023

By: Travelweek

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) – A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

Tags: Lead Story, UnCruise Adventures

• Fire Engineering Training

Sixty-Seven Evacuated After Fire Erupts on Alaskan Cruise Ship

All 51 passengers and most of the crew were sent off the ship after fire in the engine room of the Wilderness Discoverer.

According to a report from NBCNews , a fire that broke out in the engine room of the Wilderness Discoverer, a small cruise ship in  Alaska ’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, caused the evacuation of 51 passengers and 16 crew members Monday morning.

In a statement, the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) said there were no injuries reported, and the fire was extinguished.

The fire was reported to the USCG at around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said a total of 78 people, including passengers and crew members, were aboard at the time.

All 51 passengers and most of the crew were sent off the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the USCG said. Eleven crew members stayed on the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation, and said full refunds will be offered to affected passengers.

Shipboard Firefighting: Realities and Risks

SHIPBOARD FIREFIGHTING: THE BASICS

Shipboard Solutions for the Land-Based Firefighter

Related Posts

Latest Fire Engineering News

Please check your spam folder and any email filters, in the event that the email gets blocked.

Stay informed about daily FireEngineering news, podcasts, training videos, webcasts, commentary, and exclusive articles about FireEngineering by signing up.

Passengers and crew evacuated from Alaskan…

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)

Daily News e-Edition

Evening e-Edition

• E-Newspaper
• National News
• Puzzles & Games
• Transportation

News National News

Passengers and crew evacuated from alaskan cruise ship after fire in engine room.

Dozens of passengers and several crew members were evacuated from an Alaskan cruise ship after a fire in the engine room on Monday.

The relatively small Wilderness Discoverer, operated by UnCruise Adventures, was tooling around Glacier Bay National Park on Monday morning when crew members noticed the fire.

All 51 passengers and 17 of 27 crew members were evacuated to a much larger ship nearby , Cruise Industry News reported. Ten crew members stayed behind on the Wilderness Discoverer, but no injuries were reported.

“By the time we got there, they had put the fire out ,” Coast Guard Petty Officer Ian Gray told Alaska Public Media. “All of the passengers were taken off and were in good health.”

The evacuees were taken by lifeboat to the Sapphire Princess, a significantly larger ship with capacity for more than 2,600 passengers.

Meanwhile, the Wilderness Discoverer was towed 300 miles south to Ketchikan. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

“Every effort is being made to minimize any inconvenience caused by the incident,” UnCruise told Cruise Industry News in a statement. “The cruise line will be providing full refunds to all passengers affected by the incident and providing hotels and flights home for those affected.”

With News Wire Services

More in News

SUBSCRIBER ONLY

Crime and public safety | man, 77, crushed to death by own suv in spat over brooklyn parking spot.

National News | Suspect killed after wounding 3 cops in hours-long standoff outside New Orleans

Politics | Ex-Rep. George Santos revives drag queen persona Kitara, says it’s for charity

National News | Flaming carjacked vehicle hits Newark bar, several injured

• Coachella Valley Questions Answered
• Fentanyl Crisis
• Neighborhood Heroes
• Salton Sea Project
• Colorado River Crisis
• I-Team Investigations
• Local Forecast
• First Alert Weather Alert Day
• Live Weather Cams throughout Coachella Valley
• First Alert Weather Insider
• Earthquake Alert
• Photo Galleries
• Coachella Valley Firebirds
• Scholar Athlete of the Week
• Galleri Classic
• High School Football
• Las Posadas
• Fiestas Patrias
• La Poderosa
• Salton Sea: La Agonía de un Paraíso
• St. Jude Dream Home
• Gas Al Mejor Precio
• Quienes Somos
• 2024 Election Results
• Local Politics
• National Politics
• Livestream Special Coverage
• Livestream Newscasts
• Desert Chat
• Do The Right Thing
• Entertainment
• Eye on the Desert
• Healthy Living
• Healthy Pets
• Impact Grants
• Mother’s Day
• One Class at a Time
• Desert Experts
• CV Golf Card
• Submit Tips, Pics and Video
• Work at KESQ
• Explore Local Jobs
• Intern at KESQ
• Advertise with Us
• KESQ Jobs and Internships
• TV Listings
• CW 5 Palm Springs
• FOX 11 Palm Springs
• Closed Captioning Information
• Download the News Channel 3 News apps
• FCC Public File
• 2023 EEO Report
• 2022 EEO Report
• 2021 EEO Report
• 2020 EEO Report
• 2019 EEO Report
• Public File Help
• Newsletters/Alerts

Fire on small cruise ship in Alaska forces evacuation of 67 people, Coast Guard says

By Raja Razek, CNN

(CNN) — A fire on a small cruise ship in Alaska forced 67 people aboard to evacuate Monday, according to the US Coast Guard.

A total of 51 passengers and 16 crew members on the 178-foot expedition vessel Wilderness Discoverer were evacuated to another passenger ship after the blaze, according to a news release from the Coast Guard.

UnCruise Adventures, which operates the ship, said there were no injuries from the fire, which was contained to the engine room.

“Our highly trained crew promptly extinguished the fire using established emergency protocols, and CO2 was successfully deployed for everyone’s safety,” said Dan Blanchard, the company’s owner and CEO.

The US Coast Guard in Juneau received a call at 7:30 am from crew aboard the vessel about the fire. The boat was traveling in Glacier Bay National Park , the news release said.

“The quick launch of our assets and the teamwork among the Sapphire Princess helped in the timeliness of this rescue,” Coast Guard Lt. Junior Grade Maximilian Carfagno said in the release.

The Coast Guard added that in addition to there being no injuries, there was no pollution in the water or impact to travel for other vessels.

The Sapphire Princess, a large Carnival cruise ship, helped the Coast Guard to evacuate passengers. Crew on that ship used a water shuttle to transfer people aboard.

A tug boat will tow the Wilderness Discover to Ketchikan with 11 crew members who remained on the damaged ship.

The cause of the fire has not been determined, according to UnCruise Adventures, which is refunding its passengers and providing hotels and flights to those impacted.

According to the company website, the ship was built in 1992 . It has 34 guest cabins.

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2023 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

Jump to comments ↓

CNN Newsource

News Channel 3 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here .

• Updated Terms of Use
• New Privacy Policy
• Your Privacy Choices
• Closed Caption Policy
• Accessibility Statement

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2024 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset . Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions . Legal Statement . Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper .

Cruise ship fire near Alaska prompts dozens to evacuate

The fire in the engine room was extinguished, no injuries were reported near ak.

Fox News Flash top headlines for June 6

Fox News Flash top headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

A fire in the engine room of a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew on Monday. No injuries were reported, and the fire was extinguished, the U.S. Coast Guard said.

The fire on board the Wilderness Discoverer was reported to the Coast Guard around 7:30 a.m. UnCruise Adventures , which operates the ship, said 78 passengers and crew members were on board at the time.

MAN FALLS FROM CRUISE SHIP OFF FLORIDA COAST: 'LIFE OF THE PARTY'

A cruise ship is seen near Alaska on Jan. 1, 2012. A fire in a small cruise ship in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve has prompted the evacuation of dozens of passengers and crew members on Monday. (Wolfgang Kaehler/LightRocket via Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

All 51 passengers and most crew members were removed from the ship and placed on another cruise ship in the area, the Coast Guard said. Eleven crew members remained with the Wilderness Discoverer, which was expected to be towed to Ketchikan.

UnCruise Adventures said the cause of the fire was under investigation. The company said it would provide full refunds to affected passengers.

The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Alaskan cruise ship evacuated

Monday, May 14, 2007  

• 26 April 2024: Wikinews interviews noted juggler for International Jugglers Day
• 23 April 2024: Environmental protesters arrested at Massachusetts airport
• 22 April 2024: NASA says object that hit Florida home is from International Space Station
• 15 April 2024: Biden, Trump win primaries in five more states, setting the stage for a rematch
• 28 March 2024: Cargo ship collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland
• Pillars of Wikinews writing
• Writing an article

The Alaskan cruise ship " Empress of the North " was given the order to evacuate at 2 AM Alaska Time this morning after striking an underwater rock and taking on water. All 281 passengers and 29 crew are unharmed and the passengers have been evacuated, though the ship is listing roughly 8 degrees. The US Coast Guard has stated the ship is in no danger of sinking, but tell news reporters that the captain of the ship gave the order to evacuate to be safe. The ship's current location is 24 km (15 miles) southeast of Juneau , Alaska in an area of the Eastern peninsula known as the Icy Strait . Though it is unknown exactly what penetrated the ship's hull at this time, it is suspected by the captain and US Coast Guard that it was an underwater rock. This all occurred during the night hours on the second day of a seven day long cruise through the Alexander Archipelago and Inside Passage in southeastern Alaska.

Dan Miller, representative for "Majestic America" has said the ship "is stable and is under its own power and as soon as all the guests and crew are transferred off, she will make her way under her own power over to Juneau where we will assess the damage."

Several civilian pleasure-craft arrived at the scene and have taken some passengers off of the ship. The ships involved in this rescue operation were a commercial tugboat , a barge, 6 pleasurecraft, an Alaska Marine Highway ferry, and another cruise ship.

As of 1:00 PM Eastern Time, all of the passengers have been transferred to an Alaskan Ferry, heading back to Juneau. The 29 crew members have stated they will remain on board to help bring the ship back to port in Juneau for investigation and repairs.

The 109-meter long Empress of the North is owned by "Majestic America", a division of Ambassadors Cruise Group, which is in turn, a wholly owned subsidiary of Ambassadors International.

• Reuters. " Passengers on Alaskan ship evacuated " —  Brisbane Times , May 14, 2007
• The Associated Press. " Passengers OK after Alaskan cruise ship evacuated " —  CTV , May 14, 2007

• May 14, 2007
• Disasters and accidents
• United States
• North America
• Merchant shipping
• Pages with template loops
• Pages using DynamicPageList
• Articles not disputed

Navigation menu

What happens if you need to be medically evacuated from a cruise

The U.S. Coast Guard airlifted four passengers from three different cruise ships off the coast of California over the weekend using helicopters. The aircrews evacuated the Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises passengers over a 24-hour period that started Friday night because the travelers suffered from various ailments.

According to a Coast Guard news release , the passengers were all women. They included a 47-year-old who reportedly had a “progressive acute illness” aboard the Carnival Panorama ship; a 74-year-old who reportedly was having “stroke-like symptoms" on Majestic Princess; and another Majestic Princess passenger, 77, who reportedly experienced kidney failure. The fourth traveler, 84, was sailing on the Carnival Spirit and reportedly had symptoms related to a stroke.

Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli said he could not confirm any medical information and did not have any more to share. Princess did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment.

While major cruise lines' ships are equipped with medical facilities, there are limits to the health care they can offer on board.

Here’s what travelers need to know about coping with a health crisis while cruising:

Cruise ship overboard detection systems: Why doesn't every ship have them?

From the Big Apple to the Caribbean: MSC Cruises launches year-round service from NY

What happens if you get sick on a cruise ship?

Cruise ship medical facilities can treat a wide range of ailments, from earaches to heart attacks.

Dr. Joe Scott, senior director of fleet medical operations at cruise line operator Carnival Corp., told USA TODAY in February that its ships' facilities are generally set up like a typical emergency department. Scott oversees day-to-day operations for the company's North American brands, including Carnival, Princess and Holland America Line.

The facilities are staffed by doctors and nurses, and the company's bigger ships may also have medical administrators, paramedics and health care assistants. When a guest gets sick, Scott said, "There really isn't (anything) we can't treat, at least for the first few hours.”

Doctors on board can prescribe medications to be dispensed and taken while on the ship, and treat serious medical issues until passengers improve or as a stopgap measure until a passenger can be brought ashore, depending on the situation. For example, in the case of a heart attack, they can give patients thrombolytics – or "clot-busting drugs" – on board until they can get them to a cardiac catheterization lab, which the vessels do not have.

What is a medical evacuation on a cruise?

The way cruise ships get sick or injured passengers to shore depends largely on "the weather, the location and the assets available," Scott said.

If the ship is nearing a stop, they may wait until they get to a port. If not, they consider what is close by, or if the U.S. Coast Guard (or equivalent officials in other countries) are available to them, who can provide an evacuation by helicopter, or by boat if they are closer to shore.

Scott said they remove sick or injured passengers at ports most of the time, which is the "safest way to do it." Even if there aren’t medical facilities near a port, there may be an airstrip, which would allow the team to schedule a medevac aircraft to come meet the ship, according to Scott.

Do you have to pay for medical care on a cruise ship?

Many health insurance plans do not cover medical costs travelers incur at sea or in foreign countries, Scott said. Carnival Corp. requires passengers to pay for those services, and they can then submit the receipts to their insurance company.

He said he is "not aware" of any cruise line that accepts insurance in its medical facilities and highly recommended passengers purchase travel insurance, which he said is more likely to cover those bills.

Comprehensive travel insurance plans that cover the cost of travel as well as a variety of unforeseen circumstances can generally cost between 4% and 10% of the overall trip cost, according to Meghan Walch, Director of Product at InsureMyTrip.

Travel insurance for cruises: Where you should buy it

Antarctica via Fort Lauderdale: Holland America Line launches new pole-to-pole cruise

How much does it cost to be medically evacuated from a cruise ship?

Evacuations from a cruise ship are typically covered by the Coast Guard or similar entity, Walch said.

"Evacuation arranged and covered by the travel insurance typically comes into play once you are already hospitalized and need to be moved in order to get more appropriate care," she said in an email.

Scott said a medical evacuation can cost tens of thousands of dollars, though the amount varies depending on the circumstances and where travelers are at the time.

Walch said travelers should read the details of a policy to find out what is and isn't covered.

"If an incident does occur where medical attention or an evacuation is needed, the traveler would want to get in touch with the emergency assistance provider associated with their policy," she said. That way, "the necessary care can be arranged once at port. ... Failure to notify the assistance provider could affect what is covered."

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

• Entertainment
• Sports Sports Betting Podcasts Better Planet Vault Mightier Autos Newsletters Unconventional Vantage Experts Voices
• Subscribe for $1
• Sports Betting
• Better Planet
• Newsletters
• Unconventional

Cruise Ship Emergencies: Coast Guard Medevacs Second Passenger in a Day in Alaska

The Alaskan Coast Guard has evacuated two passengers from two separate cruise ships in less than 24 hours, after both suddenly required emergency medical attention.

The two passengers were rescued by Coast Guard personnel on Tuesday and Wednesday—the first by boat and the second by helicopter, the Coast Guard reported .

The first rescue involved a 61-year-old female who was suffering from cardiac problems, a press release explained. The woman was a passenger aboard the Island Princess cruise ship, which was sailing near Bligh Island in the Prince William Sound at the time of the emergency.

The press release explained that the Coast Guard received a call from the Island Princess at 1:49 p.m. Tuesday, after which responders decided she should be taken off the ship to receive medical attention.

A 45-foot Coast Guard Valdez boat sailed to the ship to bring the woman back to the mainland, where she was met by emergency personnel "for further transport to higher medical care," the press release explained. The woman was in a stable condition when transported, the Coast Guard said.

Senior Chief Petty Officer Erik Patterson, a command duty officer in Sector Anchorage, said the service was "thankful to be able to assist this woman with such immediacy." He explained that the "station's location to the cruise ship allowed us to be on scene and assist as quickly as possible, allowing us to play a major part in saving this woman's life when timing is everything."

The next day, the Coast Guard was again called on to evacuate an unwell woman from another cruise ship. The 62-year-old passenger was rescued from a the Nieuw Amsterdam vessel near the city of Skagway in southeastern Alaska, the service explained on Twitter .

An MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter was dispatched from a Coast Guard air station in the city of Sitka to medevac the ill woman. The Coast Guard did not provide any information about the passenger or why she needed to be evacuated from the Nieuw Amsterdam .

Helicopter rescues are regularly used to evacuate cruise ship passengers that fall ill, given the speed required to reach vessels that may be far out to sea. Last month, for example, a helicopter rescue was required to take a woman off the RMS Queen Mary cruise ship , which at the time as some 435 miles off the coast of Ireland.

This was the second time in eight months that the Irish Coast Guard has rescued a sick passenger from the RMS Queen Mary using a helicopter team.

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer

David Brennan is Newsweek's Diplomatic Correspondent covering world politics and conflicts from London with a focus on NATO, the European Union, and the Russia-Ukraine War. David joined Newsweek in 2018 and has since reported from key locations and summits across Europe and the South Caucasus. This includes extensive reporting from the Baltic, Nordic, and Central European regions, plus Georgia and Ukraine. Originally from London, David graduated from the University of Cambridge having specialized in the history of empires and revolutions. You can contact David at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @DavidBrennan100.

To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, Click here.

• Newsweek magazine delivered to your door
• Newsweek Voices: Diverse audio opinions
• Enjoy ad-free browsing on Newsweek.com
• Comment on articles
• Newsweek app updates on-the-go

Top stories

America's Retirement Dream is Dying

Satellite Photos Show Impact of Ukraine Attack on Russian Airbase

Donald Trump's Lawyer May Regret Promise to Jury: Ex-Prosecutor

Ron DeSantis VP Speculation Erupts After Donald Trump Meeting

Royal Caribbean Forced to Cancel Alaska Sailing With Guests Already Onboard

Here’s something that isn’t a surprise and still is, all rolled into one.

Royal Caribbean International had to cancel a cruise. Not a shock.

What is surprising is that passengers were already on board the Radiance of the Seas. That’s right, instead of going on an Alaskan cruise passengers had to disembark and go home.

The ship was supposed to depart Vancouver on Friday, April 26. There was a maintenance issue on the ship and a revised itinerary was set and it was supposed to depart on Sunday, April 28. But officials couldn’t get it fixed, and now the entire cruise has been canceled.

“Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further,” a letter delivered to guests’ staterooms said. “Your patience throughout this time [has] not gone unnoticed, and we are immensely grateful for your understanding.”

All passengers will not only receive a full refund but will receive a full future cruise credit to sail on Royal Caribbean. The cruise line also made its Wi-Fi free of charge to help passengers better navigate the disembarkation. Other complementary features include an open bar until the ship officially disembarked as well as reimbursement for airline change fees.

The maintenance problem was apparently a propulsion issue.

“While repairs for the technical issue that we encountered on our previous sailing are still underway, we discovered that we’re going to need some extra time to get the ship in tip-top shape for you,” Royal Caribbean wrote in its letter to passengers.

This is the second time the propulsion problem has plagued the Radiance of the Seas.

• Celebrity Cruises

What is the cost of a medical evacuation?

By Katie H , June 8, 2010 in Celebrity Cruises

Recommended Posts

We have decided that we have pushed our luck enough and it would be a good idea to have an emergency medical plan. Since we cruise 3 or 4 times a year, it is best for us to buy an annual plan rather than for each cruise. The coverages we can choose - maximum amount per person per trip - are: $25,000, $50,000, $100,000. This would include ambulance and/or evacuation and any medical expenses not covered by our health insurance.

Does anyone have an idea of the average price of a medical evaucation from the ship or from a port to home?

Link to comment

Share on other sites.

Depending on were you are, evac can be over 100,000. It may be cheaper to insure by each trip since the cost depends on lenght of trip, were you are going, etc. Check insuremytrip.com for comparisons. :)

Look also at Medjet Assist. They may be what you are looking for.

http://www.medjetassist.com/

We've been members with them for a number of years.

disneyfolks

Just make sure you have enough insurance. Had a medical evac on a Caribbean cruise, cost of helicopter, plus qualified medical people to travel on helicopter, then transfer/stay at hospital of their choosing, then medical transportation to home city (in this case Atlanta). Total bill exceeded $125,000. Thankfully they were covered for the evac process and emergency medical treatment in the hospitals.

BroncosFan2010

WOW, I hope everything turned out okay for you in this case. Glad the insurance covered everything.

DH and I also feel we have pressed our luck, and since we are cruising during Hurricane season this year, and doing a B2B, it is just too much money to spend to not have it insured this time. Our place covers up to $500,000 per person for medivac and emergency medical services. I hope we never have to use it.

I understand that some medevac plans only cover transport to the nearest suitable or accredited hospital, not to the hospital of your preference near home. Could someone with such a plan comment on this - do you/your companion get to select your destination in case of an emergency?

My mom had to be evac'd after breaking her hip on Millennium. In 2007, the 1/2 hour med jet flight to Ft Lauderdale was $9000. An acquaintance of mine fell and broke her elbow in three places and had to be evac'd from Chile to Houston, and the cost for that was $48,000.

The main reason we NEVER get insurance through the cruise line, is the amount of coverage ($25000) for emergency medical evacuation. We always choose a plan that has a minimum of $100,000 for evacuation.

We are looking at Global Travel Shield which was recommended on these boards. Coverage for $100,000 for one cruise is $59.90. Coverage for a year is $139.00. Since we cruise 3 or 4 times per year, the annual policy looks better for us. It covers you if you are more than 150 miles from home, so could come in handy even if we are visiting relatives and have a problem. I will check out med assist also.

Thanks for the replies.

Medical evacuation from Tortola (we were in port) was $20,000. That was ambulance, flight to San Juan, another flight to Miami, ambulance. That does not include the hospital in Tortola, hospital in Miami, new flights home from Miami and other incidental expenses - all covered by insurance from AccessAmerica. We were very pleased with the service from AccessAmerica.

We have decided that we have pushed our luck enough and it would be a good idea to have an emergency medical plan. Since we cruise 3 or 4 times a year, it is best for us to buy an annual plan rather than for each cruise. The coverages we can choose - maximum amount per person per trip - are: $25,000, $50,000, $100,000. This would include ambulance and/or evacuation and any medical expenses not covered by our health insurance.   Does anyone have an idea of the average price of a medical evaucation from the ship or from a port to home?   Thanks.

Not sure about the cost of medical evacuation but I do know that AAA offers medical evacuation services from anywhere in the world with their Plus Membership.

FloatSomeMore

Our life flight jet from Turks/Caicos to Ft. Lauderdale was $33,000. Included two person medical team, pilot and copilot.

Our health insurance offeres worlwide coverage. Med evacs are covered by licensed ambulance service . Were those who needed it was it by a licensed carrier or not?

The life flight was out of Miami's Children Hospital so I assume it was licensed. Our health insurance did pay for most of our medical expenses in this situation, Travelex paid for everything else, out-of-pocket, medical deductible, new air fare, prorated cost of cruise, etc.

Do you have a link to this benefit? I cannot find it on the AAA site.

Is the travel insurance offered by Celebrity any good or do you recommend outside insurance? Does their ins cover medical besides trip cancellation? Thanks

Cruise lines makes a profit off of selling insurance, so most of the time you can find better policies for less by cutting out the middle man. Go to insuremytrip.com and compare policies. The only time the cruise line insurance may be a good option is if you are elderly - it is much more expensive purchasing insurance on your own the older you get. Be sure to look at the medical evac. portion of travel insurance closely - there is a wide range of coverage as well as type of coverage (i.e. some will only get you to nearest hospital, whereas better policies will also pay to fly you to a hospital near your home once you are stable to do so). I recommend having at least $100,000 in emergency medical evac. as well as good coverage for medical if your regular health insurance does not cover you out of the country.

Sort of depends where you are cruising and where you want to be evacuated to. Being evacuated to the nearest medical facility would be cheaper than being evacuated home.

We did an Antarctica cruise and took $1,000,000 evacuation which was not that much more expensive than a lower limit policy.

Holy cow! This thread is a real eye opener for me. We always book with an online TA who routinely includes travel insurance. I've taken for granted we would be covered in cases of emergency. Just checked the policy and it's for $25k of evacuation.... not good. :(

Whew.... I am going to look into AAA or AccessAmerica immediately.

Thanks to the OP for this tread... it's very informative.

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

• Welcome to Cruise Critic
• ANNOUNCEMENT: Set Sail Beyond the Ordinary with Oceania Cruises
• ANNOUNCEMENT: The Widest View in the Whole Wide World
• New Cruisers
• Cruise Lines “A – O”
• Cruise Lines “P – Z”
• River Cruising
• Cruise Critic News & Features
• Digital Photography & Cruise Technology
• Special Interest Cruising
• Cruise Discussion Topics
• UK Cruising
• Australia & New Zealand Cruisers
• Canadian Cruisers
• North American Homeports
• Ports of Call
• Cruise Conversations

Announcements

• New to Cruise Critic? Join our Community!

Write Your Own Amazing Review !

Click this gorgeous photo by member SUPERstar777 to share your review!

Features & News

LauraS · Started Friday at 03:21 PM

LauraS · Started Friday at 11:17 AM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 12:15 PM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 11:00 AM

LauraS · Started Thursday at 06:41 AM

• Existing user? Sign in OR Create an Account
• Find Your Roll Call
• Meet & Mingle
• Community Help Center
• All Activity
• Member Photo Albums
• Meet & Mingle Photos
• Favorite Cruise Memories
• Cruise Food Photos
• Cruise Ship Photos
• Ports of Call Photos
• Towel Animal Photos
• Amazing, Funny & Totally Awesome Cruise Photos
• Write a Review
• Live Cruise Reports
• Member Cruise Reviews
• Create New...

• Anniston/Gadsden

Popular cruise line cancels trip with guests already on board: What happens next?

• Updated: Apr. 29, 2024, 6:57 a.m. |
• Published: Apr. 29, 2024, 6:38 a.m.

FILE - In this June 20, 2016 file photo, the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Empress of the Seas heads out of PortMiami, in Miami Beach, Fla. Royal Caribbean International notified guests aboard Radiance of the Sea the ship will not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaska sailing. Instead, the voyage was canceled and guests must leave the ship and will be sent home. AP

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

Guests onboard a popular cruise line were told their trip was canceled and they were being sent home despite already being on board the vessel.

Royal Caribbean International notified guests aboard Radiance of the Sea the ship will not continue on an already-abbreviated Alaska sailing. Instead, the voyage was canceled and guests had to leave the ship and be sent home, CruiseHive.com reported.

The ship was set to depart Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday and guests were permitted on board. It was announced the ship would spend two days in port undergoing repair with a revised departure date of Sunday, April 28 before returning May 3 as planned.

Later, however, an announcement was made the trip was being canceled due to repairs for a technical issue impacting its propulsion, the website reported, and guests had to leave the ship Sunday by 4 p.m. local time.

“As you are aware, our teams have been vigorously working to have Radiance of the Seas prepared to set sail on our shortened April 26th sailing,” a letter given to passengers in their staterooms read, according to reports by unofficial cruise site RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com reported. “Despite our best efforts, circumstances beyond our control have delayed our sailing further. As a result, we’ll regrettably have to cancel our April 26th, 2024 cruise.”

READ MORE: U.S. travel alert: Cruise line cancels more visits to popular Caribbean destination

What happens to the guests?

Guests will receive a 100% refund on their fare and a 100% future cruise credit for a later sailing. The cruise line opened internet service free of charge to allow for easier travel planning and offered a free open bar until debarkation, reports indicated.

Cruisers who booked flights through Royal Caribbean had their flights automatically rescheduled. The cruise line is also reimbursing any travel change fees up to $250 for domestic travel and $400 for international travel and up to $250 for hotel costs, per statement, per night, for two nights.

READ MORE: U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot for cruise ship stops

The ship first developed propulsion difficulties last week during a repositioning cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, causing several stops to be scrapped to accommodate the slower speed.

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.

• 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​
• Cruise Planner
• Make a Payment
• Beverage Packages​
• Shore Excursions​
• Dining Packages​
• Royal Gifts
• Check-In for My Cruise
• Update Guest Information
• Book a Flight
• Transportation
• Book a Hotel
• Required Travel Documents
• 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.

No vacation in the world delivers once-in-a-lifetime adventure like Alaska. Mark this as your year to cross this bucket-busting destination off your list once and for all. Take off by dogsled across thousand-year-old ice as you soak in otherworldly sights. Trek across the majestic Mendenhall Glacier for breathtaking views of the wildest country. Get to know wildlife, big and small, that call this wilderness home, like otters, eagles, bears, and whales. And do it all from onboard one of four thrill-filled ships. This is Last Frontier pioneering with the cruise line voted Best Overall by Travel Weekly readers for 20 years running.

Save Big With These Alaska Cruise Deals

Want more time to plan the adventure of a lifetime? Our 2024 Alaska sailings are now open.

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

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 20 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

OVATION OF THE SEAS

Pioneer America’s Last Frontier onboard Ovation of the Seas®, one of the world's most groundbreaking ships and among the boldest ships to ever sail Alaska. Gaze at giant glaciers from the pool deck while you sail through Endicott Arm . Scan the surrounding waters on your way to Juneau for glimpses of wildlife from the North Star®, the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. 

BRILLIANCE OF THE SEAS

Brilliance of the Seas® gets you up close to the glacial giants of The Last Frontier — from the expansive Hubbard to the calving Dawes. You can add once-in-a-lifetime to the itinerary for your wildest week ever. Go wildlife spotting in Juneau, peak-seeking in Sitka , and take-on rugged adventure in Haines. 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

Visiting Scenic Restaurants in Alaska

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Best Alaska Cruises

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.

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: ∅.