| Cruise lines reroute Alaska cruises

CRUISE lines are cancelling sailings through Tracy Arm (pictured) in Alaska, after last year’s landslide in the fjord.

A number of cruise lines, including Alaskan newcomer MSC Cruises, have cancelled their sailings through the inlet, after the Aug landslide generated a tsunami with a run-up height of at least 30 metres.

The slide is creating ongoing safety risks, with geologists warning the steep slopes in the fjord remain unstable, making it hazardous for ship navigation.

“Due to current geological conditions, we have updated our Alaska 2026 itineraries to sail through Endicott Arm in place of Tracy Arm,” MSC told Cruise Weekly in a statement.

“Guests will still experience Alaska’s iconic scenery, including close-up views of the Dawes Glacier in Endicott Arm, a remarkable destination known for its dramatic landscapes and active glacier activity.”

This year will be MSC’s first in Alaska, with MSC Poesia set to cruise in the destination from May through Sep.

Other cruise lines not visiting Tracy Arm this year include Holland America Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, Virgin Voyages, and Princess Cruises, with most replacing the fjord with Endicott Arm.

Royal Caribbean has also rerouted, and has pulled its next year’s Alaska schedule, with the US Geological Survey saying the steep mountainsides in Tracy Arm are expected to continue changing for several years following the slide. MS